Cultural Diversity

‘Cultural Diversity is the common heritage of humanity and should be recognized and affirmed for the benefits for the present and future generation’ (Article 1 of the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity). Cultural diversity; its rich differences in visions, values, beliefs, practices and expressions; is our common heritage and a source of exchange, innovation and creativity; which is as essential for mankind as biodiversity is for nature. 

The process of globalisation has raised fears, both perceived and real, of the increasing homogenisation of cultures, the marginalisation of non-western identities and ways of being; and a cultural disintegration through the loss of linguistic, historical and spiritual traditions and the extinction of the fragile cultural resources of the world’s indigenous people. There is also a gendered dimension to the divide and access to resources-leading to a pronounced economic and cultural gender gap.

The globalisation of culture has its dynamics; which have both great effects upon and are greatly affected by the adolescents and young people. The fertility and openness of young minds act as great reciprocators and transmitters of cultural elements; but most of the time being unchecked and unfettered, these young minds get swayed away by the dominant popular culture and start identifying themselves with such cultural processes. This process of inculcation and imitation make the adolescents and young people bereft of the evolved traditional culture or its contemporary manifestations. 

Indian culture has shown its great resilience and has been enriched by successive waves of outside cultural influences. It has been undergoing a constant process of revival, renewal and rejuvenation.

Indian culture is a human culture, embodying human values. It has shown humanity, tolerance, accommodation as well as unity in diversity. The formal education system has not adequately accommodated the cultural plurality in its instruction. The young minds need to be properly groomed in the virtues and lifelong learning of cultural plurality in contrast to cultural homogenisation as well as in universal and national core values, instead of obscurantist and fissiparous tendencies and perceptions. ‘I do not want my house to be walled in on all sides and my windows to be stuffed. I want the culture of all the lands to be blown about my house as freely as possible. But I refuse to be blown off my feet by any’, said the Father of our Nation, Mahatma Gandhi.

Creativity or arts or intangible cultural heritage could be effectively used to promote cultural diversities and varied regional identities. One of the focal areas of SANKALP’s activities is to create greater understanding of the importance of the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural through educational and public awareness programmes. The Organisation recognises that cultural diversity is manifested not only through the varied ways in which the cultural heritage of humanity is expressed, enhanced and effused through the enormity of cultural expressions; but also through diverse modes of artistic creation, production, dissemination, distribution and participation.

SANKALP also underlines the respect for cultural diversity calls for mutual appreciation, mutual acceptance and mutual respect. The diversity of cultural expressions is indispensable tool for human development. Considering the cultural diversity as the defining characteristic of humanity, as necessary for humankind as bio-diversity is for nature; SANKALP has been organising awareness-building programmes to promote the diversity of cultural expressions. 

SANKALP’s work on promoting the diversity of cultural expressions and the vitality of universal values has received wide acclaim. One of the note-worthy accolades, conferred on Sankalp; is bestowing of the unique distinction of being one among 4 NGOs (others being Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Auroville of Aurobindo Ashram and Interfaith), whose work on culture and value was found “very good” and “of particular interest” by the Government of India (Ministry of Human Resource Development) Committee, headed by Mr. Justice J.S. Verma, Former Chief Justice of India and Former Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission, set up to Operationalise the Suggestions to Teach Fundamental Duties to the Citizens of the Country for the purpose of documentation of work done by individuals, institutions, including NGOs on culture and value education (Volume-1,page-71 of the report). The report of the committee was submitted on October 31st, 1999. The Justice Verma Committee included among others, Dr. Karan Singh and Dr. L.M. Singhvi.

Underlining the importance of cultural diversity, SANKALP has been making endeavours in promoting the diversity of cultural expressions through creativity, exchange, innovation, inter-cultural dialogue, socio-cultural inclusion and democratic participation.

The programmes recognise that cultural diversity creates a rich and varied world, which increases the range of choices and nurtures human capacities and values, and therefore is a mainspring for sustainable development for communities, peoples and nations. Cultural diversity; flourishing within a framework of democracy, tolerance, social justice and mutual respect between peoples and cultures, is indispensable for peace and security at the local, national and international levels. Cultural diversity also ensures full realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other universally recognized instruments.

The strategies and action plans have been developed in consonance with UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity of 2001; the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, Paris, 17thOctober 2003; and the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, Paris, 20th, October 2005.

SANKALP’s programmes encompass festivals, performances, workshops, orientations, trainings, dialogues, refresher courses, exchange programmes, meets, conventions, seminars, symposia, conferences, artistic creations, and art exhibitions on the diverse cultural heritage and arts of India-performing, visual and literary arts.