“I defy you to show me discrimination…” EAM S Jaishankar’s challenge on minority issues in India

Summary

The speaker argues that India has a deeply pluralistic underlying culture with unique diversity across multiple axes like ethnicity, faith, language, and traditions. He contends that India's diversity naturally fosters disagreements and corrections, unlike more homogeneous societies that impose conformity. Regarding minorities, he challenges anyone to show present-day discrimination in India, arguing that digital governance has increased fairness. He acknowledges global criticisms, some from politically motivated groups upset over losing privileges. However, he highlights India's social welfare expansion for the poor regardless of background. Though turbulent, he sees this as part of a democratic society's development.

Takeaways

• 😊 India has a deeply pluralistic underlying culture with immense diversity across multiple dimensions like ethnicity, faith, language, traditions etc.
• 👥 This diversity leads to natural conversations, discussions and attempts to balance different perspectives.
• 🌏 India's diversity is unique globally and cannot be easily understood by outsiders lacking context.
• 📈 India is undergoing tremendous change via social welfare policies aimed at housing, health, food etc for all.
• ☮️ Governance has become more faceless and digital leading to greater fairness in access to rights and amenities.
• 🔎 There is little evidence today of discrimination in the provision of benefits to minorities in India.
• 😕 Criticism of India's treatment of minorities is often driven by political or cultural biases rather than facts.
• 🗳 India has a history of vote bank politics that may cause some resentment towards loss of previously privileged status.
• 🇮🇳 The turbulence arising from India's diversity is part of the journey of a democratic society.
• 🔊 Judgments about India's minorities are often based on sound bites rather than deeper understanding.

Q & A

How does the speaker describe the diversity and pluralism in India?

The speaker says India has deeply pluralistic underlying culture with unique diversity across multiple axes like ethnicity, faith, language, traditions etc. He says India is the most diverse space in the world.

What does the speaker say about the nature of diversity in India?

The speaker says that with such diversity, there will always be conversations, discussions, attempts to balance things, corrections etc. He calls it the 'turbulence of a democratic society'.

How does the speaker respond to concerns about discrimination against minorities in India?

The speaker challenges anyone to show discrimination in access to rights, amenities and benefits like housing, healthcare, food, finance, education etc. He says digital governance has made things more fair and faceless.

What does the speaker say is the biggest change happening in India today?

The speaker says the biggest change is the creation of a social welfare system in a low per capita income country like India. He says no other country has done this before.

How does the speaker explain the criticism or complaints from some sections?

The speaker says some privileged sections who resent losing their tax benefits are politicizing or 'wrapping' their grievances. He refers to the culture of vote banks.

What analogy does the speaker use to explain the reactions of outsiders?

The speaker analogizes outsiders to someone listening to conversations in the next room and making judgments based on snippets, without knowing the people.

How does digital governance aid fairness according to the speaker?

The speaker says digital governance makes things more fair and faceless by removing human discretion and biases.

What turbulence does the speaker attribute to Indian democracy?

The speaker attributes the conversations, disagreements and corrections happening in India to the 'turbulence of a democratic society' with diversity.

How is the social welfare system in India unique globally as per the speaker?

The speaker says that creating a welfare state in a low income country like India has never been done before globally.

What privilege loss does the speaker blame for some grievances?

The speaker blames the loss of tax privileges and benefits for some sections as a reason for their political grievances.