Two books authored by Governor of Sikkim and former Union Home Secretary B P Singh were released in Mumbai at a function at Raj Bhavan on Saturday. The books are titled Bahudhā and the post 9/11 world and India’s culture: the state, the arts, and beyond and have been published by the Oxford University Press.

Bahudhā and the post 9/11 world

This is a book on the rise of terrorism and fundamentalism in recent times that has brought about phenomenal changes in global politics. The author argues for a new, bold, and imaginative statecraft from world leaders. Underlining the need to transcend age-old peace mechanisms and reconstruct our language of discourse, this book propounds the concept of Bahudha an eternal reality or continuum, a dialogue of harmony, and peaceful living. Bahudaha recognizes the distinction between plural societies and pluralism, facilitates exchange of views, and promotes understanding of the collective good.

This book is divided into five parts. The first part discusses the major events witnessed by the world during 1989-2001, the fall of the Berlin Wall, transfer of Hong Kong to China, and the terrorist attack on the USA on September 11 and their implications for various nations, cultures, and international peace. The next part discusses India’s experiences in handling the pluralistic challenge by citing examples from the Vedas and Puranas and analyzing policies followed by Ashoka, Kabir, Guru Nanak, Akbar, and Mahatma Gandhi.

In the subsequent sections, the author underlines the importance of Bahudha as an instrument of public policy for harmony and also discusses the global imperatives of following such an approach. He highlights the central role of education and religion in the building of a harmonious society and advocates the strengthening of the United Nations to become an effective global conflict-resolution mechanism.

B.P. Singh argues that the answer to terrorism lies in respecting human rights and appreciating various cultures and value systems. This is crucial for facilitating and enhancing dialogue processes eventually elading to amity and a peaceful world.

This interdisciplinary volume will interest scholars, students, and researchers of history, philosophy, politics, and international relations.

India’s culture: the state, the arts, and beyond

This book explores the fascinating aspects of India’s diversified cultural base–its monuments, art, tradition, religion, philosophy, performing arts, and literature. It discusses the relationship between the state and market on cultural aspects, the debates regarding cultural preservation, harmonious aspects of Indian culture, the role of administration and the role of Archaeological Survey of India.

This book integrates the two ideas–the uniqueness of India with a developed culture and yet a developing economy; and second, the recent trend of considering culture as a third factor in determining the status of a nation in the world after market and military strength. Providing a wide-ranging view of the various dimensions of culture, it explores the interconnections of culture with the social and political life of people in India. The manifestations of culture are not mere pursuits of individual artists or scholars; they constitute a social concern and provide a base for meaningful dialogue.

This second edition an introduction, a postscript, and a new appendix which provide substantial information of the links between India’s culture and various contemporary subjects like ecology, sustainable development, democracy and the space for pluralism making it a very topical volume.

On this occasion Maharashtra Governor K Sankaranarayanan said that a conflict-free world is possible only by making our development processes sustainable and inclusive. “Development should benefit all, particularly the marginalised sections of society like the poor, minorities, SCs, STs, backward classes, women, etc. Only then we can have a conflict-free society”, the Governor said.

Vice Chairperson of Indian National Trust for Art and Culture Heritage Tasneem Mehta, Former Director of National Gallery of Modern Art Dr Saryu Doshi and senior journalist Vithal Nadkarni were present on the occasion.

 

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