A ‘meaningful conversation’ is cultures imperative to nurture a broader notion of peace. But what should be the starting point? This was one of the many questions raised and deliberated at the ‘Cultures of Peace 2018,’ the annual festival celebrating and highlighting culture, art, literature, media in the North East organised by Zubaan in collaboration with The Morung Express and the Heinrich Böll Foundation, India on November 9-10. The immediate aim of festival was to build bridges “within and without the Northeast by strengthening existing networks, building partnerships with individuals, writers and artists, and encouraging cultural exchange.” The idea, is to look at the very rich and complex cultures of this region which “constantly” surprises, an organiser noted. However, the need for a ‘meaningful conversation’ is pertinent as the region is known for its “infinite wealth of the cultures” which besides adding to its eclectic diversity, is also cited as the cause of some of its underlying complexities. While the panelist from different backgrounds as well as participants deal with the concept, the recurring undercurrent was that culture itself manifest in different forms, collectively and individually. Consequently, the tension always occurs when one brooches the issue. Often, the complexities manifest itself into conflict with each side stick to existing positions, without listening or understanding to each other. For many, culture is based on lived reality, while increasingly in the recent past, it is also becoming closely intertwined with religious mobilization and political usages. Amidst this multiple complexities, it is also imperative to understand that the concept of culture itself is multilayered – permanent yet fluid. “We need to think about new ways of looking at the world,” noted a panelist pointing out that culture is not about going to the museum but “trying to understanding everything, trying to find something common in the reading, in the experience and interaction with other people and in the discovery of becoming the person in the process.” This reflects the need for interaction and dealing with existing complexities through interaction, dialogues and with empathy towards each other. The issue of gender roles and other aspects related with Naga society examined at the two-day event also points to such a conclusion. The idea is to understand that any fight for rights or inclusiveness is not a ‘zero-sum’ game – one’s gain is other’s loss, but collectively working towards a shared future. In continuation of the idea of justice and starting an impartial point of view, it would be helpful incorporating “original position,” a central feature of John Rawls's social contract account of justice, where “the veil of ignorance” is the starting point: “To insure impartiality of judgment, the parties are deprived of all knowledge of their personal characteristics and social and historical circumstances.” Rawls contended the most “rational choice for the ‘parties’ in the original position is the first guarantees the equal basic rights and liberties; and the second provides fair equality of educational and employment opportunities.” Can the Naga society with all its complexities ‘set’ the position to a level playing field and strive towards a shared future where each stakeholder works collectively for inclusions, empathy and shared future? It is prerogative everyone should be offered and can be undertaken only through meaningful conversation.
