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NEW YORK, NEW YORK, July 16, 2004: The age-old tradition of tolerance in India has received an honourable appreciation in a report by the United Nations. Although ranked 127 out of 177 countries, this report (more at “source”) acknowledges that India’s so-called semi-literate or illiterate majority shows greater respect to followers of other religions than in many more prosperous nations. Democracy has very deep roots in India, but some institutions essential to its survival are widely perceived to have eroded. Over 90% of Indians are proud of their nationality. They have faith in their institutions, which is surprising, for Transparency International had placed India very high among the corrupt nations, stating that bribery rules some of its great institutions. Some in India ridicule religious festivals, but the report has praised the festivals as celebrations of the country’s diversity. India’s ranking has remained stationary largely because of a decline in GDP per capita, adult literacy and life expectancy. India’s record of religious tolerance is not unblemished – some communal riots have been shameful. But such events are not confined to India. Many countries now struggle to confront the fact that they have people who follow faiths other than those of the majority. Hate crimes occur, and increasingly, religious and racial minorities complain of discrimination. Entire racial or religious minorities have been forced to flee some countries, though the resultant monolithic society was crippled economically. In India there is absolutely no constitutional bar on any citizen from aspiring to any post. The report disagrees that cultural diversity leads to a clash of civilizations – diversity and minority rights are crucial to development. Attempts to impose homogeneity can lead to conflicts. India’s secular cultural integration, and positive discrimination in education and jobs, have improved the lot of backward classes. Despite this report, India must improve its standard of living. As a unified nation guaranteeing equal opportunities to all, it can develop faster than nations that practise discrimination.

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