According to Article 1.1., “[t]olerance is respect, acceptance and appreciation of the rich diversity of our world’s cultures, our forms of expression and ways of being human…Tolerance is harmony in diference” (UNESCO 1995). Mikael Hjerm et al. specifically define tolerance as a value orientation towards difference. This paper attempts to establish that a mutual assertion of the identities of the ‘groups’ is inevitable in creating an equal ‘space’ for ‘constant contest and discourse’ of the ‘group’s identities, and that it is a prerequisite for seeking appreciation from the other ‘group’. Our analysis focus on the contemporary literature of the Northeast and how they actively participate in voicing the concerns, documenting the history, and engaging in political debates of the region, which is otherwise and enigma or discreet to the other ‘groups’ in the country.

Tolerance, Prejudice, Value Orientation, Difference, Appreciation