Progress, gradual betterment in the lives of people has been the ultimate aim of humanity. Striving for prosperity and wellbeing by all individuals has brought progress for the group as whole as well as led to conflict on several instances. The two different outcomes have been due to peaceful coexistence of masses or the absence thereof. Peace, or the absence of conflict is the bedrock on which pillars of progress rest. Without resolution of conflict that stunts the growth of each pillar of progress, economic, political or social, holistic development cannot be achieved.
Ending inequality and poverty is a prerequisite for economic progress. No meaningful progress can be achieved as long as poverty, “the worst form of violence” in Mahatma Gandhi’s own words, finds place in a civilized society. Severe inequality represents economic conflict among the classes and eats away any progress that is made. The development of those at the top gets nullified by the oppression of those at the bottom leading to a situation of net zero real progress.
Indian society is an amalgamation of different, diverse cultures. It has helped us develop quintessential features of a tolerant democracy which values social harmony, debate and discussion over violence. This social cohesion has been the single most contributing factor for our progress relative to countries consumed by strife despite being placed well in terms of economic resources. Continued civil war in middle-eastern countries, Myanmar etc. has visible derailed their progress and has pointed to the world the indispensable role of social peace in progress.
The countries who have achieved progress in the post globalization era have done so by peacefully engaging with its trading partners. Trade allows flow of ideas, technology and optimum utilisation of resources. Communal riots, intolerance or war nettle investors. Also, it is pertinent to point out that war is a costly affair which is financed by ignoring the development needs of future generations. The gap in progress made by South and North Korea attests the need for a peaceful world order over belligerent geopolitics.
Darwin’s idea of genetic progress by survival of the fittest in continued struggle for life is perhaps the only kind of progress that can be made in absence of peace. We must rise beyond this, because an eye for an eye will make the world blind and waging war will leave us all dead. We must remember that there are no jobs on a dead planet. There is no progress without peace.