Lucknow. Challenges to Pluralism in Indian society, was the subject of Public Deliberation organised by Centre for Objective Research and Development(CORD) and ARTHA at the campus of Jamia uloom Din e Niswan, Lucknow.
Athar Husain, Director, CORD has said that India has been a nation with its distinct identity of "Unity in Diversity" in the entire world. India has thousands years of civilization past and a vibrant democracy which has made a truly pluralistic society over the years.
Recent incidents of spread of hatred to serve a political agenda has slightly blunted the edge of India's hegemony world over on the grounds of being a most pluralistic society.
CORD and ARTHA has taken this initiative to spread the message in the society about our strong traditions of pluralism in India, where language, religion, ethnicity, caste and gender has never been barrier in spread of pluralistic thought of India".
Today's Public Deliberation was initiated by cine director and activist Mr Mahesh Bhatt, who said "Pluralism flows in my blood, I need not flaunt it" Mr Bhatt voiced a note of caution at the present situation of increase intolerance in Indian society. Deliberation was addressed by Ms Sunita Aron, senior journalist, she emphasised that situation is not that bad as earlier that is prior to Babri Masjid demolition.
MS Rooprekha Verma ex VC Lucknow University in her address said that she is too apprehensive of the intention of present regime at the centre and until well intentioned people are not at the helm the challenge to pluralism will remain.
Mr Atul Anjaan, politician made his emphasis on the role of left political movements in safeguarding the plurality of Indian society.
Ms Vandana Mishra, senior journalist was emphasising on the need for carrying out a long term strategy for such challenges.
Mr Sudhir Mishra, senior journalist and Mr Lav Bhargava, politician both emphasised that there is much hope here as fringe elements who spread hatred are in minority. Prof Manzoor Ahmad, retd IPS and academician said that as former policeman he can apprehend the fear psychosis mindset settling amongst minorities.
Prof Ramesh Dixit, academician presided the Deliberation and said that there is much hope from Indian society and announced that soon a public interaction programme will be launched in Lucknow in this regard.
Athar Husain,Director,CORD conducted the Deliberation. Public Deliberation was prominently attended by M Rashid, Hilal Ahmad, Tariq Siddiqui, Maroof Khan, Pradeep Kapoor, Pradeep Sharma, RS Bajpai, PN Rai and Saif Uddin.
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