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About this quote

What does it mean?
Unlike America's melting pot, India keeps distinct cultures separate yet harmonious like dishes on a thali.
In plain terms
Indian cultures stay distinct but work well together.
What can you take from it?
Maintain distinct cultural identities within unity.

Where it applies

  • cultural policy
  • social integration
  • artistic expression

Putting it to work

  • support cultural autonomy
  • celebrate distinct traditions

Questions to consider

  • Should cultures merge or stay distinct?
  • What is your ideal society?

Another view

Separation can sometimes lead to division.

More from Shashi Tharoor

  1. 'The pluralism and the linguistic diversity of India is something of which we can truly be proud.' [13]

    Permalink to quote #15
  2. 'If India had a Latin version of the American motto E Pluribus Unum, it would be E Pluribus Pluribum.' [12]

    Permalink to quote #13
  3. 'Pluralist India must, by definition, tolerate plural expressions of its many identities.' [14]

    Permalink to quote #16

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