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 t's no coincidence that four of the world's most important religions
(Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism) were born in India.
Neither is it a coincidence that Islam found its huge number of followers here, and
that Christianity reached as early as 52 AD. Driven out from everywhere else in the
world, Parsis were welcomed into the Indian mainstream. Thousands of tribes
live in India without any identity crisis whatsoever.
It is this multitude of views which has given India its resilient and
tolerant character. Sample any town or
village, and you will find a close-knit society of different castes,
religions,
financial status, ideals and principles. Beliefs maybe strong and
rigid in concepts, but flexible in practice. While such a harmonious
coexistence may well be unthinkable in most countries,
it's not so in
the land of
Ahimsa (non-violence), and its chief propagators - Gautam Buddha
and Mahatma Gandhi. For
Indians this kind of diversity is neither a shortcoming nor something alien.
It adds color, joy and vivacity to their lives and makes them
understand the right of every living being to live and coexist - well
exemplified in a popular Sanskrit phrase - Vasudhaiv Kutumbhakam (The
world is everyone's home).
Contrasting Realities
The first impression that you will probably get of Mumbai, the financial
capital of India, is that of an over-crowded and over-sized city. A
complete turn-off. But stay a few more days and the city's character,
resonating
with the energy and enthusiasm of its populace, will unfold. A city where dreams come true. Where slums
coexist with the costliest real estate in the world. Where individual identities merge
with the city's distinct identity. Where man survives for himself, but at
the same time respects the right of others to thrive. Where the sea of humanity is keen to outdo the Arabian Sea
around it...
This is just one of the facets of Indian lifestyle. Every place in India has its own story to tell.
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