By Varghese Alengaden
Indore, April 25, 2022: Recently the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has dropped from its course content chapters on ‘democracy and diversity.”
The board has also dropped many other important topics from its course such as several chapters related to Mughal Empire and Islam.
‘Unity in diversity’ is considered one of the strengths of India. Diversity is our national heritage and a unique gift we have received from God.
When the whole country is facing so much intolerance in the name of religions, castes, languages and cultures it is important to promote the value of diversity and its importance to keep democracy alive. Instead of promoting pluralistic spirituality we see a trend of promoting, rather imposing uniformity: One nation, one language and one religion.
Democracy is more than winning elections. It has to be a way of life. Only when the minority is protected and honored will democracy thrive. Democracy provides equal dignity and rights both to the majority and minority irrespective of winning or losing elections.
Unfortunately, the noble values enshrined in the preamble of our Constitution remain in paper.
Those who run educational institutions where thousands of young people study have a greater opportunity and responsibility to create awareness among the youth of the values of democracy and diversity. Those engaged in education need to practice the values of democracy, diversity and others and make them their way of life. Through their witness of life they can surely create awareness about the importance of these values to preserve the civilization of love and peace.
Here are a few action plans proposed to promote democracy and diversity:
Even if the topics of democracy and diversity are dropped from the formal text of CBSC schools, we can surely find ways to promote these and other values enshrined in the Constitution.
• Educational institutions and communities should not only display the Constitution’s Preamble in prominent places but conduct special sessions to explain these values with practical application to life.
• Celebrating festivals of different faiths and cultures people of diverse background should be included in the organisation.
• Provide opportunities for all to express their opinions different from the established routine and traditional ways.
• Avoid uniformity in dress and promote its diversity.
• All common prayers should be made interfaith with readings and songs from all sacred scriptures and languages. Make everyone feel at home in our institutions.
• Encourage to learn songs and expressions from other cultures and languages. Recruit staff from diverse background and create the spirit of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam (Universal family)
The government may bring out many more laws and policies to weaken the sacred values and practices as part of establishing its agenda. Responsible citizens should explore new possibilities and alternatives to keep up the legacy and heritage of this civilization.
(Father Varghese Alengaden is the founder director of Indore-based Universal Solidarity Movement, an NGO centered on developing enlightened leadership, responsible citizenship, and promoting harmony among religions and ethnic groups.)