Unity in Diversity

Mains Marks Booster     3rd August 2023        

“If God had so wished, he would have made all Indians speak with one language ... the unity of India has been and shall always be a unity in diversity.” Rabindranath Tagore


Despite having infinite diversities, the Indian society manifests a feeling of togetherness and integrity. These factors responsible for this Unity in Diversity are as below:

  • Political structure: Indian constitution provides for single citizenship and a strong center, with coming together model of federalism
  • Economic integration: The article 301 of constitution provides for freedom of trade throughout the country. Furthermore, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has further strengthened the idea of single market.
  • Secularism and tolerance: through constitution and cultural history of sarva thatma sambhava, dharmnirpheks like values.
  • Religious and secular festivals: The fairs and festivals celebrated throughout the country to instil a feeling of e.g. Diwali, Eid, Republic day.
  • Through Schemes: Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat aims to enhance understanding and bonding between states through cultural exchange, promoting unity and integrity of India.

Unity in diversity” in India was not born out of necessity but as “our civilisational and cultural heritage” - Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan


Way forward

  • Balanced regional growth: Identify and target underdeveloped areas in the country. E.g. Aspirational Districts Program.
  • Promote nationalism and patriotism: The feeling of nationalism and patriotism should be instilled in order to tackle regionalism. E.g., Delhi government announced introducing 'Deshbhakti' curriculum in schools to induce patriotism among kids.
  • Promote religious tolerance: Inter religious harmony and tolerance should be promoted in order to curb communalism.
  • Improved Connectivity: The connectivity and transportation to remote areas needs to be improved so that anti-social elements cannot exploit geographical isolation against national interest.
  • Socio-economic Equality: There is a need for tackling growing inequalities using various social welfare and educational measures.