Report on Talk Indian Society : The Multicultural Landscape

Multiculturalism, Secularism, Unity in diversity, Nationalism, Patriotism - these are words every Indian understands and listens to, right from their schooling. Why is that so and what exactly do these words, or rather ideologies, mean to our culture? A talk was held on 12^th September, 2013 at NIIT University in Senate Room to discuss the same under the Asia Lens Initiative. The guest list included isnvitees members from Japanese companies, NU’s Leadership Team, staff and student body.

On arrival, all guests were greeted by applying ‘Tilak’ on their forehead and tying a traditional “dhaga” on their wrist, a Rajasthani welcome custom. The talk was delivered by Dr. Anuradha Parasar. The talk was divided into three parts. The first part of the talk introduced NIIT University Asia Lens Initiative, the second part portrayed the Diversity in India and the third part focused on Unity in Diversity in India.  Various aspects of Indian Society were discussed and explored during the course of the talk - Geographical Unity and Diversity,  Religious Unity & Diversity, Cultural Unity and Diversity, Political Unity & Diversity, Linguistic Unity and Diversity, Unity of Emotions, Comprehensive View points, Freedom of expression belief, faith and worship, concept of sustainability & power of accommodation , assimilation, adaptation & tolerance being Indian. The talk also highlighted that since time immemorial Indian Society has under gone transition due to strong current and forces of law and how multiculturalism is not only preserved and protected but also flourished and promoted by Indian Freedom fighters and founders of Constitution of India. Indian mindset and the Indian socialization process were highlighted as few of the factors for continuing and retaining Unity in Diversity in India. It was highlighted that the Multiculturalism in India represents a kind of Unity in Diversity, in the form of universalism where the state recognizes that the dignity of the individuals is linked to the collective dignity of the community to which they belong & that people are included into the nation state as members of diverse but equal ethnic group. This unique feature of unity in diversity has enabled India to adapt itself to international changes with poise and comfort and hence is emerging as strategic partners for Global Majors.

There were Q & A session after each three respective parts of the talk. And the Q & A session was followed by musical piece :  Harmoniun Vadan by Nikita (B. Tech. Yr I), Tabla Vadan by Sreyash Tripathi (B. Tech. Yr I )  Keyboard performance by Alistier Noel Xver (B. Tech. Yr I) and Violin performance by Venugopal Shah (B. Tech. Yr I) respectively.

All in all, it was revitalised that India is a true example of the phrase ‘Unity in Diversity’ which was as well understood and appreciated by all the participants. During the event the participants from NU were in their traditional ethnic attires representing various Indian States which gave the opportunity to other participants to witness the scene of Miniature multicultural India. The evening ended with dinner for all the participants. During informal interaction NU students got the opportunity to interact with Japanese Guest.