Making A More Tolerant India, Anyone?

India, the melting pot of cultures, religions, languages and traditions cannot afford to lose that foundation. This land of diversity thrives on its vast differences, but this diversity is being used as a weapon by vested interest groups, particularly in destroying tolerance. India continues to grapple with issues of intolerance based on caste, religion, food habits, and other cultural distinctions. The need to build greater tolerance is a pressing social issue, as these divisions have torn the fabric of social progress.

To build an inclusive India, it is crucial to engage in deep reflection and collective action. Here are five guidelines that can impact positively on repairing the fabric of unity and social harmony. What better time to think of this than at this Onam, the festival that totally symbolises unity and well-being of all?

Understand our diversity: It isn’t a recent phenomenon. From ancient times, the subcontinent has been home to a vast array of communities and cultural groups. The arrival of various dynasties, traders, and travellers, from the Aryans and Mughals to the British, shaped the complex tapestry of our society. Each wave of migration brought with it new customs, religious beliefs, and social structures, and over time, these differences intertwined, creating the India we know it.

However, colonialism, which introduced divisive policies like "divide and rule," worsened caste and religious divides. These historical divisions became the tool for political gains in the last decade and are very apparent in social media and WhatsApp groups, despite being friends for years irrespective of religion, caste, income or social status. This coexistence historically should serve as a reminder that tolerance is not only a goal but also part of India's cultural foundation.

Tackle caste-based discrimination: Caste remains one of the most persistent barriers to social equality and tolerance in India, though not much in South India. Despite legal reforms and the outlawing of untouchability through the Constitution, caste-based discrimination continues to affect millions of people, especially in rural areas. Building tolerance in this context requires both systemic change and individual actions. One powerful example comes from Kerala, where decades of reform movements, education, and awareness campaigns have transformed social attitudes toward caste. Remember Sree Narayana Guru who promoted the idea of social equality and the irrelevance of caste distinctions? His "One caste, one religion, one god for mankind," inspired generations to rise above caste-based divisions. Today, Kerala stands out as the most progressive state in terms of caste equality, showing that sustained social reform can lead to meaningful change.

Educational institutions must play a key role in this transformation. Schools/colleges must build environments where students from different castes interact and collaborate, reducing prejudices and stereotypes. Reservation policies ensure representation from marginalised castes, but these efforts must be complemented by active discussions on caste issues in classrooms. Encouraging students to share their personal experiences and engage in empathy-building activities like stayovers and meal-sharing.

Spiritual pluralism: Religion has always been a sensitive issue, with tensions between different religious communities sometimes erupting into violence. But India is also the birthplace of some of the world’s major religions – Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism – and has historically welcomed people from other faiths like Islam and Christianity. To build tolerance between religious groups, embrace the spiritual pluralism that defines the nation. After all, all religions have fundamentally the same value system, only the rituals vary.

Interfaith dialogue can play a crucial role in bridging the divide. Many organisations have been working tirelessly to promote understanding between different religious groups. Organise workshops, seminars, and festivals where people of various faiths can come together. Onam is celebrated by all Mallus across the world irrespective of religion. The simple act of sharing meals, attending each other's religious celebrations, and discussing common values brings empathy and reduces mistrust. Anecdotes of communal harmony often emerge during times of crisis, showing that when push comes to shove, people rise above religious differences. One such example is from the devastating floods in Kerala in 2018 and the 2024 Wayanad landslide. People from all religious backgrounds came together to help each other, with churches, mosques, and temples opening their doors to shelter those in need.

Diverse food habits: In a country where vegetarianism is considered sacred by some, while others have no restrictions on eating meat, food often becomes a flashpoint for intolerance. But food must become a source of connection and cultural exchange., especially when vegetarians have become a minority.

One way to build tolerance is to celebrate our culinary diversity. In our cities, we have numerous restaurants that cater to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians, reflecting a harmonious blend of food cultures. Educational campaigns can also play a role in reducing the stigma around certain foods. Schools can introduce students to the variety of Indian cuisine, teaching them the significance of each dish in its cultural context. The idea is to establish it is an individual choice and respect for the same. From the UAE to Malaysia and Singapore, people have been sharing tables with strangers who eat whatever they like.

Change the narrative: The media and social platforms must play a significant role in shaping public opinion and building tolerance. Unfortunately, they are used to spread divisive narratives and hate speech. To counter this, the media needs to focus on promoting stories of unity and tolerance. Campaigns like the #UnitedByHope initiative on social media have sought to bring together people from different religious and caste backgrounds to share stories of communal harmony. Influencers and celebrities should also pitch in to speak out against intolerance and promote inclusivity.

Mainstream media, too, must take a proactive role in portraying positive examples of tolerance. For every “Kashmir File”, there must be many “Mulks” to reduce discrimination in a way that encourages reflection and dialogue. By producing content that promotes empathy rather than division, the media can be a powerful force for change.

Ultimately, building a more tolerant society comes down to everyday actions by individuals. It involves challenging our own biases, learning to listen to other perspectives, and standing up for those who are marginalised or discriminated against.

Dr M Muneer

Guest Author The author is Co-founder and Chief Evangelist at the non-profit Medici Institute Foundation for Diversity and Innovation; and also the CEO of CustomerLab Solutions, a strategy execution and disruptive innovation consulting firm.