Diversity is in the DNA of Kozhikode: Tharoor

Shashi Tharoor praises Kerala as a model of unity in diversity, emphasizing the state's history of cultural harmony and acceptance.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said that the idea of India was best exemplified in the idea of Kerala, which upholds Mahatma Gandhi’s idea of ‘unity in diversity’. Inaugurating the first anniversary celebrations as well as the Vishu-Id-Easter meet organised by Malabar Initiative for Social Harmony (MISH) in Kozhikode on Friday (April 11), Mr. Tharoor said that Kerala welcomed all cultures and communities with open arms.

“Unlike in north India, Islam did not come to Kerala raising swords, but in a friendly manner. The Arab community intermingled with the people of Kerala for more than two thousand years, sharing culture, religion, and news,” Mr. Tharoor said, citing the example of Cheraman Perumal, who went to Mecca. The Jewish diaspora in India, especially Kerala, was the only one in the world that never faced religious persecution from the native culture, he added.

Mr. Tharoor said Kozhikode was a beacon of cultural confluence and progressive thoughts.

“This is the place where diversity is not tolerated, but celebrated. It is part of the DNA of Kozhikode,” he said. MISH chairman P.V. Chandran highlighted the need for unity among people amid the rising disturbances in the name of religion, caste, and politics.

Vice-chairman of MISH K. Moidu, treasurer C.E. Chakkunni, chairman of Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan, Kozhikode, A.K.B. Nair, acting Quazi Safeer Saqafi and priest at CSI Church T.I. James were present.