Diversity in India: Racial diversity & Ethnic diversity and Unity in diversity

Diversity in India (Unity in diversity)

(Racial diversity, Racial Intolerance, Ethnic diversity & Ethno-nationalism)

"Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilisation"

Gandhi ji

Racial diversity 

• Concept of Race
• Reasons for Racial intolerance
• Implications
• Way forward

Race - Race is a social group which is characterised on the basis of physical difference. For example - Skin colour, Height, Hair texture, etc.

So, a Race can be defined as a social group consisting of people having distinctive physical characteristics such as skin colour, texture of hair, physical features, etc.

Racial intolerance (Racism) - It is the discrimination on the basis of race.

Reasons for racial intolerance/racial discrimination -

1. Obsession with a particular race. 
• For example - Fair complexion.
2. Primary socialisation with respect to white superiority (or White men burden).
3. Media depicting one racial characteristics (such as fair complexion) as superior.
• For example - Fairness cream → obsession towards fair complexion.
4. Lack of cultural integration (which might result in stereotyping)
• Lack of cultural integration → Stereotype → Hostile attitude → might get violent manifestation → Resort to survival technique of invisibility → Ghettoization → lack of cultural integration.
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5. Educational curriculum (Lack of comprehensive coverage & faulty racial contents).
• For example - Depicting fair as beautiful and dark complexion as ugly
6. Limited resources and dis-proportionate demand.
7. Presence of anti-social/fringe elements who tries to fuel the sentiments (Zero sum theory).
8. Lack of stringent provisions to curb such incidents.
9. Irresponsible/insensitive behaviour of the police.

Implications of Racial intolerance/Racial discrimination 

1. It negatively impacts the bi-lateral relations with the other countries.
2. It hampers social harmony and integration.
3. It can lead to disenchantment among minorities (which may result in demand of secession, which is a threat to national unity and integrity).
4. It may lead to act of deviance (like mob lynching, suicide, etc.)
5. It negatively impacts prospects of India vis-à-vis business, educational destination, tourist destination, etc.
6. It lead to the alienation of minorities.
7. Ability to reap the benefits of human capital will be impacted which negatively impacts the economic prospects of economic growth.
8. Threatens the prospects of India to emerge as a global leader/power.
9. It has negative impact on FDI.
10. It defame the idea of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' (वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम).
11. It negatively impacts the 'Social Capital' (mutual relation, trust, faith, etc).
12. Dent to mental health.
13. Genetical manipulation for desired physical traits.

Way forward/Suggestions 

1. There is a need of sensitisation program to eradicate Indian's obsession with fair complexion.
2. Charismatic personalities should come forward to lend their voice to the issue of racial discrimination.
3. The police needs to be trained and sensitised with respect to incidences of racial attacks.
4. Confidence building measure should be taken to assure racial minorities about their security and well being in India.
5. Educational institutions need to be made more accommodative and inclusive.
6. Holding workshops by the government or civil society to sensitise the locals about the culture of minorities.

Bezbaruah Committee Recommendation 

1. Formulation of stringent laws and adequate implementation.
2. Establishment of Fast track courts, Special police squad, enhancing social media outreach, legal awareness campaign, etc. should be encouraged.
3. Bonding power of sports need to be explored.

Ethnic diversity

• Ethnic group
• Ethno-Nationalism

Ethnic Group - Ethnic group consists of people who are united on the basis of common culture, history, ancestors, etc.

They have awareness about their similarities and distinctions from others which results into the emergence of Ethnic identity.

For example - Aryans, Dravidians, etc

Ethnic identity → differential access to resources based on their ethnic identity → Ethnic Stratification → Ethnic Antagonism → Subjective realisation (due to third party) → Ethno-Nationalism.

For example - Sri Lanka (Sinhalese vs Tamil)

• When Ceylon (Sri Lanka) got independence 
• Ceylon Citizenship Act was passed which deprived Tamils from the Right to Citizenship.
• Made 'Sinhala' as the official language.
• 'Buddhism' as the official religion.
• Ban on imports of Tamil literature (based on ethnic identity)
• 3rd Party → 1976 - Liberation Tiger of Tamil Ellam under Prabhakaran → Subjective realisation → Sri Lankan Civil War.

Unity in Diversity

• What is Unity?
• Bonds of Unity in India
• Geographical (Geo-political & Geo-Cultural)
• Socio-Cultural
• Regional
• Diversity in Unity

Diversity - Collective differences which set off one group different from other.

Unity - Unity refers to sense of oneness. It is a bond which holds the members of society together. It can either be based on Uniformity and Differences.

Bonds of Unity 

1. Geographical bond of unity
• Geo-Political bond
• Geo-Cultural bond
2. Socio-Cultural bond of unity
3. Regional bond of unity
4. Language

Geo-Political bond of unity 

The first bond of unity is found in Geo-political integration. India is known for its geographical unity marked by Himalayas in the north and oceans on the sides.

Amidst the geographical unity, India stands politically united.

For example - All of us are governed by the same constitution, Single Citizenship, Same political culture, etc.

Geo-Cultural bond of unity 

Temple culture plays a significant role in promoting interaction and cultural affinity among the people living in different parts of India. Hence, it is a source of unity which is reflected in the network of shrines and sacred places.

India is geographically bounded by temples. For example - Haridwar (in North), Rameswaram (in South), Dwarka (in West) and Puri (in East).

Socio-Cultural bond of unity 

Within Hinduism, there exists diversity with respect to sects, cult, etc. But it is the teaching of religious scriptures which binds them together.

Apart from that different religions also share some commonality among them. For example - Earning religious merits by visiting religious shrines.

Regional bond of unity 

In linguistic areas, there exists a vertical unity cutting across various levels of caste.

Similarly, caste/religion represents horizontal unity cutting across linguistic areas.

Language 

Amidst the linguistic diversity, Sanskrit acts as a bridge. Similarly Hindi and English act as a unifying thread amidst the diversity.

The epics have been retold in various languages, however it has a touch of divinity and is considered sacred by a common man.

Unity in diversity 

• Sense of 'Indian'
• Cricket (Sports)
• War Nationalism
• Music, Cinema and OTT
• All India Services, Parliament, Corporate, etc.
• Educational institutions

Question for practice 

explain the concept of unity in diversity. Give examples from your socio-cultural life to explain the concept.

Diversity in unity 

It refers to the existence of plural culture with respect to ethnicity, race, religion, etc. together within the nation.

Question for practice 

What are the challenges associated with cultural diversity in India? How has India been able to accommodate and manage this cultural diversity?

Previous Article - Regional diversity 

Next Article - Secularism in India

Notes on other subjects 

Ancient History

Medieval History

Modern History

Art & Culture

Polity

Geography

International Relations

Society

Optional Subject 

Public Administration

Note - This is my Vision IAS Notes (Vision IAS Class Notes) and Ashutosh Pandey Sir's Public Administration Class notes. I've also added some of the information on my own. 

Hope! It will help you to achieve your dream of getting selected in Civil Services Examination 👍