NATIONAL INTEGRATION IN INDIA

Meaning of National Integration

• Myron Weiner: Avoidance of divisive movements and prioritization of national interest.
• H.A. Gani: A process of developing unity and solidarity among people.
• Dr. S. Radhakrishnan: A psychological consciousness of collective unity.
• Rasheeduddin Khan: Emphasizes cohesion, not fusion; unity, not uniformity.
  

Major Obstacles to National Integration

Regionalism

• Loyalty to one’s region above the nation.
• Manifestations:
  • Secessionist demands: Khalistan, Dravid Nadu
  • Statehood movements: Gorkhaland, Bodoland
  • River/boundary disputes: Cauvery, Chandigarh
  • Sons of the Soil: Assam for Assamese, Maharashtra for Maharashtrians
  • Militant outfits: Shiv Sena, Tamil Sena
    

Communalism

• Loyalty to religious identity over national identity.
• Causes: British divide & rule, politicization of religion, economic inequalities.
• Forms:
  • Religious political parties (e.g., Akali Dal)
  • Riots (e.g., Ayodhya dispute)
  • Communal pressure groups (e.g., RSS, VHP)

Casteism

• • Prioritizing caste over national unity.

• Manifestations:

• • Caste-based politics (e.g., BSP, DMK)
  • Pressure groups (e.g., Nadar Sangh)
  • Caste violence (e.g., Bihar, UP)
  • Agitations for/against reservations
    

Linguism

• Resentment due to language preferences.
• Causes:
  • Linguistic reorganization of states post-1953
  • Anti-Hindi agitations in Tamil Nadu
  • Dominance of regional parties (e.g., TDP, Shiv Sena)
    

National Integration Council (NIC)

• Established: 1961
• Purpose: Discuss and recommend measures for national unity.
• Chaired by: Prime Minister
• Members: CMs, ministers, political party leaders, civil society
• Milestones:
  • 1980s: Tackled Punjab terrorism
  • 2013: Condemned communalism, promoted women’s safety
• Issues: Lacks enforcement power, implementation deficit
  

National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH)

• • Established: 1992 under Ministry of Home Affairs
  • Vision: India free from communal violence

• Key Activities:

• • Rehabilitation of children affected by violence
  • Awareness programs & publications
  • Awards for communal harmony efforts
    

Conclusion

• National integration requires inclusive policies, social justice, and constitutional values.
• Collective effort needed to overcome divisions and foster unity in diversity.
• Institutional mechanisms exist but need greater enforcement and public participation.