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