International mindedness stems from the understanding of the humanity as a single race .When we recognize this cardinal principal we automatically forget differentiation on the basis of race and religion. History has evidence that internationalism had to and even is still undergoing a struggle against anarchist forces.But more than ever before international mindedness is today one of the vital forces than can tackle global problems.
Sri Aurobindo says:
"There are many tendencies in human life at present which are favourable to the progress of the internationalist idea.The strongest of these favourable forces is.......science".
Scientific thinking promotes the rationalist spirit of man, science draws the human community closer.Therefore an internationally minded individual has essentially developed a scientific temperament.The fact that today religion acts as one of the divisive forces it is imperative for us to realize it is we who have made it so . Historical speaking all religions in History emerged as an attempt to free mankind from tyranny, from dominance or pettiness.
Why is it so important for us as leaders in the field of education to promote international mindedness?
H.G Wells once wrote that human History becomes more and more a race between education and catastrophe.
The two ulcers that are slowly killing this beautiful world are violence and environmental problems.We will be able to solve these problems only when we foster internationalism. We must realise that the world is a global community, the problems are universal and so are its solution.We must realise that today's issues are no longer theirs only,' us and them' has to give way to only 'US'.Scientifically speaking the world is one planet- its problems are universal . Philosophically speaking God created the world , man created nations.
While it is undeniable that nationalism is a positive and strong sentiment, internationalism is the need of the hour. Let us move out of our national identities and let us consider ourselves as global citizens.
