Approach:
- Define tolerance and compassion, Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas briefly.
- Explain how tolerance, compassion will help in achieving development for all.
- Support your answer with examples.
- Conclusion
The development of every section of the society is “Rashtradharm” of the Government. “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas”, which is synonymous with ‘antyodaya’ (ensuring welfare of the last man in the society) of Deen Dayal’s Integral Humanism concept, is a commitment to take light of development to all sections of the society.
Tolerance is the characteristic of having a permissive attitude towards those whose opinions and beliefs differ from one’s own, whereas compassion is a feeling of sympathy for the poor and a strong desire to alleviate the suffering of others.
Relationship b/w Tolerance & Compassion: Tolerance is not simply an attitude but is an essential element for peace, unity and economic well-being of a nation or society. Intolerance suppresses the rights and capabilities of weaker sections, their due concerns and demands get ignored, due to which their mental and physical development is compromised. For example, intolerance against women’s rights has led to subjugation and suppression of women’s talent, which has hampered their development, thus jeopardizing ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’. Tolerance is very closely linked with compassion. Compassion motivates an individual to feel other’s pain and to help the weak. A tolerant person will be able to understand the mind and needs of others, to understand the cause of suffering, which will make him/her to feel for others. This feeling will force him/her to act in his capacity to help others and to alleviate their suffering. Thus tolerance and compassion often go hand in hand.
Tolerance and compassion are needed to be imbibed by the government, the bureaucracy and the citizens. Government has to be compassionate to ensure that the rights of all are protected and even the poorest is a part of development process. Women’s reservation in Parliament bill, when passed, would ensure that a large section, which was hitherto neglected, is given guaranteed reservation. Bureaucracy will ensure that the laws are implemented in the right spirit, ethically and people benefit from the entitlements earmarked for them. Giving out ration to a starving person, without proof of entitlement, occasionally, can sometimes be a life-saving help to the poor. A compassionate citizenry will be motivated to raise voice against injustice towards the weak, and in helping others where state support is not available and in ensuring inclusive development.
An attitude of compassion helps ensure that we do not impose a top-down solution on those who are affected—the homeless, the unemployed, minority youth, the hungry; rather, we need to take the time to walk in their shoes, to listen, to understand them; to make ‘Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas’ a reality.