Towards Equality, Justice and Fraternity in Contemporary India – Creating a Better Tomorrow
INSTITUTE OF OBJECTIVE STUDIES, NEW DELHI
30th Anniversary Celebrations Programme Three-day International Conference on Towards Equality, Justice and Fraternity in Contemporary India – Creating a Better Tomorrow
February 16-18, 2018 at New Delhi (India)
THEMES FOR BUSINESS SESSIONS OF THE CONFERENCE ARE:
1. Ideational foundations of concepts of equality, justice and fraternity in the light of the Indian Constitution and UN concerns for minorities.
A. Indian Constitution:
Indian constitution is a living document reflecting wisdom and commitment of the founding fathers which is particularly evident in the Preamble to the Indian Constitution. Equality, Justice and Fraternity are cornerstones of functioning of the total political structure which can easily be adjudged on this basis. Elements of promise and performance can be identified and studied easily. Basics of the Indian Constitution have to be analysed in the light of Constituent Assembly debates. Its fundamental character is to be ascertained in the same light.
B. UN and other Bodies’ Concerns:
These elements are the main concerns of entire humanity. The growing realisation of importance of these values can be seen in a number of documents relating to UN agencies’ functioning and performance. The character of minority rights forms a major part of details about UN concerns for protection of rights of minorities. In a way, protection of minorities is basic responsibility of UN and its agencies. A constant analysis of these aspects is needed in the matter so that a global environment may be created for creating synergy for fostering these values.
2. Role of religion in promotion of peace, equality, justice and fraternity.
A. Islam: Religion claims to cover all aspects of life and hereafter. In this respect Islam gives indepth insight into fundamental questions. Islam needs a constant effort to study and analyse its relevance to different modes and methods. Equality, justice and fraternity form part of basics of religion. This has immensely contributed to the growth of civilisational parameters and direction of human effort. These aspects need consistent efforts to study and analyse religion, particularly Islam.
B. Other religions, including Hinduism: Most other religions, including Semitic and Indian ones also emphasise these aspects. However, there are diverse opinions about these values. Some religions may believe in hierarchy of groups and their placement on different basis. Questions relating to these values are sharp in regard to these religions. Nevertheless, presence of these values should be studies in all aspects in other religions as well.
3. Patterns and agents of change in different sets, including public health, technology and development models.
A. Public health: Recognisable change is one of most prominent features of the present-day world. Advancement in technology has created a new paradigm to look into matters of thought and action. Public health in this scenario is assuming new dimensions. The role of state, society and market have to be considered seriously, but no relief to humanity is possible without including equality, justice and fraternity as core values. The cornerstone of excellence of functioning of the system is to assess the quantum and speed of change. Development must be viewed in the context of observance of equality, justice and fraternity. Inclusion of the downtrodden is called for and everybody should participate in the process. An enabling environment has to be created and made available to all sections.
B. Technology and development: One of the most impressive aspects of modern times is the sets of change in all walks of life due to progress in technology. It is a well recognised fact that growth should not be confused with development. Development covers all aspects of human life and all members of human species. There is no denying the fact that technology has covered all major sectors and influenced human thought and action patterns. However, equality, justice and fraternity has to be applied in full measure to areas of technology and models of development.
4. Role of values of equality, justice and fraternity influencing the contours of international relations.
A. Indian foreign policy: In this age of progress in areas of ITC in the back drop of globalisation, conduct of foreign relations has acquired immense value. Nobody can exist or progress in isolation. Framing and conduct of foreign policy in India is important and whole system is conscious of this fact. Our geographical position also brings additional advantages and value to Indian foreign policy. This is a vast area and India may be credited to have worked hard in this field. India’s position in regional, continental and global context is important and complicated. Furthermore, India believes in having certain principles and notions in its foreign policy right from the very beginning. This makes the situation difficult and complicated. Nevertheless, India has cognitive and normative commitment to practise principles of equality, justice and fraternity in Indian foreign policy.
B. Dominant patterns in international relations: International relations are vital in more ways than one. This is multi-polar world and there is a need for a constant balance to be maintained. The power to kill millions available at different centres has made the situation extreme and vulnerable. International organisations are not having proper power and position to control the situation. These are reduced to discussion forums without having effective power and functional mechanism. Any bad player or even terror groups may create havoc for the humanity. This area also needs to observe principles of equality, justice and fraternity with commitment.
5. Role of national and international law in modern day globalised world with reference to equality, justice and fraternity.
A. National legal system: The role of legal system in national context is important to achieve equality, justice and fraternity. The Indian Constitution through its Preamble commits itself to observe ideals of equality, justice and fraternity in India. Arrangements to deliver are in place and the judiciary is made custodian of these principles. The system is impressive on paper. However, it has developed many shortcomings and can be reduced to a position of weak and ineffective institution. These questions need thorough inquiry and analysis. The system needs to be free from impediments. Such questions have attracted the attention of all concerned. The executive has to be watched in its designs and actions.
B. International law in the age of globalisation: The international relations take into account a multipolar world. A proper balance has to be maintained. Any haste or imbalance in approach, policy or action would create an unprecedented situation. The next war would be the end of war as the whole globe would be destroyed. Hence, this area is of immense potential and has to be balanced with proper caution and care. All national, regional and international institutions and organisations need to work in unison. Principles of equality, justice and fraternity are essentially needed.
6. Placement and role of higher education in bringing about a universal family.
A. National scenario: Education in general and higher education in particular are prominent in the context of peace and progress. The Indian scene in education covers a wide range and in this regard, the Education Commission Report spells major details about Indian education system. This can be the starting point to consider the educational scene in India. Working of an educational institution also calls for review and improvement. Government has to give better financial support to this sector. However, principles of merit and excellence are to be properly linked with issues of equality justice and fraternity. National aspirations should be looked from the perspective of education for all. Minorities are to be protected in this field with sincerity and goodwill. Furthermore, education has to be seen in the light of mitigating gender gap in different fields and gender justice is to be kept in mind.
B. Internationalisation of education creating a universal family: Education has assumed importance as a means to creating a universal family. Humanity has taken advantage of education as a method to bring people together. An added factor of making things easy is technological input. There is a big market for ideas and ideals to be propagated. However, a better tomorrow can be envisaged through opportunities to internationalise education and bringing people together to understand and fight for issues. Now the principles of equality, justice and fraternity are vital in their application in creating a universal family.
7. Character and role of media in fostering values of equality, justice and fraternity.
A. National media including regional media: Media is a wide term, which includes local, regional and national media as well as netbased media. This has made its character complex and sometimes intriguing. For instance, a news appears at local level, is magnified with its reference at higher levels of media. Fake news, motivated news and features are every day incidents. Electronic media, including social media is playing havoc as it is being used as a means of mobilising vote. Another worrisome feature is creation of unrealistic images in the minds of common people. In India, this mode and method of media is being practised at a large scale. Stories of rise and fall of governments are depicted through media in a big way. In this field also the principles of equality, justice and fraternity are to be observed with and a sense of responsibility.
B. International media: In a globalised world, information and image building are being practised through print and electronic media. Intellectuals are being roped in for their views and comments on matters of politics, economy, international relations etc. Flow and availability of news and information are regulated by experts to foster desired image building of politicians. Here also principles of justice, equality and fraternity are applicable.
8. Economic development and elimination of poverty: Role of these values
A. National scene: Striking questions relate to economic development and elimination of poverty in the context of national development. These areas are full of complications as extensive exploitation is rampant in these fields. Growth and distribution patterns are to be balanced on the principles of welfare of society. Economic development in national context calls for equal opportunity to all and major decisions to overcome poverty and unemployment. Concentration of wealth must not be allowed in few hands. Distribution of wealth has to be a major concern of the process of development. The whole of humanity is to enjoy the benefits of wealth generation and development. Inclusion of moral values is the foundation stone of economy. These sectors are prominently related to common man and call for care and caution. Principles of equal opportunities and common welfare are to be applied with a marked sense of responsibility. India may claim a special position in this area as its Constitution provides justicable guarantees for equal opportunities to all. Rule of law has to be applied in all situations.
B. International commitments: This area is important in the context of behavior of international organisations and agencies. These are related to international commitments. A number of agencies are active. But primary complication comes when territorial jurisdiction of the national state clashes with international commitments. There should be serious effort to resolve the issue of jurisdiction and mutual respect and effort for elimination of poverty. This area needs serious effort to identify steps to resolve the problems so that India could aspire for creating a better tomorrow.
9. Any other items related to above themes.
Enquiries at:
Institute of Objective Studies 162,
Joga Bai Main Road, Jamia Nagar
New Delhi – 110 025 (India)
Tel. +91-11-26981187, 26987467, 26989253
E-mail: ios.newdelhi@gmail.com Website: www.iosworld.org
