International Day for Tolerance

International Day for Tolerance History

International Day for Tolerance aims to promote acceptance and understanding among diverse cultures, religions, and traditions. It emphasizes the need to cultivate mutual respect, dialogue, and cooperation and raise awareness about the negative consequences of intolerance. This global commitment to fostering a culture of tolerance is essential in overcoming societal divisions and ensuring peaceful coexistence.

The International Day for Tolerance initiative is rooted in the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Declaration of Principles on Tolerance, which was adopted in 1995. In India, a country that boasts a rich tapestry of ethnicities, religions, languages, and traditions, the relevance of this day cannot be overstated. A spirit of tolerance is vital in maintaining harmony within this diverse nation, as it helps to surmount challenges arising from misunderstandings, bigotry, and discrimination. Observing this day in India allows for a crucial opportunity to engage in dialogue, foster a culture of inclusivity, and work towards a nation where the differences among its citizens are embraced and celebrated.

In India, the International Day for Tolerance is observed through various events and programs, including educational activities, awareness campaigns, and cultural exchanges. Participants engage in discussions, attend workshops and seminars, exhibit art, or participate in other initiatives to foster understanding and compassion among people from different backgrounds. This observance, which is marked every year on November 16th, serves as a reminder that tolerance, open-mindedness, and empathy should be a part of everyday life in India, strengthening societal bonds and paving the way for a more inclusive and harmonious future.

Facts about International Day for Tolerance

• The theme for Tolerance Day in 2024 was Promoting Respect and Understanding Worldwide. In 2023 the theme was Tolerance: A Path to Peace and Reconciliation.
• You can counter intolerance in 5 ways:
  1) Fighting intolerance with law
  2) Fighting intolerance with education
  3) Fighting intolerance with access to information
  4) Fighting intolerance by individual awareness
  5) Fighting intolerance with local solutions
• Xenophobia is the fear or hatred of strangers. It is another word for intolerance.
• The Parsi community, followers of Zoroastrianism, is an excellent example of tolerance and integration in India. Having arrived in India more than a thousand years ago to escape religious persecution in Persia, the Parsis have been able to maintain their religious identity while also contributing significantly to Indian society.
• India's history is filled with instances of rulers and leaders promoting religious tolerance and interfaith dialogue. Emperor Ashoka, who ruled over much of the Indian subcontinent in the 3rd century BCE, promoted religious tolerance and encouraged the spread of Buddhism. Similarly, the Mughal Emperor Akbar had a liberal attitude towards other religions and often engaged in interfaith discussions and debates.

In the News and Trending in India for International Day for Tolerance

Top things to do in India for this observance

• Raise awareness on social media by using the tags #InternationalDayforTolerance, #ToleranceDay, and #LoveNotHateTolerate.
• Assess the impact of tolerance on your society, its policies and your life. How does this compare to other societies? Do a bit of research to see how different types of governments and policies impact tolerance in a society.
• Many organizations in India work towards promoting tolerance, peace, and harmony. You can volunteer for such organizations or participate in their campaigns and initiatives. Examples include the Peaceful Society, Centre for the Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy, and Salaam Baalak Trust.
• India is known for its religious diversity. Visit places of worship like Jama Masjid (Delhi), Golden Temple (Amritsar), or Ajmer Sharif Dargah to understand different religious practices and beliefs.