MULTICULTURALISM IN INDIA:

RELEVANCE, PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES

[ Outline of lecture ,

Refresher Course on Multiculturalism,

Organised by Human Resource Development Centre, University of Burdwan,

Date : 29 July 2022 ]

Debi Chatterjee

Retd. Professor

Department of International Relations

Jadavpur University, Kolkata

Multiculturalism rests on the notion of the existence of multiple cultural groups residing within a defined
political area, retaining their distinct cultural identities and enjoying equal rights.

India presents the scenario of cultural diversity with centuries’ old history of people of different cultural
streams moving into the region to make it their home. Over years it has generated the most complex
pictures of conflict, accommodation and assertion.

The Indian Constitution recognizes the presence of diversities and seeks to provide scope for the
existence and growth of different cultural groups with dignity. Within the broad frame of a federal
structure, fundamental rights for all and recognition of minority rights find clear mention. Equally
significant, inter alia, are the special provisions incorporated for the development of the tribes and tribal
areas. It clearly appears to present a frame of governance for a multicultural society. Yet, how effective
has it been? The demands of multiculturalism operate at dual levels – structural as well as socio-political
and need to be perceived accordingly. Persistent and widespread ethnic and religious conflicts fueled by
dominant majoritarian beliefs, and absence of firm governmental commitment to multiculturalism seem
to weaken India’s case for being truly multicultural in practice. Against the backdrop of individual and
group rights in a liberal democratic frame, we shall, in the course of our lecture, try to ascertain the
prospects and challenges faced by multiculturalism in India. In this effort we shall focus on the tribal
situation as also the position of the largest religious minority community, the Muslims.