India and Canada: Pathways to Inclusive Citizenship
Why do some societies live together peacefully with diversity, while others struggle? On October 30, 2014, over 100 people joined the Centre to help us explore the sources of civic inclusion in India and Canada.
Our fifth Pluralism Forum featured Charles Taylor (McGill University, Canada) and Rajeev Bhargava (Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, India) in conversation with moderator Jane Jenson (Université de Montréal).
Although very different, India and Canada value the diversity of their citizens. The particularity of each country’s history played a role, as did the framing of inclusive constitutions. But the work is not done. Despite successes, both Taylor and Bhargava emphasized the ongoing fragility of pluralism in each society. As conditions change, the bonds that unite people across differences must be discussed continuously and redefined. A commitment to pluralism is a never-ending process.
In connection with the Forum, La Presse+ published op-eds by Charles Taylor and Rajeev Bhargava on October 31, 2014.