Cultural diversity is a fact of modern life and it exists now in practically
all countries of the world. In addition to conventional elements such as
race, religion and language, cultural diversity is accentuated by new
factors including globalization, the breakdown of the traditional moral
consensus, the emphasis on individual choice regarding issues like the place
of religion in public life, family discipline, relations between parents and
children and other aspects of life today.
Cultural diversity is at the root of most conflicts, tensions and
uncertainties in the contemporary world. Some have attributed the present
"international insecurity" to the Clash of Civilizations whilst others
advocate dialogue of religions and cultures to prevent such
conflicts and bitterness. In 2001, the General Assembly of the United
Nations adopted the Global Agenda for Dialogue among Civilizations and the
Unesco endorsed the International Declaration on Cultural Diversity.
A common assumption inspires both covenants. A multicultural society needs
to find ways and means to accommodate diversity without loosing its
cohesiveness and unity. Two approaches are rejected. Assimilation which
requires minorities to abandon their own distinctive institutions, cultures
and values to merge into the prevailing culture is to be avoided. This way
is sociologically unlikely to succeed and is morally untenable in view of
people's deep adherence to normative values such as religion. Similarly,
unbounded multiculturalism which entails giving up the concept of shared
values and identity in order to privilege ethnic and religious differences
presuming that a nation can be replaced by a number of diverse minorities is
unacceptable. Such a course of action usually results in undemocratic
backlash, support for extremist parties, populist leaders and anti-minority
policies. It is morally unjustified as it does not accept the values and
institutions upheld by society at large. Regions that break away from
democratic societies hoping to achieve a larger measure of self-government
are not likely to enhance self-government and may rather weaken it.
Cultural pluralism values diversity and implements policies of inclusion
that cater to the requirements of all groups. The sensitivities of the
minorities as well as of the majority need attention. Fundamental rights and
fundamental freedoms of all are to be protected. The rights of the weaker
sections are particularly important in a society that respects cultural
pluralism.
Intercultural dialogue is necessary both at the national and at the global
levels so that contentious issues are resolved amicably. The more a nation
harmonizes differences at home the greater is its ability to contribute to
dialogue at the international level. Stronger the cooperation and goodwill
among nations lesser the need to spend huge resources on arms and military
strategies.
Education has a crucial role to play in providing ethical and spiritual
value systems that facilitate understanding of other cultures and
civilizations. The Unesco Constitution begins with the words "Since wars
begin in the minds of men it is in the minds of men that the defences of
peace must be constructed". Education ought to promote tolerance, respect
for diversity and friendship among peoples and nations. Educational
institutions must be provided with a learning environment which contributes
to tolerance, understanding and respect for diversity. They should be
protected from teachings that promote extremism, intolerance and violence.
India is home to diverse languages, religions, races and lifestyles. It is a
vast country where questions of unity and diversity interplay. Yet, India
emerges with an excellent record at managing diversity. This makes it
possible to survive as a nation and to move ahead as the largest democracy
in the world. The Constitution of India ensures that all citizens have equal
rights and should have an equal opportunity. In particular, the principle of
secularism enshrined in our Constitution is the best method to accommodate
religious diversity and could be emulated across the globe. In a
multicultural society, the State cannot be identified with any religious or
cultural group and it should either be neutral or even handed in its
approach to all such groups. Unity in diversity is the highest possible
civilizational attainment. It is made possible through respect for choice in
an atmosphere of mutual trust.
(The writer is a former Union Minister and presently holds a Cabinet
Minister rank in the Government of Goa. This article is based on his
inaugural address to the International Conference "Cultural Diversity:
Convergences and Divergences" at the Goa University recently)