Question

Explain the challenges to National Unity.

Answer 1

India has always been seen by scholars as a unique example of unity in diversity. The diversities in terms of communities, races, classes, languages, and sub-cultures are bound to pose obstacles to the achievement of national integration.

The following factors impede the development of national sentiment:

1. Casteism: Casteism refers to loyalty to one's own caste before loyalty to the nation. Caste ties are so strong that people are inclined to think in terms of caste before the nation.
2. Communalism: Communalism refers mainly to loyalty to one's own religion before the nation. India is one of the countries in the world where so many religions co-exist side by side. Communal conflict is one of the worst blots on national reputation.
3. Regionalism: Regionalism refers to loyalty to one's own state or region before one's nation. This interferes with national integration to a great extent. Regionalism emerges due to the desire for people speaking one language to have one state. It leads to Inter-State rivalries.
4. Linguism: Linguism has its origin in the linguistic division of states and the linguistic minorities within the states. Linguism today has acquired seriousness and intensity. It has led to a definite form of linguistic nationalism which can provide enough impetus for separation in India.
5. Economic Inequalities: In India, all the states are not equal in resources. Management and organization, fertility of the land, distribution of wealth, etc., and this leads to economic imbalances. Unequal distribution of wealth within a state causes tension and conflict. Wealth concentration in the hands of a few has an impact on the development of society and prevents healthy competition. So, these are the challenges identified as impediments to national unity.