Unity in diversity remains the defining feature of Indian society despite the challenges from communalism and regionalism. Comment. (2026, 10 Marks)

Paper	GS Paper 1
Word Limit	150 words
Syllabus Topic	Salient features of Indian Society; Diversity of India

Model Answer

India has many religions, castes, regions and 22 languages in the Eighth Schedule. Unity in diversity means people keep their own identity but share one national identity.

Bonds That Unite

• Constitution: The Preamble promises unity and integrity of the nation. Single citizenship and equal rights bind all.
• Culture: Pilgrimages, shared festivals and the Bhakti-Sufi traditions link regions.
• Economy: GST (2017) created one national market.

Challenges

• Communalism: Riots, like Muzaffarnagar (2013), and online hate speech create mistrust.
• Regionalism: Sons-of-the-soil politics and river disputes, like Cauvery, divide states.

Why Unity Still Holds

• Linguistic states (1956) gave regional pride a democratic outlet.
• Schemes like Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat pair states for cultural exchange.
• Elections and courts settle disputes peacefully.

Conclusion

Challenges are real, but they have not broken India. Fraternity, a Preamble value, must be actively built through education and fair governance.

Related PYQs

• In the context of diversity of India, can it be said that the regions form cultural units rather than the States? Give reasons with examples for your viewpoint. (2017)
• Describe any four cultural elements of diversity in India and rate their relative significance in building a national identity. (2015)
• Do you think that globalization results in only an aggressive consumer culture? Justify your answer. (2025)