Visiting Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal Kamal Thapa, today said South Asia is slowly but certainly emerging as an important region backed by its development and India's strong economic growth. <br/><br/>Presiding over the first Convocation of the South Asian University in New Delhi, Mr Thapa said the region has made great strides in all areas, especially Science and Technology. <br/><br/>He said it is the responsibility of the students graduating from the University to show the world that South Asia is not about poverty and backwardness.<br/><br/>In his address, Minister of State for External Affairs Gen V K Singh reaffirmed that Indian government will do everything needed for the proper functioning of the South Asian University which endeavours to build cultural understanding and regional consciousness between the SAARC nations. <br/><br/>He said the future of the region rests on the pillars of trade, investment, cooperation, assistance and people to people contact. Saying that the South Asian region is united by history and geography, the Minister emphasised that there is a lot in common, be it sports, cuisines, art and culture.<br/><br/>AIR correspondent reports the South Asian University has been established by the eight member nations SAARC – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.The University started its operations from 2010.