“A pluralist, cosmopolitan society is a society which not only accepts difference, but actively seeks to understand it and to learn from it. In this perspective, diversity is not a burden to be endured, but an opportunity to be welcomed.” - HH The Aga Khan at Harvard University, Cambridge, USA, 12th November 2015.
Besides the global pandemic, this year has witnessed a myriad of trials and tribulations that have defied pluralism within our global society, including social injustices, racial discrimination, gender disparities in minority groups, and oppression of low-income communities. These events have corresponded to furthering differences between cultures and have created barriers between global societies, bringing back notions that we thought were buried in the past. Yet, amongst the fragmenting, our Jamati institutions and volunteers have harnessed the true ethos behind Mawlana Hazar Imam’s definition of pluralism, balancing a cosmopolitan ethos and accepting the diversity to tolerate, educate and make a meaningful difference.
In light of Chief Scouts Day, commemorated on 12 September 2020, the Aga Khan Scouts and Guides, UAE, collaborated with the community’s scouting groups from Bangladesh, India and Pakistan to virtually celebrate the notion of service through the unity we render in diversity. The observance served as a symbol of what we can achieve by accepting the ethnic impediments between us, bringing together varying ideologies and ways of celebration, and learning from each other, by finding common ground.
Addressing the 350 or so attendees from all the Jamats involved, the online celebration commenced by highlighting the work of the Scouts and Guides in the various countries, demonstrating different societal needs and methods of service, while conveying the same moral values. Our bonding as one community and as a united front, regardless of our ethnic distinction, was validated by all the flag hoisting ceremonies which streamed simultaneously in different time zones. Marking the unity of the Scouts and Guides worldwide, the central focus of the event was the cake baking picture montage. It was compiled using videos that were sent in by the Scouts and Guides from the northern parts of Pakistan, central India, UAE and remote areas of Bangladesh. Many even opted to showcase their pledges toward a more sustainable and integrated future which truly reinforced the power of each individual when pluralism is mobilised. This provided time to reflect, share and inculcate a sense of togetherness, showing this world can be a better place. Learning from the diverse experiences and wisdom of long-standing scouting leaders in Pakistan, the virtual festivities ended with a panel-led discussion and quiz on scouting. During this time, the panel shared their experiences of attending international conferences where representatives from around the world gathered to cooperate in working toward the betterment of our lives, tackling social issues and ethnic intolerance.
The success of this Chief Scouts Day confirmed that the current global division did not alter the progressive mindset of our volunteers, as they employed virtual technology to unite with neighbouring countries and collaborated to create a lasting impact together. This is a phenomenon that should not only be reinforced within our volunteers when working for the benefit of the Jamat but should also be the driving force of our lives in all our endeavours with people from diverse backgrounds in worldly matters. We, as a Jamat, should actively immerse ourselves in the “cosmopolitan society” that His Highness the Aga Khan strives to achieve. We should always find ways to foster pluralism, opposing the social atrocities the world is perceiving at present. So, let us co-exist and channel the unity in diversity to serve the needs of our evolving world and ever challenging times.
