Minorities in India: conference papers, New Delhi, December 19, 1996

World today is being increasingly defined and shaped by forces of economic, social and political globalisation. The sea change that has taken place in the fields of communication, transportation and information technology has rendered our world ever so closely-knit as never before. The transformation has taken place not only at the global level but also, within a country, at national, state, district, and village levels, as well as social groups. In other words, space between nations as well as diverse social groups within it has shrunk and has placed countries, religions, and communities too close to each other, sometimes perilously so. In such a scenario, the apprehension of 'clash of civilisations', though un-founded, nevertheless becomes understandable.

Unprecedented globalisation and inter-dependence means that the concept of absolute sovereignty at personal, regional, national or inter national level is fast losing its shine. Diffusing tension and harnessing cooperation among people, at these different levels, thus, becomes a task of paramount importance. To live in such an inter-dependent world, what is needed is the democratic spirit, a spirit of interaction, understanding, accommodation, and cooperation. Democracy could well be the only form of governance suitable to societies with plurality of cultures and ideas, and transform diversity into a source of strength rather than friction.

Social diversity defines India; in fact, it constitutes the very social fabric of our society. Fifty years since Independence, today we stand at a very crucial juncture. We have just begun to realize our immense economic and social potential. We are charting new courses of social development towards a bright future. But this could be marred if the country's social development is impeded by friction among communities.