2021 Dignity Workshop 20: A Dignity Manifesto as Message to the World by Deepak Tripathi
Channel: Evelin Lindner
Date: 2021-11-22

This is a "Dignity Manifesto" by Deepak Tripathi formulated as a "Message to the World" and recorded on November 4,21 2021, for the 18th Workshop on Transforming Humiliation and Violent Conflict at Columbia University in New York City, December 9 – 11, 2021. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, this conference had to take place online. See how his message was shared on Day Three of the workshop at https://youtu.be/jopUeHxEGYM .

Message from Deepak Tripathi for Human Dignity Workshop, December 2021 
Fellow Scholars and Practitioners attending this Work Shop: 
We meet today at a critical time in human history. Our planet faces three major crises – conflict, climate change and poverty. Crises on a number of fronts. We read, hear and watch in the news about conflict in several parts of our planet. 
We know the cost of conflict is high. People die or get hurt. Women, children, the elderly and minorities are most vulnerable. Food, health and education – the essentials for human existence – are scarce. 
In agrarian societies, farmers cannot grow crops. People cannot find jobs. In worst cases, there is famine, disease, grief and despair, which again strike the most vulnerable. It is catastrophic for many. 
War, climate change, and poverty are the most devastating tragedies to fall on us. Unless we all play our part, these tragedies are bound to result in far worse consequences. Concerted efforts on all fronts is essential. We have to work together. 
This is why I am suggesting today a set of actions that we can all take in our wonderful international community of scholars and practitioners interested in Human Dignity and Humiliation Studies. The name I have thought of is “Manifesto of Dignity.” 

1. Respect the dignity of all humans, even when disagreeing 
2. Listen carefully to others’ views before reacting in haste 
3. Give everyone space 
4. Respect the environment and avoid excessive consumption
5. Choose lifestyle that avoids excessive consumption

Respecting the dignity of others avoids disruption in human relationships. It helps interaction and cooperation, for it is through cooperation that we can maximise achievements towards common goals. 
Listening to people’s views avoids the risk of overpowering other views from which we may learn and add to our own understanding. 
Giving everyone space has the benefit of allowing all of us to think freely and independently. It enhances our thinking potential. 
Respecting the environment and avoiding excessive consumption is about protecting our surroundings that sustain our existence on this planet. Some of the oldest civilizations have long worshipped the five essentials of life – the Sun, the Earth, air, water, fire. But many of us who have become used to modern life of luxury have forgotten the vital part these five elements of life play to ensure our existence. We do not have to go back and live in caves again. But we should think about what our luxuries cost. The recent Climate Summit in the United Kingdom may not have done enough. But it certainly has reminded us what we must do, and that our effort must continue. 
[END] 

"Messages to the World" are a contribution to the World Dignity University Library of Ideas to be shared with the world and, hopefully, inspirational for future generations. 

Deepak Tripathi, PhD, FRHistS, is a British historian of the Greater Middle East and South Asia with a particular emphasis on the Cold War and the United States in the post-Soviet world. He is an honorary research fellow in social sciences at the University of Roehampton in London. Among his books is A Journey Through Turbulence (Dignity Press, 2013). ... Earlier, he spent his long career in journalism (1974–1977), primarily in the BBC where he was a correspondent, commentator and editor. In the early 1990s, Tripathi set up the BBC Bureau in Kabul and was the corporation's resident correspondent in Afghanistan. He also reported from Syria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India. 

See more on: 
- www.humiliationstudies.org/whoweare/board04.php#tripathi
- www.humiliationstudies.org/whoweare/annualmeeting/36.php
- www.worlddignityuniversity.org