Being human is given. But keeping our humanity is a choice. In the grand tapestry of human existence, there exists a paradoxical interplay between magnificence and horror. Across continents, humanity showcases its capacity to rise to challenges, yet simultaneously descends to unfathomable depths. We celebrate life’s miracles while perpetrating acts of violence. We revere nature’s wonders but desecrate our surroundings with heedless abandon. Amidst this tumultuous drama, one fundamental truth stands clear: the salvation of humanity lies in our collective hands.

To make the world a more peaceful place everyone should think about humanity. It seems all too often that people only think about their local community, nation or their religion and they discount everyone else. We can no longer wait for our faith to save humanity. We have to take action and we can save humanity. This does not mean we cannot be proud of our community, proud of our nation, proud of our culture, or proud of our faith. It means we need to first think about humanity as a whole and not only our community, nation and not only our culture or not only our faith.

It’s an observation often made but seldom acted upon: the need to transcend narrow boundaries of community, nation, religion, or culture and embrace the common thread that unites us all—our shared humanity. The urgency of this realization cannot be overstated. We can no longer afford the luxury of waiting for divine intervention or relying solely on the goodwill of a select few. The responsibility to safeguard humanity falls upon each and every one of us.

We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery, we need humanity; more than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities, life will be violent and all will be lost.

Charles Chaplin

Respecting one’s own identity—be it national, cultural, or religious—should naturally extend to respecting the identities of others. At the heart of this principle lies a profound understanding: regardless of our differences, we are all inhabitants of this fragile planet, bound by a common aspiration for peace and prosperity. It’s a simple yet profound truth: to respect humanity is to respect each other.

In the face of mounting global challenges, it’s imperative to recognize that the battle for humanity is not a contest between conflicting ideologies or worldviews. Rather, it’s a collective endeavour aimed at securing a future where diversity is celebrated, differences are embraced, and humanity serves as our guiding light. We need not all march to the same beat or adhere to identical beliefs; diversity of thought and action enriches our collective journey towards a brighter tomorrow.

Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.

Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness

In cultures like India, ancient wisdom underscores the interconnectedness of all life forms and the imperative of collective responsibility. The concept of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” meaning “The World is One Family,” encapsulates this ethos, reminding us of our shared destiny as inhabitants of a global community. Throughout its rich history, India has exemplified these principles, offering refuge to those fleeing persecution and upholding the values of tolerance and inclusivity.

The hallmarks of Indian civilization since the pre-Vedic period are diversity, tolerance, and acceptability. The Indian civilization prospered and survived thousands of years because of this nature despite a series of onslaughts on this civilization. The Indian civilisation has always given preference to humanity over everything else.

Yet, the path to a more harmonious world is not without obstacles. Demonic ideologies that seek to sow division and hatred must be confronted head-on, and rooted out before they can take hold. Tolerance, a cornerstone of civilized society, demands not only forbearance from others but a steadfast commitment to introspection and self-improvement. It’s incumbent upon each of us to hold ourselves to the same standard of decency and empathy that we expect from others.

India has received refugees not only from some of its neighbouring countries but also from distant countries like Afghanistan, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda. India has been the home to refugees belonging to all religions and sects.

We believe not only in universal toleration, but we accept all religions as true. I am proud to belong to a nation which has sheltered the persecuted and the refugees of all religions and all nations of the earth. I am proud to tell you that we have gathered in our bosom the purest remnant of the Israelites, who came to the southern India and took refuge with us in the very year in which their holy temple was shattered to pieces by Roman tyranny. I am proud to belong to the religion which has sheltered and is still fostering the remnant of the grand Zoroastrian nation.

Sectarianism, bigotry, and their horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. They have filled the earth with violence, drenched it often and often with human blood, destroyed civilization, and sent whole nations to despair. Had it not been for these horrible demons, human society would be far more advanced than it is now. But their time is come; and I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honor of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism, of all persecutions with the sword or with the pen, and of all uncharitable feelings between persons wending their way to the same goal.

Swami Vivekananda, Chicago, Sep 1893

In the final analysis, the measure of our humanity lies not in grand gestures or lofty ideals but in the everyday choices we make: to treat others with kindness and compassion, to confront injustice wherever it may arise, and to cultivate a spirit of unity amidst diversity. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, let us never lose sight of our shared humanity—the beacon that illuminates our path towards a more peaceful and prosperous future for all.

I quote a 15th century poet of Bengal — Chandidas, who said:

সবার উপর মানুষ সত্য, তাহার উপরে নেই

“Shobar upor manush shotto tahar upore nai.” In English, it means: “Above all is humanity, none else.”