"Being different" by being yourself

Updated on: Monday, February 20, 2012

"I think the word 'Tolerance' is extremely patronising. Doesn't is make more sense to use the word 'Respect'?" asks Rajiv Malhotra when asked to comment on the title of his book 'Being Different'. "The western civilisation with its claims to exclusivity and unique historicity views India from a position of superiority. And that's why words like 'religious tolerance' has underlying connotation of dominance," he says.

Rajiv's 'Being Different - An Indian Challenge to Western Universalism' is currently used as reference book in University of Delhi for MA students in Psychology. In the book I wish to communicate that we are different and there is nothing wrong with remaining that way. There are various views that the West holds about India and the aim is to shift the gaze - from seeing ourselves from the Western perspective - we see ourselves for who we are and what we are. The cultural hegemony has simply got to stop," says Rajiv.

The book certainly hopes to seed some ideas in the minds of the students. According to Rajiv, "Our students need to harness our cultural wealth. There are various ideas presented in the book. The Dharmic idea of 'sapekshata' a Sanskrit word for unity in diversity facilitates inter-subjectivity, solidarity and fraternity across paths and identities. Another Dharmic idea of 'purva-paksha' encourages individuals to become truly knowledgeable about alternative perspectives, to approach the other side with respect and to forego the desire to simply "win". In management institutes this book will increase the understanding of business communities of India and America."

Presently there are more Indian students in US universities than any other foreign students and in Rajiv's view elite Indians learn to understand the Western sensibilities better, which is not the case the other way round. "It's all about embracing each others uniqueness," Rajiv tells us. "I did much prefer if the US first appreciated the opponent's perspective before meriting their own views. This attitude promotes mutual respect for all cultures all over the world, which is a much required trait in these dark times."

According to Rajiv Indians also need to understand that it's a bad idea to mirror the western culture. "While there are many positive lessons to take from the US, we need to also learn from the American mistakes and not repeat them." His biggest criticism against Indian's is their enthusiasm to fit into someone else's picture. "It's outrages to change the chanting of Om to Amen to suit the Americans. We have to learn to demand and receive respect on our own terms without having to accept every western standard," he emphasises.

Times of India

"Being different" by being yourself

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