Sikkim Governor favours idea of pluralist society


New Delhi, Nov 11 (PTI) Observing that the world is undergoing a "gloomy period" marked by various conflicts, Sikkim Governor B P Singh today favoured the idea of a new world order where people, religious bodies and the United Nations play a bigger role. Propagating the idea of a pluralist society which is multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-lingual in nature, Singh delivered the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Memorial Lecture here and pointed out the need to understand each other's needs, aspirations, faith and belief practices. He was speaking on the topic 'The Bahudha Approach: A Path Towards a Harmonious World'. The annual lecture is organised by the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR). "The Bahudha approach recognises the distinction between plural societies and pluralism. The Badhudha approach does not believe in annexation or transgression of boundaries or assimilation of identities and propagation of a simplistic world view," he said. Mentioning that Bahudha approach relies on diversity, he said, "It merely facilitates dialogue and thereby promotes understanding of a collective good... at the same time, recognising the fact that understanding of other identities may help formulate a public policy of harmony." Terming globalisation as the new international system which has integrated markets, nations and technologies, Singh said, "In a way, it has aided the expansion of a new global terror network. The porous border, meant to allow free trade, are being exploited by terrorists to carry out subversive activities." The privatisation of violence through terrorism poses a major challenge, and the invisible nature of terrorist threat is a factor that is contributing a sense of insecurity and fear particularly among the rich and middle class, he said.