Kolkata, Jan. 12 -- Former diplomat and author Pavan K. Varma has issued a stark warning with regard to the state of tolerance in India, stressing that while the nation's foundations have long celebrated diversity, they remain delicate.
In a compelling lecture monikered 'Are we a Tolerant Society? Heritage, History Reconciliation' at the 17th APeejay Kolkata Literary Festival, Varma reminded audiences that the country's centuries-old ethos of acceptance is easily threatened.
Drawing on texts like the Rigveda and the Upanishad and citing the Bhakti movement, Varma illustrated how Indian civilisation has historically embraced questioning, dialogue and respect for different views.
Varma argued that Indian civilisation has been built on rema...