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Salute the nation where tolerance is a way of life

Tolerance a worthy virtue, the need of every human domain needs to be cultivated and nurtured diligently and purposefully. Tolerance has to be given its due importance as in the digital world where smart phones and gadgets occupy the pride of place as they slowly but surely bring down the edifices of human living by breaking down the essential component of social harmony.
Decision to dedicate the year 2019 as the Year of Tolerance is indeed appropriate as a model for many to follow. The year of tolerance re-emphasises the importance of this virtue. Tolerance is a permissive attitude that leads to acceptance and understanding especially in a society where multi-cultural and multi-lingual communities co-exist. Discrimination or intolerance of any kind leads to disruption of peace eventually. Tolerance helps in removing barriers, wrong judgements thereby creating a positive atmosphere and improving the happiness quotient of the people.
Inclusiveness paves way for mutual respect, acceptance and unity in the place of antagonism and enmity. Tolerance is a quality that has to start developing from young age and the onus of presenting role models of tolerance falls on the adults. Tolerance cannot be brushed off as an attitude but treated as a pre-requisite for unity, leading to social, psychological and economic well-being of a nation. Tolerance allows people to have their opinion and preserve their individual identify without hindrance to anyone. "Tolerance is giving to every other human being every right that you claim for yourself," said Robert Green Ingersoll. Therefore, if human touch and peace should prevail let the year of tolerance set the trend for the years to follow.
The writer is based in Sharjah