Why Tolerance is a great value to uphold?

Our journey as human beings had witnessed constant evolution and acclimatization with different environments that made us resilient to thrive through many centuries. From being hunters for food and rubbing stones to create sparks of fire, our ancestors paved the way of setting up human lives and subsequently, greater civilizations.

We as social beings are dependent creatures, where our potential grows exponentially when we collaborates and supports each other. This characteristic was evident from nomadic times and still grows stronger until now. From our early times where communities were flourishing near river banks and our reliance on agriculture as the main source of sustenance, we have exponentially progressed and made this world look small to connect with each other.

Our virtues of cooperation and support had built civilizations, which gave birth to various cultures, customs and ultimately into different nations. Our evolution and development trend was progressive, and it further accelerated in the past 100-200 years. Milestones we have achieved and advancements we had made, and still making is at exponential rate.

Today, we are living in one big global space, where people are closely connected, entities are spread across and goods and services are more accessible than ever before. The idea of globalization fusing with the industrialization and technological advancements, have created a closer circle for us to interact with our fellow beings across the world. Thanks to the advancements we made in the field of transportation and logistics, where traveling and shipping has become more reliable and affordable for a wider class of people.

Together with advancements there comes challenges, and the early challenges of migration and building up of multi-cultural societies were the friction to accept people with diverse thoughts, culture and customs. Later upon realizing the true potential of human despite their age, color, sex, race, and background, societies across the world started accepting and embracing the spirit of inclusivity. From the boom of Silicon Valley to migrants helming at administrative and governance chairs are the best examples of these infusion. On the other hand there are also hue and cry from various corners about protecting the fabric of indigenousness and nationalism by different countries which also started gaining unwanted popularity.

So, what is the real solution? Turning pages back and understanding the trends of migration, and patterns of resident citizens, expat population in developed countries etc. it is evident that contribution from the ‘outsiders’ were significant and positively added to the charts to look better and brighter. One ultimate challenge to the human race progressing to solve the issues and our efforts to make this world a better place for all is ‘extremism’ and ‘terrorism’. These threats are also causes for some countries mulling about shutting the doors for migrants and foreign residents.

In this context, the ideology of ‘Tolerance’ holds great value; it is the characteristic of human, since we started living civilized lives. It is the ‘adjustment and inclusiveness for goodness’ which helps us develop and prosper as a society which peels of any sectarian concepts. Being tolerant to acceptable ideologies, with the exception of anti-social philosophies, was always good for any society and countries at large. It is the way we knit the fabric of a multicultural and diverse society that will reflect all its scintillating hues of race, religion, sex, culture and customs.

Keeping aside all sceptics about the issues, there are positive news and initiatives echoed from various corners of the world. United Arab Emirates stands in the forefront as ‘Tolerance ambassadors’ by setting up Ministry of Tolerance and has also taken the step of dedicating this year as ‘Year of Tolerance’. The country has raked up the profiles from being a deserted place in the 70s to ultra-modern global hub in few decades time, share of its credit was given by the rulers to its resident expats from 170+ countries who contribute to the nation building and adding value to its economy. Also countries like New Zealand, Canada, UK etc. have shown greater empathy towards their migrant residents and extended the arms of inclusiveness to tie all sections of the society for their betterment.

With wider, broader and unexpected challenges that could arise in the future, we all should bond well to battle the bigger issues that would affect larger part of the societies and humanity at large, ranging from poverty, climate change, resource scarcity etc. Since technological developments in the fields of ICT and Transportation are making breakthrough developments, we could see better connectivity and interaction with people across the world. With our distinct qualities of tolerance and inclusiveness, we should join hands and make this place even better, and for our children to inherit a beautiful place to live!