76^th Session of the United Nations General Assembly

Agenda item 16: Culture of Peace

INDIA STATEMENT

By

Mr. Ashish Sharma, First Secretary

6 December 2021

Mr. President

Culture of Peace is the corner stone of the global order to build inclusive and tolerant societies. Under the auspices of the United Nations, the promotion of a culture of peace has expanded into a global discourse. 

India has always believed in pluralism. It is also embedded in the ancient Sanskrit religious text “The Rig Veda” and I quote "एकं सद्विप्रा बहुधा वदन्ति", which means “God is One but learned men describe Him in many ways".

As the great Indian philosopher, Swami Vivekananda had said, “We believe not only in universal toleration but we accept all religions as true”.

Continuing this rich heritage, India has promoted this culture, inter alia, through tolerance, understanding, respect for all religions and cultures – all this under the overarching umbrella of pluralistic ethos and democratic principles. This is enshrined on our Constitution,

Mr. President

India is not just the birthplace of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, but is also the land where the teachings of Islam, Judaism, Christianity and Zoroastrianism have taken strong roots and where the Sufi tradition of Islam has also flourished. Today, every one of the world’s major religions has a home in India, making it a nation of unparalleled diversity of continental proportions.

For millennia, India has regularly provided shelter to those persecuted in foreign lands, and allowed them to thrive in India. India is not just about a culture, but a civilization in itself. 

The enduring principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam which means “the entire world is one family” has guided our constant interaction and exchange of thoughts with the outside world.

Mr. President

We appreciate the efforts of Bangladesh in presenting a resolution today on the follow-up of the Declaration and Programme of Action (A/76/L.19), which India is happy to co-sponsor.

We firmly believe that the exercise of the right to freedom of opinion and expression and full respect for the freedom to seek, receive and impart information play an important role in promoting pluralism and combating religious intolerance.

Unfortunately, we are witnessing disconcerting trends in the world of today. There is surge in instances of intolerance, discrimination and acts of violence based on religion or belief.

Let me say that we strongly condemn acts of discrimination or violence motivated by antisemitism, Christianophobia and Islamophobia.

However, we are deeply concerned with the growing manifestations of intolerance, discrimination or violence against followers of other religions as well. These have contributed to the emergence of contemporary forms of religiophobia, especially anti-Hindu, anti-Buddhist and anti-Sikh phobias which need to be countered urgently by the UN and all Member States. These contemporary forms of religiophobia need to be factored in our discussions.

We urge for strengthened international efforts to foster a global dialogue on the promotion of a culture of peace, and reaffirming that inter-religious dialogue should be inclusive, broader and encompasses all religions and faiths. I call on the UN Alliance of Civilization to act likewise and speak for all, not just a select few. 

Mr. President

In today’s world, intolerance, hatred, violence and terrorism have almost become the norm. There can be no doubt that terrorism, which is a manifestation of intolerance and violence, is the antithesis of all religions and cultures. We are troubled by the increase in resources, financial and otherwise, that are being made available to violent and terrorist groups that misuse religion to justify and propagate their agendas.

India will continue to spread the message of humanity, pluralism and democracy. We reiterate our call to fight negative forces of intolerance, violence and discrimination together. Let us build a culture of peace together, rather than fail separately.

I thank you, Mr. President