IMPACT OF MULTICULTURALISM IN INDIAN MARKET

Foundation Course Project-Semester II

Submitted by:
Aman Rao
Roll No: 06
F.Y B.COM Div.: A
S.I.E.S COLLEGE OF ARTS, SCIENCE & COMMERCE

Submitted to:
Ms. Ashwathy PVR
Assistant Professor
Department of Commerce (B.COM)
S.I.E.S COLLEGE OF ARTS, SCIENCE & COMMERCE

Academic Year: 2018-2019

Date of Submission: 28TH February,2019

 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I sincerely appreciate the inspiration; support and guidance of all the people who have been
instrumental in making this project a success. However, it would not be possible without the kind
support and help of many individuals. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of them.
I, Aman Rao, the student of S.I.E.S COLLEGE OF ARTS, SCIENCE & COMMERCE, am
extremely grateful to “College” for the confidence bestowed in me and entrusting my project
entitled “IMPACT OF MULTICULTURALISM IN INDIAN MARKET”.

At this juncture I feel deeply honored in expressing my sincere thanks to Ms. Ashwathy PVR
for making the resources available at the right time and providing valuable insights leading to the
successful completion of my project.
 DECLARATION

I, Aman Rao, Division A, Roll No. 06 of the First Year of B.COM, hereby declare that this
project is inspired from various articles those I have come across on the given topic.

I submit this project work for the First Year Examination conducted by the college for the
Academic Year : 2018-2019.

Date :28th February,2019

SIGNATURE:

PLACE: NERUL
 INDEX

S.R No. CONTENT PAGE NO

1. ACKNOWLEGEMENT 2

2. DECLARATION 3

3. INTRODUCTION 4

4. CASE STUDY I 7

5. CASE STUDY II 8

6. CONCLUSION 9

7. BIBLIOGRAPHY 10
 INTRODUCTION

What is multiculturalism?

The process of adaptation and interaction among the various groups brought about, on the one
hand, India’s characteristic diversity and, on the other, a composite cultural tradition leading to
multiculturalism. Multiculturalism is the appreciation, acceptance or promotion of multiple
cultures, applied to the demographic make-up of a specific place, usually at the organizational
level, e.g. schools, businesses, neighborhood, cities or nations. In this sense multiculturalism
approximates the respect for the ethnic diversity.

Multiculturalism in India
By the tenth century, the basic nationalities in India had been formed; the Punjabis, the Sindhis,
the Gujaratis, the Marathas, the Bengalees, Assamese, Oriyas, Andhras, Tamils, Malayalese,
Kanadigs etc., had come into existence and by the eighteenth century, several politically
powerful nationalities had emerged in India.
They included the Maratha kingdom in western India, Mysore in peninsular India, Punjab in the
northwest and Bengal in the east. However, the territories were not always well defined.

Advantages of Multiculturalism

1. Education
There have been changes in the syllabus of subjects, like history, to accommodate a more
comprehensive and broader version of the past events. This can be seen as giving more exposure
to children, wherein they learn about different perspectives on a given topic. Kids are educated
about equality, and thus develop an attitude against racism.

2. Professional
Employees coming from various cultures can contribute with a wider range of perspectives on an
assignment. A mix of cultural experiences helps in problem-solving and can create a strong team.
Having a diverse group of workers always enriches the office environment, improving the work
culture.
3. Multinational Companies
These service industry giants, specifically the FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods
manufacturers, have benefited greatly from globalization. A diverse population employed by
these companies in different countries helps them capture global markets, increase customer base
across nations and earn profits easily.

4. Skilled Migrant Labor

Multiethnic countries are home to majority of immigrants, a significant population of it being a
highly educated skilled workforce. For example, students coming from Asia to the United States
for higher education become part of the country's workforce. Besides their aptness for the job, a
basic requirement, like knowledge of the English language, serves as an additional asset for both,
the employer and the employee.

Disadvantages of Multiculturalism

1. Education
Children from ethnic minorities or immigrant families would take time in getting
accustomed to a new environment. This may get reflected in their academic
performance, when compared with that of the local children.

2. Professional
Although largely it is a benefit, managing a multicultural workforce can be very
demanding. Prejudices of employees may work against the people belonging to a
minority. Encouraging cooperation among all the co-workers, especially in
collaborating as a team, can be a task.

3. Fear of Influence
Living in a multicultural society, even a cosmopolitan city for that matter, may
inculcate a fear among individuals or minority groups, that they would lose their original ethnic
identities or lifestyle. Being influenced by other cultures or foreign belief systems, at times create
a protectionist tendency among the citizens.

4. Risk of Social Conflict

The possibility of a social conflict occurs due to differences in religious beliefs and practices,
ethnic rituals, or certain ways of life that may cause a rift between two or more groups. However,
in those countries that have adopted multiculturalism as an integrative policy, it has been noticed
that conflicts arose mainly during financial crisis and due to lack of social programs.
 Case Study 1 – Newspaper Article

Hindustan Times

Updated: Aug 16, 2018 17:29 IST

Independence Day special: Pune youth uphold diversity, in style
What is the best way to uphold India’s diversity? What do students and young professionals
think about unity in diversity? Have the lessons from history made any impact on their adult
lives?

India is considered as one of the most diverse nations in the world. It has the maximum
number of youngsters. India has always coexisted and maintained its diversity in a great way.
Young professionals and collegians have contributed to this celebration to a great extent with
their broad approach and awareness. From promoting diversity through their acts to spreading
awareness on multicultural approach, city students and professionals are going all out to
uphold diversity.

Students and young professionals are of the opinion that the best way to uphold and celebrate
‘Indianness’ is by understanding what it means to be an Indian. They have been attempting to
promote diversity by understanding of other’s perspectives better. If required, they do not
hesitate to broaden or change their perspective, if required so.

Young minds believe that celebration of diversity will only happen when people become
aware about diversity and learn to acknowledge it. Once this happens, the awareness itself
becomes a celebration.

It is heartening to learn that young people are open to different languages, food, culture,
belief, tradition and religion. People moving out of their hometowns for education, jobs and
other reasons get to experience varied culture and tradition.

The acceptance of each other’s belief happens faster. They are not shy of trying out new
cuisines, understand the importance of various festivals and they wish to be a part of the
celebrations.

These millennials feel they have a huge responsibility towards upholding the diversity and
work as one India for the betterment of our nation. In today’s world, it is important for us to
stand up as a nation, together.

Today we are living in a far more diverse environment. I am speaking for the students
between the age group of 18 and 21. We are more open to accepting diverse cultures and
rituals. Having said that, it is up to us, the younger population to bring about and stick to this
change. I feel if we continue to respect everyone’s opinion, we will all be in a happier place.
Not bringing in religion or community to prove a point is also a safe way to promote
diversity. I have friends from several communities in the college. It is a cosmopolitan crowd.
We all meet up at each other’s places on festivals or for important events. However, we treat
it as a celebration and no one is forced to follow anything. I wish to continue with this
attitude. If I don’t impose my thoughts or religion on someone, the other person won’t either,
thus, letting both of us live in peace.

CASE STUDY 2 –
VIDEO INTERVIEW

Interview

Q.1. Do you think we should celebrate diversity in our country?

Ans. 1. PAWAN ROCHWANI, 24, professional

Celebration of diversity will only come when we are aware about it and we acknowledge it.
Once that happens, the awareness itself become a celebration. We are constantly bombarded
with so much of information every other second and it is obvious that a majority of people
will opt for information about diversity which is entertaining. If no one is aware, the question
of celebration does not arise. I recently attended a film screening about the migration of
people from Tibet to various parts of the world and how India is geographically a very
important part of their life. This is not just in terms of geography but how their culture and
habits change when they shift to another country. Through that film screening, I became
more aware about the ethnicity of Tibetans.

Q.2. What will help to flourish our diversity in India?

Ans 2. VARUN CHAUHAN, 24, student
Only when there is a change in the mindset, the spirit of diversity can be healthy. Till we
actually, don’t start respecting or empathizing with each other’s differences, there will always
be the thin crack. So mature and understanding heads is what is needed. Such thoughts must
be spread to the masses through social gatherings or any other similar means.0 A sense of
mutual respect will help our diversity flourish.

Q.3. Why do you think multiculturalism is important for our nation?

Ans 3. DISHA MATHUR, 22, professional

We, the millennial have a huge responsibility to uphold the diversity and use it as our
strength for the betterment of our nation. We should get more involved in politics with fresh
mindset which can enhance opportunities. We should keep away the old beliefs of the
hypocritic part of the society and bring more diversity to the political scenario of our nation.
We should bring in newer candidates to politics who can replace the old repulsive politicians
who influence people for personal religious benefits.

Q.4. How do you plan to promote diversity in your country?

Ans 4. HUSNUL SHAIKH, 24, professional

I plan to promote diversity by bringing people together by organizing free and open-to-all
film screenings, storytelling sessions and various art related exhibitions and workshops.
 Conclusion

India is a big market in itself. Its diversity provides hundreds of business opportunity round
the year. For example, every state and religion have different festivals to celebrate. Every
festival is a million of dollar economic affair. The diversity keeps the nation vibrant. It also
infuses new ideas and opportunities. Pakistan for example that was created on single religion,
Sunni dominated and focused only on one culture was further partitioned and heading to fail.
Pakistan couldn't bear the diversity of Bengal (Bangladesh) in her fold. USA on the other
hand invited the talent from all over the world gave them opportunities and is today a vibrant
nation.
It would not be wrong if I will say that Diversity of India is its biggest strength. The benefits
that India can have due to its diverse nature is: -

1. In the field of Intelligence: - The more the diversity, the stronger will be the
intelligence agency. Suppose if you have to sneak in China then you can recruit
someone from north-east who will look like them making it impossible to
distinguish.
1. It leads to exposure: - Diversity not only helps in knowing us better but also
contributes to knowledge. A multicultural society exposes an individual to learn
new things. People generally roam everywhere to learn new things which can boost
their knowledge and when they get the things under one roof, what can be better
than that?
2. A better future: - Diversity in society allows for richness and variety, boosting
innovation which leads to economic growth, improving access to jobs, producing
culturally vibrant and varied communities and preventing stagnation. Early
exposure to ethnic and economy diversity prepares children and students for a
multicultural world, with studies demonstrating that this type of socializing
contributes significantly to their academic development and level of cultural
awareness.
We, as a people are may be different in terms of caste, Color, religion or creed but we are
united by the feeling of being Indian and this is one of the biggest strength India have.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. https://www.hindustantimes.com/pune-news/independence-day-special-pune-
youth-uphold-diversity-in-style/story-2cyOMZVIlVg4YF4DURZipL.html

2. www.wikipedia.com

3. Foundation Book Text Book