Building a dream world
Building a dream world
The article Building a pluralist nation published in The
Jakarta Post on Aug. 16, was indeed a stimulating article, and I
wish to express my genuine appreciation to the writer, Endy M.
Bayuni and the Post staff, in trying to instill among the people
a feeling of true pluralism.
India too is a country, which not unlike Indonesia exhibits a
kaleidoscope of diverse creeds, sects, faiths, beliefs,
traditions, languages and cultures. In spite of this vast
diversity, Indian people have continued to adhere to the basic
ideas of humanism, respect and tolerance toward all religions,
making our nation a citadel of secularism, a land of religious
pluralism.
The concept of pluralism need not be confined to the
boundaries of countries like Indonesia, or India. In fact, the
need of the hour is to broaden our perspective, and let the very
idea of "pluralism" go and embrace other nations as well, and
thus envelope the entire globe under the blanket of peaceful
coexistence.
Pluralism is crucial not only for nations like Indonesia and
India, but for the prosperity of the entire world. Only when we
learn to respect differences, and cooperate to bridge them; only
when we are able to comprehend the full dimensions of the truth
which states that "All men and women are equal under the law of
heaven" (irrespective of gender, color, caste, religion,
language, or place of birth); only when we as a united force,
strive relentlessly toward the ultimate goal of establishing
world peace; only then shall the wave of infinite bliss spread
over us, only then shall the stars of justice, equality, and
righteousness, shine down upon us, only then shall the moon of
eternal peace, and fulfilled dreams smile upon us.
The article is more relevant keeping in mind the present world
scenario, and I earnestly hope that all of us, as responsible
citizens of the world, shall seek inspiration from it, and do all
we can, to make this world a much more beautiful place to live
in.
DIPTI R. KAMATH, Karawang, West Java