[IMC-Editorial] A Global Appeal for Communal Harmony in India

[communal_harmony]

If you wish to reaffirm your faith in India's secular and pluralistic ethos, and would like to support efforts to promote communal harmony, please make your voice heard through 'Promise of India" at: https://www.PromiseOfIndia.Org.

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Friends,
 
I am writing to share with you information about an exciting new initiative called Promise of India, a collaborative effort among Indians all over the world, who are rededicating themselves to the idea of a Democratic, Secular, Pluralistic, and United India. 
 
Promise of India provides a much-needed platform for the 'silent majority' of Indians to make their voices heard. We are running an on-line appeal (see copy below) on our web site, which calls on our fellow Indians and the Government of India to condemn sectarian hatred, and to take effective steps to promote communal harmony. The appeal also calls on the nation to refocus its energies on development and education for all Indians, and to bring transparency to governance. Over 120 organizations, and hundreds of concerned individuals, have already endorsed the appeal to show their support. I urge you to add your voice to this important initiative by endorsing it at: https://www.PromiseOfIndia.org/Appeal.cfm.
 
Thank you.

Raju Rajagopal
Promise of India

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If you are unable to access our website, please reply to this e-mail to register your endorsement, with the following information (* Required Information):
 
Title--Mr./ Mrs./ Ms./ Prof./ Justice/ Oth: 
 *Name--First, Last/Surname:
*e-mail:        
*City, State:
*Country:
Title, Organization (for identification purposes only):  
Are you signing on behalf of the above organization?   Yes __   or   No  ___
Comments:


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           Promise of India             
 
An Appeal
>From a Global Community of Indians Rededicating Themselves to a Democratic, Secular, Pluralistic, and United India
  
As India celebrates the 57th year of its independence, we, the people of India and people of Indian origin from the Diaspora, share a sense of optimism about the future of our homeland. At the same time, we are also concerned about some of the immediate challenges facing the nation: Terrorist attacks against innocent civilians continue unabated in various parts of the country. Assaults against religious institutions are on the rise. Communal incitement and violence are becoming widespread. And respect and trust in the Constitution and the rule of law is eroding in several parts of the country at an alarming pace. 
 
In the face of such unprecedented dangers, we believe that continuing indifference on our part is tantamount to acquiescence in the prevailing state of affairs. As people who have enduring emotional and familial ties to our homeland, and as Indians who actively support economic and social development for all our citizens, we are together issuing this appeal to our fellow Indians and to the Government of India to:
 
·    Rededicate themselves to a Democratic, Secular, Pluralistic, and United India;
 
·    Reaffirm the nation's faith in the Constitution and the rule of law, and ensure that the scales of justice are not tilted against any community or group;
 
·    Condemn the sectarian hatred emanating from politicians and self-styled 'community leaders,' and offer special incentives to organizations dedicated to communal harmony;
 
·    Make a concerted effort to prevent any further bloodshed in the name of religion or caste;
 
·    Support efforts to bring transparency to governance and decriminalize politics; and
 
·    Summon the collective will and material resources to increase educational and developmental opportunities for all Indians, regardless of religion, caste, ethnicity, or gender.
 
We are deeply concerned that social, especially communal, violence can seriously threaten India's social and economic development. For the sake of future generations, we stand ready to join hands with our fellow Indians in urgent efforts to bring about real changes for communal harmony and prosperity for all Indians, and pledge to work towards the Promise of India. 
 
We welcome like-minded individuals and organizations of Indian origin from all over the world to endorse this appeal and pledge to show their support for a Democratic, Secular, Pluralistic, and United India.
 
Endorsed by:
 
We, the undersigned, reaffirm our faith in a Democratic, Secular, Pluralistic, and United India, and pledge to not engage in, sponsor, or support activities that discriminate on the basis of religion, caste, gender, or ethnicity.

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