Astana, Kazakhstan, Apr 7: Describing India's 'accomodative pluralism' as a shining example for the world, Vice-President Hamid Ansari today said that it has greatly contributed to stability and development and helped to ward off threat to multiculturalism. "Our accomodative pluralism, our capacity to give space to fellow citizens and our ability to draw the circle wide enough to be inclusive has greatly contributed to stability,'' he said while addressing the Kazakhstan Senate here this morning. Mr Ansari was among few foreign dignitaries, who were given the honour to address the Senate.

He said that ''we have understood the importance of managing diversity and are harnessing it for the wellbeing of our people,'' adding, ''Indian diversity is staggering.'' ''We have 22 languages that are recognised by then constitution with 844 dialects that are practiced in various parts of the country. Followers of the major religions of the world are found amongst the citizens of India,'' Mr Ansari said.

The Vice-President said that the essence of democracy is participatory governance. Experience the world over has shown that this ensures responsiveness and transparency. Referring to India-Kazakhstan relations, he said that ''our significant cooperation could transform our relations''. He offered India's help to Kazakhstan in IT sector as well as service areas.

UNI