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World Affairs
Message From the Publisher and Editor-In-Chief: A Search for a Basic Human Quest
Individuals, peoples and nations without an understanding of the basic human quest, are in a state of perpetual tension within, and in confrontation with the world outside. An integrated human being and an orderly and sustainable system of human development cannot evolve without a harmonious integration of the material, cultural and spiritual dimensions or without moving towards the path of elevating consciousness. The present globalising paradigm of ‘armament protected consumerism’ is nothing but gross materialism and lust for power. The socio-politico-techno-economic parameters of this paradigm, neither relate to the idiom of the new sciences nor to a value structure that conforms to the laws of nature. It is devoid of all ethical and moral constraints, human sensitivities and compassion.
Apart from the serious consequences of the aggregating conflicts and terrorism, there is today a total disarray of the worldwide economic system with increasing differentials in wealth, and mounting deprivation. The irrepressible changes that are appearing worldwide cannot be contained by declaring the end of history, or by catalysing and exploiting the potential of civilisational conflicts or by fighting terrorism. This is leading the system to perpetual immobility and death.
Qualitative, sustainable and positive social changes, or a renaissance is always the work of those in pursuit of creativity and harmony and not fragmentation. For this we have to seek and re-establish our place within the cosmic orderliness through a perception of the ultimate reality. But we cannot even begin to understand the infinite forces, while we are in the midst of manmade human degradation, chaos and disorder on our planet. Such an environment bars the pathways to the realisation of higher levels of consciousness, to approach our dilemmas. Thus no nation or people, can make their visions prevail over those cosmic laws, the very conception of which flows from an order higher than what they can see and control. And attempts at realising these are negating the possibilities of an integrated human future with in-built ethical and moral constraints. Even science which contributed to our present state, is possible because it draws its understanding from an order, in the larger reality.
What then must we do? How can this rapid drift towards an Armageddon be contained? In this search we always return to the perennial question that is, the need for a philosophy which can help us to evolve social arrangements of human welfare, based on human dignity, freedom and equality. A comprehensive philosophy of life and work which integrates the material, cultural and the spiritual into one world. Only through this can a sustainable human state without a bulwork of mega-violence, can evolve.
In order to reflect on these problems of increasing complexity, a dialogue was organised in cooperation with the Kapur Surya Foundation and the India International Centre in New Delhi during November 2002. A number of concerned and informed persons from diverse callings, and different parts of the world were invited to participate in this dialogue. The entire exercise was a process of search for new possibilities in approaching the increasing gravity of the human condition. A range of issues from science, culture and spirituality, were reflected upon and freely expressed by the participants.
There was a broad introduction of the theme with two days of comprehensive dialogue and a public presentation in which Prof. M S Swaminathan, Mr. Rajiv Vora, Prof. Anindita N Balslev, Ms. Audrey E Kitagawa and myself participated. Justice M N Venkatachaliah chaired this concluding event.
The entire dialogue and concluding presentations are included in this special issue of the journal.
We have to expresses our special gratitude to Justice M N Venkatachaliah for chairing the meeting and Mr. N N Vohra, Director, India International Centre, for his help and cooperation in organising the dialogue. And above all, the participants for their enlightening contributions.
New Delhi J C KAPUR
March 2003