Page 177 - SST Class 06

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Diversity, Interdependence

and Conflict

India is an amalgamation of 28 states and 9 which encourage free societies to be more open
union territories which is augmented by the and tolerant. Factors like casteism, regionalism,
islands like Andaman and Nicobar Islands and feudalism, communalism and fundamentalism
the Lakshadweep. India is one of the vast coun- are going way to an international outlook. The
tries with extraordinary characteristics and Indian social system has also been benefitted by
diversity in terms of its geographical, linguistic, contact with global values of rationalism and
religious, social-cultural features, etc. But, still scientific temperament. Diversity does not imply
you can find a thread of unity among Indians. superiority of inferiority, but stresses on the need
Undoubtedly, India is a museum of various for – and the very real possibility of – harmoni-
customs, cultures, creeds, social systems, races ous co-existence of various countries—unity in
and tongues, but still there is unity in all the diversity.
diversities. UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Social
India has retained its diversity from the ancient and Cultural Organization) has played a critical
times till date and will continue to do so. The role regarding cultural diversity concerns since its
endless varieties of physical and cultural features inception. The “UNESCO Universal Declaration
prove that India is the epitome of the world. on Cultural Diversity” was recently adopted by

DIVERSITY 190 member states. The international community
Diversity means different opinions, beliefs, has insisted that respect for cultural diversity and
practices and means of expression. It is natural, intercultural dialogue is the best guarantee of
lasting progress, international peace and devel-
normal and inherent in human life. In an age of
opment.
globalization where the world has been reduced
to a village, acceptance of diversity helps incul-
cate the spirit of tolerance, harmony and peace-
ful coexistence so necessary for human progress
and prosperity.
Tolerance and respect for diversity help us to
appreciate the process of social and cultural
transformation. Primitive societies changed, as
they went through pre-industrial, industrial and
modern phases of social development. Diversity
is a conceptual tool which social scientists use to
analyse the quality as well as process of social
change. In this on-going process of transforma-
tion, new institutional and social forces emerge
Unity in Diversity

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