National integration is the cornerstone of a harmonious and prosperous India, a nation celebrated for its vast cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity. As one of the world’s most pluralistic societies, India’s unity in diversity is both its strength and its challenge. National integration goes beyond mere coexistence; it represents a collective effort to foster social harmony, promote equality, and build a sense of belonging among citizens.
In a country as diverse as India, the journey toward national integration is shaped by its rich historical legacy, democratic values, and inclusive policies. However, it is also fraught with obstacles such as regional disparities, communal tensions, and socio-economic inequalities. Understanding the pathways to unity requires a deep dive into the cultural, political, and social frameworks that bind the nation together.
Table of Contents
Meaning of National Integration
Definitions and Perspectives on National Integration:
- Myron Weiner: “National integration implies the avoidance of divisive movements that could fragment the nation and the presence of societal attitudes prioritizing national and public interests over parochial ones.”
- H.A. Gani: “National integration is a socio-psychological and educational process through which a sense of unity, solidarity, and cohesion develops among people, fostering a shared sense of citizenship and loyalty to the nation.”
- Dr. S. Radhakrishnan: “National integration is not a structure built with mortar and bricks, nor an industrial plan to be devised and implemented by experts. Instead, it is a thought that must penetrate the minds of people—a consciousness that must awaken the collective.”
- Rasheeduddin Khan: “National integration means cohesion, not fusion; unity, not uniformity; reconciliation, not merger; and agglomeration, not assimilation of the distinct segments of people forming a political community or state.”
National integration encompasses political, economic, social, cultural, and psychological dimensions, emphasizing their interconnectedness. It reflects a shared sense of belonging and unity among people while respecting diversity.
Obstacles to National Integration
National integration in India faces several significant challenges. These obstacles stem from various social, political, cultural, and economic factors, including:
1. Regionalism
Regionalism reflects a sub-national or sub-territorial loyalty, where individuals prioritize their region or state over the nation as a whole. This can further manifest as sub-regionalism, where preference is shown for a particular area within a state.
Myron Weiner aptly describes regionalism as a “subsidiary process of political integration in India,” which emerges when excluded elements of the national polity express dissatisfaction and exclusionism.
Regionalism takes several forms:
- Secessionist Demands: Movements for separation from India, such as those for Khalistan, Dravid Nadu, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
- Statehood Movements: Demands for separate states, such as Telangana, Bodoland, Uttarakhand, Vidarbha, and Gorkhaland.
- Union Territory Statehood Demands: Movements for granting full statehood to Union Territories like Delhi, Puducherry, and Goa.
- Boundary and River Disputes: Conflicts over boundaries (e.g., Chandigarh, Belgaum) and water-sharing disputes (e.g., Cauvery, Ravi-Beas).
- Militant Regional Organisations: Groups advocating militant approaches for regional interests (e.g., Shiv Sena, Tamil Sena, and Lachit Sena).
- Sons of the Soil Theory: Advocating for local preferences in employment and resources (e.g., slogans like “Assam for Assamese” or “Maharashtra for Maharashtrians”).
2. Communalism
Communalism prioritizes religious community loyalty over national interest, often leading to tensions and violence. Its roots trace back to British policies like the communal representation acts of 1909, 1919, and 1935, and it has intensified with the politicization of religion.
Manifestations of communalism include:
- Religious Political Parties: Groups like Akali Dal, Muslim League, Ram Rajya Parishad, and Shiv Sena.
- Religious Pressure Groups: Non-political entities such as RSS, Vishwa Hindu Parishad, and Jamaat-e-Islami.
- Communal Riots: Conflicts between religious communities, such as Hindus vs. Muslims, Hindus vs. Sikhs, and Hindus vs. Christians, in cities like Lucknow, Aligarh, and Hyderabad.
- Disputes Over Religious Structures: Conflicts over places of worship, such as the Ram Janmabhoomi dispute in Ayodhya.
Factors contributing to communalism include religious orthodoxy, political opportunism, electoral compulsions, socio-economic inequalities, and sensationalist media.
3. Casteism
Casteism prioritizes loyalty to one’s caste over national interests and is a result of caste-based politics. It manifests as:
- Caste-Based Political Parties: Examples include the DMK, Kerala Congress, and Bahujan Samaj Party.
- Caste-Based Pressure Groups: Non-political entities like the Nadar Association and Harijan Sevak Sangh.
- Caste in Electoral Politics: Allocation of party tickets and ministerial positions based on caste.
- Caste Conflicts: Disputes among dominant castes in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka.
- Agitations Over Reservation Policy: Violent protests and demands related to caste-based reservations.
B.K. Nehru noted that the persistence of caste-based reservations continues to emphasize caste origins, hindering national integration.
4. Linguism
Linguism arises from loyalty to one’s language and resentment towards speakers of other languages. It has two main dimensions:
- Reorganization of States on Linguistic Lines: The creation of linguistic states, beginning with Andhra Pradesh in 1953, triggered demands for further reorganization, leading to changes in India’s political map.
- Official Language Debate: The enactment of the Official Language Act (1963), promoting Hindi, led to anti-Hindi agitations, especially in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. English continues as an associate official language due to these conflicts.
The inability of Hindi to become the lingua franca, as envisioned by the Constitution’s framers, and the rise of regional parties like TDP and Shiv Sena have further deepened the linguistic divide.
These obstacles to national integration highlight the complex interplay of regional, communal, caste-based, and linguistic factors that challenge India’s unity. Addressing these requires sustained efforts in fostering inclusivity, equitable development, and national consciousness.
National Integration Council (NIC)
The National Integration Council (NIC) was established in 1961 following a decision taken at a national conference on “unity in diversity” convened by the Central Government in New Delhi. The NIC was created to address issues related to national integration and promote unity across the country.
Formation and Initial Composition
The NIC was initially chaired by the Prime Minister and included:
- The Central Home Minister.
- Chief Ministers of states.
- Seven leaders of political parties.
- The Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
- Two educationists.
- The Commissioner for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).
- Seven other members nominated by the Prime Minister.
The NIC was tasked with examining the problem of national integration in all its aspects and making recommendations. However, the lack of implementation of its recommendations limited its impact.
Key Revivals and Milestones
- 1968 Revitalization
- The NIC was revived by the Central Government, expanding its size to 55 members.
- Representatives from industry, business, and trade unions were added.
- A resolution condemning divisive tendencies was adopted at its Srinagar meeting, emphasizing the need for unity.
- Three committees were set up to report on regionalism, communalism, and linguism, but no significant results followed.
- 1980 Revival
- The NIC was broadened further and addressed issues such as communal harmony, unrest in the northeastern region, and the need for a new education system.
- A Standing Committee was formed to monitor activities of communal and divisive forces threatening national unity.
- 1986 Reconstitution
- Membership was expanded, and the council identified terrorism in Punjab as a critical threat to national unity.
- A 21-member committee was established to propose short- and long-term measures to promote communal harmony and preserve national integrity.
- 1990 Reconstitution
- Under the National Front Government led by V.P. Singh, membership increased to 101.
- The council included Central Ministers, Chief Ministers, leaders of political parties, and representatives of women, trade, and industry.
- Key agenda items included communal harmony, secessionist violence, and the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute. However, no significant outcomes were achieved.
- 2005 Reconstitution under UPA
- The United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government, led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, reconstituted the NIC after a 12-year gap.
- The council, comprising 103 members, included Central Ministers, Chief Ministers, leaders of political parties, and representatives from business, media, and women’s organizations.
- It focused on reviewing issues of national integration and providing actionable recommendations.
- 2008 Meeting
- The 14th NIC meeting addressed issues such as communal violence, regional imbalances, caste divisions, extremism, and equitable development.
- 2010 Reconstitution and Standing Committee Formation
- The NIC was expanded to 147 members, including Union Ministers, Opposition Leaders, Chief Ministers, and representatives of various sectors.
- A Standing Committee was formed, chaired by the Union Home Minister, to finalize agenda items for NIC meetings.
- The 15th meeting in 2011 discussed measures to curb communal violence, promote harmony, and handle civil disturbances.
- 2013 Meeting and Resolutions
- The 16th NIC meeting emphasized condemning violence, strengthening harmony among communities, addressing discrimination, protecting women’s rights, and ensuring their safety.
The National Integration Council has served as a platform for addressing critical issues of national concern, including communalism, casteism, regionalism, and extremism. However, despite its efforts, its success has often been hindered by the lack of concrete implementation of its resolutions and recommendations.
National Foundation for Communal Harmony
The National Foundation for Communal Harmony (NFCH), established in 1992, is an autonomous organization functioning under the administrative control of the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Its primary goal is to foster communal harmony, fraternity, and national integration across India.
Vision: To create an India free from communal and other forms of violence, where citizens—especially children and youth—live together in peace and harmony.
Mission: The NFCH aims to promote communal harmony, strengthen national integration, and nurture unity in diversity through:
- Collaborative social initiatives.
- Awareness programs.
- Support for victims of violence, particularly children.
- Encouragement of interfaith dialogue to ensure shared security, peace, and prosperity.
Key Activities of NFCH
The Foundation undertakes the following initiatives to fulfill its objectives:
- Support for Child Victims: Providing financial assistance for the care, education, and rehabilitation of children affected by societal violence.
- Promotion of Communal Harmony: Organizing activities independently or in collaboration with educational institutions, NGOs, and other organizations to foster unity and harmony.
- Research and Scholarships: Conducting and supporting studies on communal harmony through grants and scholarships to institutions and scholars.
- Awards and Recognition: Honoring individuals and organizations for outstanding contributions to communal harmony and national integration.
- Collaborative Efforts: Engaging with central and state governments, UT administrations, industries, and NGOs to advance the Foundation’s goals.
- Information Dissemination: Publishing monographs, books, and other materials on communal harmony and national integration to spread awareness.
Through these activities, the NFCH continues to play a vital role in promoting peace and harmony in India’s diverse society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, national integration in India is both a challenge and an opportunity, shaped by its vast diversity and rich cultural heritage. By fostering inclusivity, promoting social justice, and strengthening constitutional values, India can overcome divisive forces and build a united, harmonious society. The journey toward integration requires collective efforts from individuals, communities, and institutions, emphasizing the need for dialogue, tolerance, and shared national pride. A truly integrated India is not just a dream but a shared responsibility that ensures the nation’s progress, peace, and prosperity.
References
- Myron Weiner: Politics of Scarcity: Public Pressure and Political Response in India, 1963.
- H.A. Gani: Muslim Political Issues and National Integration, p. 3.
- Rasheeduddin Khan: National Integration and Communal Harmony (in National Integration of India, Volume II, edited by Sinha).
- Kousar J. Azam: Political Aspects of National Integration, p. 82.
- B.K. Nehru: The Indira Gandhi Memorial Lectures delivered at the University of Kerala, January 1988.