Diversity is at the core of India's pluralistic society: Prez

Indian civilisation has always been open to new streams of thought and information and this diversity is at the core of our pluralistic society, President Pranab Mukherjee said today.
Addressing a function, Mukherjee said in every aspect, India represents a balance between tradition and modernity.
"We find our history and heritage reflected in almost all our transactions - from the mundane level of every day custom and ritual to our academic work - in science, innovation and maths - and also our spiritual pursuits, creativity and cultural activities. Our villages are firmly rooted in our traditions but have simultaneously leapfrogged into cyber space.

"Yoga and ayurvedic medicine are examples of ancient Indian science that still have an important influence in our daily practices. They continue to be popular and are being actively revived and promoted. Indian civilisation has always been open to new streams of thought and information. This diversity is at the core of our pluralistic society," the President said, while giving away 'Distinguished Indologist' award here.
The honour--second Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Distinguished Indologist award-- was given to Prof Yu Long Yu of the People's Republic of China.
Yu, Professor and Director at the Centre for Indian Studies, Shenzhen University, has studied Indology for half-a-century and is the pioneer in it in South China.

He has translated Indian novels, dramas, and published more than 80 academic articles.

He is the author of several books. He has set up the Centre for Indian Studies and Tan Yunshan Sino-Indian Friendship Museum in Shenzhen University.
The President said it is not surprising that the second Distinguished Indologist award is conferred on a scholar from China, a civilisation with which India has had age-old academic and cultural exchanges.
"The contacts between our scholars, scientists and historians date back to ancient times. These mutually inspiring relationships were further reinforced by the impelling ties of religion, trade and cultural affinities," Mukherjee said.

He said the wealth of our multi-faceted experiences has made Indology vast in its scope.
"Our unique heritage has made it extremely rewarding for scholars to explore it - in the framework of India's vibrant tradition, its history, languages, culture and religions," the President said.