Unit V: Key Concerns

1) Unity in Diversity
2) Border Issues
3) Biodiversity Conservation
Unity in Diversity
Introduction

India is a land of incredible diversity where unity thrives amidst a myriad (countless) of
differences at all levels. Unity in diversity is an important feature of Indian society. India is
the best example to carry forward the concept of unity in diversity. India is land of billions
of people where unity in diversity is deeply ingrained reflecting harmonious coexistence,
coordination and cooperation of different religions, traditions, cultures, and languages.
How any country or region has diversity and how can accommodate that diversity with
maintaining unity. India is one of the a few countries that proved and maintained unity in
diversity from centuries.

Unity in Diversity

Kashmir
Arunachal
Pradesh

Gujarat

Kanyakumari

Fig. 1 Pan India

Concept: Unity in diversity is a socio-psychological condition, which denotes the sense of
oneness and we-ness. Diversity in India exists at various levels in different forms from
Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Namcha Barwa to Kutch. For example, through sports
we depict the idea of oneness whether we lose or win the match. Unity in diversity promote
integration as we focus on intermingling and intermixing like Bengali, Gujarati, Odia,
Marathi, Madrasi, etc. For example, All India services, Judiciary are all integrated.

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 Yunaan-o-Misr-o-Rom sab mit gaye jahaan se/ Ab tak magar hai baaki, naam-o-
nishaan hamara (Allama Iqbal) (old civilisations of Greece, Egypt and Rome have vanished
from the earth, but our civilisation continues to thrive: Dr. Manmohan Singh, 1991)

Characteristics
Historical Cultural influence

♀ Indian history dates back to thousands of years with numerous ancient civilizations
flourished on its soil such as Harappan and Indus Valley Civilizations.

♀ These diverse civilizations have left indelible (permanent) marks on Indian culture and
heritage, which can be seen in our art, architecture, dance, drama and music.

♀ India has been a melting pot of multiple cultural influences from Indo-Aryans to
Mughals and Britishers. This rich history has given rise to a vibrant and diverse
society.
Multiethnic Society
It refers to wide variety of racial groups. Example India is home to most of the racial profiles
such as
• Mongoloid
• Dravidians
• Negrito

Multilingual Society

♀ Despite Hindi as the official language of India, the constitution of India (8th schedule)
recognized 22 languages. However more than thousand languages are being spoken in
India.

♀ 122 languages have been identified by Census of India, 2011, there are so many
languages that are spoken by less than 10,000 people are not identified by the Census
of India.
Multi-class society

♀ This division is based on the birth as well as social and financial achievements. Class is
based on economic system (income) means lower class and upper class.

♀ The emerging class system closely resembles the caste hierarchy (Hindu society) is based
on birth
• Brahman
• Chatriya

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 • Vaishya
• Shudra

♀ Class can be changed from one generation after another while caste will remain intact.
Patriarchal Society

♀ Where men tend to enjoy greater status compared to women in all spheres of life (social,
political, economic).

♀ Some societies are matrilineal where status of women is higher than men (some tribal
societies).
Spiritualism and Materialism

♀ Spiritualism focuses to promote an individual's experience with God (Allah, Bhagwan,

Jesus, Nanak, Buddha).

♀ Materialism possessions of materials and physical comfort.

♀ Both features (materialism and spiritualism) experienced transitional shift after

globalisation in Indian society.

Blood and Kinship ties

♀ Blood relation ad kinship ties enjoy a stronghold over other social relationships.

Factors leading to Unity in Diversity

i. Constitutional Identity

♀ There is single constitution and everyone obey it.

♀ Single citizenship is applicable while dual citizenship is not allowed.

♀ All the states follow 3-tier government structure

a) Union government manages country issues.
b) State government handles state level issues
c) Panchayat and municipalities manage district level issues

♀ Constitution guarantees certain fundamental right and duties to everyone.

♀ Anyone can go anywhere and settle in any part of the India territory.

♀ Preamble ensures justice, liberty, equality and fraternity for all.

♀ No discrimination based on
• Race
• Religion

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 • Caste
• Sex
• Place of Birth
ii. Religious coexistence

♀ Religious tolerance, however it is increasing in current times due to political will.

♀ Freedom to adopt any religion and religious practices are guaranteed by the
Constitution of India (Article 25–28). Sarva Dharma Sambhav.

♀ Everyone has the freedom to practice their religion so there is no question of conflict
among each other.
iii. Vast Food Variety

♀ Indian cuisine is as diverse as the country. Indian cuisine is a mosaic of different

flavours as each region offers its own taste and delectable (delicious) dish.

♀ The culinary (food/cooking) diversity is a testament to the country's love for food
and influence of different culture on its cuisines.

♀ Each region has its own cooking traditions from fiery curries of south to biryanis of
north, the food brings people together.

♀ The unity is found at the dining table, dhabas, hotels, where people from diverse
background savour (smell/aroma) multitudes of textures and flavours.
iv. Clothing

♀ Traditional Indian clothing is a visual representation of country's diversity. It

includes from turbans to sarees, salwar kameez to dhotis, kurta pajama to lungis,
the variety of clothing styles is vast.

♀ Every state has its own traditional attire, which is linked to regional climate and
culture. This diversity is celebration of India's unity.
v. Interstate mobility

♀ Anyone can move to throughout the territory of India under Article 19 (1) (d).

♀ This promotes a sense of we-ness, unity and brotherhood among the masses.
vi. Economic integration

♀ Chanakya system of taxation is being followed in India even today.

♀ Economic integration brings unity through different means.

♀ Goods and Services Tax (GST) integrated the economy of one state to another.

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 ♀ The economy of one state depends on another. Raw material of one sate is important
to prepare finished goods in another state like sugarcane from Uttar Pradesh (raw
material) to Maharashtra (finished goods).

♀ The production of one state is dependent on another state. Food grain production in
Punjab and Haryana meet the demand of several states. Spice production from South
Indian States particularly Kerala meets the demand of all over India.

♀ Some states provide labour (Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, North-East) to other states
industries (Gujarat, Maharashtra, south India)
vii. Institution of Pilgrimage and religious practices

♀ Pilgrims from all over India visit Ajmer, Kedarnath, Badrinath, Tirupati,
Rameshwaram, Puri, Amritsar, Kamakhya and many more for their religious faith.
viii. Fairs and festivals

♀ Celebration of inter-religious festivals can be seen in India such as festivals like Eid,
Diwali, Dusshera, Christmas and others are celebrated pan India level and these
festivals are not restricted to some regions.

♀ Fairs like Maha Kumbh (Allahabad) attract people across the globe to India.
ix. Climatic Integration (Monsoon)

♀ The production of crops in most of the states of India depends on monsoon. Better
the monsoon higher will be the crop production all over India and vice-versa.

♀ Monsoon affects Indian economy to a very large extent as Indian economy is an

agrarian economy.
x. Law and Order

♀ Uniform law and order being practiced throughout India. There is uniformity in penal
code and offences.

♀ The Indian Penal Code (1860) replaced by Bhatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Evidence Act
(1872) Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam. Code of Criminal Procedure (1973) replaced
by Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
xi. Sports and Cinema

♀ People from all walks of life like sports such as hockey, cricket, wrestling, badminton,
wrestling at several national and international platforms (Olympics)

♀ People from different strata like all sorts of movies from Indian film industry

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 • Bollywood (Mumbai Hindi oriented)
• Pollywood (Punjabi)
• Tollywood (Telugu)
• Bhojiwood (Bhojpuri)
• Jollywood (Assamese)

Threats/Challenges to Unity in Diversity

1) Regionalism

♀ Highlights the interest of a particular region over national interest, then this causes
trouble to our country.

♀ Some regions demand for separate states without understanding the unity and
sovereignty of the country.
2) Ethnic Differentiation and Nativism

♀ Particularly in North-East like Assam. Assamese blame that people from outside are
migrating and residing in the state are changing demography and controlling job.

♀ Migration in any state is threat to local culture and identity.

♀ In Assam, there are several cases of conflicts between Bengalis (Muslims) and Bodo
(Hindus: Assamese) to protect and conserve their indigenous culture.

3) Divisive Politics

♀ Separate identity such as caste, religion, community are evoked by political class to
gain vote in their favour.

♀ Several religious statements have been given across the party lines during Lok Sabha
election in the last a few elections for the polarisation of the vote bank politics.

♀ One political leader talk (Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, South India) about one particular
community while other about other community during the election, but this practice
divides people based on caste and religion. This is being done to influence voter so
that they caste vote in their favour.
4) Inter-religious Conflicts

♀ It is honour and pride that people from different religions are living together depicts
invaluable treasures of Incredible India, but in several cases this harmony turned
into conflicts.

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 ♀ Partition of India, Babri Masjid demolition case, Sikh riots, Godhra riots, Shaheen
Bagh case, and many more have disturbed the religious brotherhood of incredible
India.
5) Development Imbalance

♀ Not only inter-sate but intra-state development imbalance can be seen all over India.

♀ Some states like Maharashtra, Gujarat and South Indian states keep making
allegations that they contribute more in the GDP but receive less revenue
comparatively from the finance commission.

6) Geographical Isolation

♀ North-East and hilly states are comparatively less connected to other parts of India,
this leads to feel them they are not part of the integrated India.

♀ Chicken neck corridor of 22 km that connects North-East rest of India, hence

security of this corridor is very necessary to connect north-east with rest of India.

♀ Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and Legislative Assembly seats are quite less seats in
North-East and hilly states compared to other states of the country.

♀ Poor connectivity hampers the fruits of development in these states.

7) Influence of External factors

♀ Non-state actors from Pakistan are promoting terrorism in Kashmir that affects the
progress of India.

♀ Pakistan is also promoting terrorism in border areas such as Punjab (India)

8) Inter-state conflicts

♀ Inter-state river water dispute for Kaveri water sharing between Tamil Nadu and
Karnataka is quite evident.

♀ These sorts of conflicts are not healthy for integrity of India.

Conclusion
India's strength in differences is the cornerstone of its unique identity and is a bright
example of unity in diversity. It is visible in all aspects of life from cultural celebration to
educational attainment. By understanding and celebrating these differences, we can create a
united region where diversity is not a source of division, but a reason for unity. Despite of
several challenges posed by diversity, there is no doubt on the several roles played by socio-
cultural diversity in sustaining, maintaining and developing Indian society. Diversity is

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source of strength as it encourages cultural integration, exchange, innovation and
resilience. This enriches country socially, politically and economically. Indian society will
continue to develop due to this diversity for a longtime.