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Anekanta : Philosophy of co-existence
Democracy cannot project a glorious image without balancing the claims of diversity and unity. The philosophical basis of this balancing system is Anekānta. According to Anekānta nothing is altogether disparate or identical. A general characteristic lends identicality to things and a specific characteristic makes them disparate. Absolute insistence on identically destroys usefulness, for then individual specific characteristics cannot be put to use. Absolute insistence on disparateness makes things devoid of their basic generality. It is for this reason the Anekānta posits the following: An object is perhaps identical - from a certain point of view all objects are identical. An object is perhaps disparate - from a certain point of view all objects are disparate. Unity can be strengthened on the basis of identicallity. Disparateness can be used to utilize an individual's specific qualities. Therefore, it is necessary to know the limitations of both identicallity and disparateness. A mechanical insistence on identicallity robs a nation of its meritorious and talented people. An absolute insistence on disparateness becomes the cause of a nation's disintegration. Therefore, there is need to develop a philosophy which balances and harmonizes identicallity and disparateness. Unity involves belonging to common geographic region. No one who lives within that region can be discriminated against in terms of their need for food, clothing, housing etc. Everyone enjoys an equal
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