UMU: India’s ‘salad culture’ reflects its pluralistic character, says Tourism Secretary
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi, September 10: India’s diverse communities and identities can coexist while retaining their distinctiveness, reflecting the country’s pluralistic…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, September 10: India’s diverse communities and identities can coexist while retaining their distinctiveness, reflecting the country’s pluralistic character, said Mukesh Kumar, IAS, Secretary, Department of Planning and Development and Tourism, Art Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Government of Jharkhand, while addressing students at Usha Martin University (UMU).
Kumar was speaking at a distinguished lecture on “Governance in a Changing India: Challenges and Opportunities” organised by the Department of Training and Placement for students of Humanities and Social Sciences.
Speaking on India’s democratic and pluralistic traditions, Kumar used the metaphor of a “salad culture” to explain how different communities and identities can coexist without losing their individual distinctiveness.
He contrasted this with an assimilation-based approach and said inclusiveness was an important foundation of good governance and nation-building.
Kumar also referred to Vaishali’s ancient republican tradition, describing it as one of the early expressions of democratic governance in Indian civilisation. He linked the historical evolution of such traditions with India’s contemporary democratic ethos.
Conflict, unity shape nation-building
Kumar also discussed the relationship between conflict and unity in a democratic society, emphasising that struggle and solidarity together play a role in shaping the course of nation-building.
Drawing on the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi, he highlighted truth, non-violence and selfless service as enduring principles for governance and public life.
He also spoke about the changing landscape of governance in India and the significance of Jharkhand within the broader national framework.
Students interact with IAS officer
The lecture was followed by an interactive question-and-answer session in which students discussed various aspects of governance and public policy with Kumar.
The programme began with a welcome address by Officiating Vice Chancellor Brigadier Sumar Vir Singh and concluded with a vote of thanks by Registrar Dr. Shiv Pratap Verma.
The programme was conceived and coordinated under the initiative of Dr. Priyanka Pallavi of the Department of Training and Placement. Campus Director Dr. Anil Kumar Mishra, Dean Academics Prof. BN Sinha, and Deans and Heads of the departments of Humanities and Social Sciences also attended the programme.
