Embracing India's Civilisational Heritage
India is more than a nation-state; it is a civilisation with millennia of history, enriched by the Vedas, the teachings of the Buddha, and the inclusive governance of historical figures like Ashoka and Akbar. This heritage is woven with diverse threads including Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, and Jain traditions.
Reclaiming Civilisational Pride for Inclusivity
- 1. Civilisational pride should not be weaponised to foster division; instead, it should highlight India's strength in diversity.
- 2. Historical examples like Akbar's sulh-i-kul and the teachings of Kabir and Nanak show India's tradition of unity beyond religious divides.
The Role of Governance
- 1. The ruling party has an opportunity to define civilisational pride as inclusive, fostering unity, progress, and strength.
- 2. Governance should focus on building institutions that respect pluralism and celebrate diverse contributions.
Building a Shared Civic Future
Creating a shared civic future involves establishing institutions and processes that respect cultural and religious differences, ensuring equal value for every citizen, and prioritizing education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Inclusivity as a Civilisational Imperative
- 1. Inclusivity should be seen as a civilisational strength, not appeasement.
- 2. True civilisational pride should drive efforts to tackle poverty, inequality, and injustice, and strengthen democracy.
Conclusion
India's true civilisational essence lies in its ability to accommodate differences without conflict. The nation's future should reflect this genius, ensuring a civic future that honors its inclusive heritage.
