India being the largest democracy in the world with a civilization more
than five thousand years old boasts of multiple cultural origins. The
cultural origins of the Indian subcontinent can be traced back to the
Indus Valley Civilizations, the remains of which are cherished even
today. Since the late 16th century India was under the influence of the
British Empire until 15th August 1947 the day when India gained
independence. India is a land of diverse cultures, religions and
communities. There is great diversity in our traditions, manners,
habits, tastes and customs. Each and every region of the country
portrays different customs and traditions. But though we speak different
languages yet we are all Indians. 'Unity in Diversity' has been the
distinctive feature of our culture. To live peacefully has been our
motto and this motto has helped us to achieve independence. As history
tells us that there has been active participation from people of
different caste and religion. In our struggle for freedom people from
different communities participated keeping one thing in mind that they
all are Indians first. But unfortunately this peace and understanding
among different communities has been endangered lately. India at present
is facing many problems. The biggest of these is the problem of
communalism. In their personal fight they are destroying their life
only. In fact, it is the biggest threat to humanity and to the unity and
integrity of the country.
People from different background and culture participated in India's
struggle for freedom. The national leaders, particularly Mahatma Gandhi,
Nehru, Azad and Bose had coined the slogan unity in diversity There are
numerous others who were also involved. Be it Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist,
Jain and Sikhs everybody had a single identity of being an Indian. It
should be understood that all of us have multiple identities religious,
linguistic, cultural, regional and caste identities. No one can claim
single identity. One who demands single identity i.e. national identity
does not recognize the reality but during India's struggle for freedom
no one thought in that manner they just thought of India's independence.
Modern India presents a picture of unity in diversity where people of
different faiths and beliefs live together in peace and harmony. Still
today also India remains one of the most ethnically diverse countries in
the world.
