Goa: RSS leader Joint General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale sought to define what’s national consensus in his keynote speech at the India Foundation Conclave.
“What is national consensus? Consensus about nation, justice, reservation, dharma... Even after 70 years we have not arrived at national consensus," Hosabole said arguing that the essence of democracy is dialogue.
“This land has seen dialogue in the land of Kurukshetra with Krishna Samvad but over the period of time dialogue has been suppressed and is becoming heated argument. The essence of democracy is consensus," he said.
Dissent is being viewed selectively, Hosabale said, adding, "You have a right to dissent but if I disagree with your dissent then I am intolerant!"
“I recently met some Muslim intellectuals in New Delhi and told them you are a Muslim because you were born in a Muslim family and I am a Hindu because I am born in a Hindu family. But we come from one nation,” he said. Hosabole felt that the media and academia has not enough in cementing instead it has created divisions.
He called for a revamp in this state of affairs. "We need restructuring. What should India contribute to humanity or to the world? It can show that people belonging to different backgrounds can live harmoniously. It will be wonderful... an ancient nation with variety can live harmoniously."
The annual India Foundation Conclave at Goa witnessed an eclectic mix of speakers dwelling on the core theme “India at 70: Democracy, Development and Dissent”.
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