ISSN (Online) 2581-9429

IJARSCT
International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology (IJARSCT)
International Open-Access, Double-Blind, Peer-Reviewed, Refereed, Multidisciplinary Online Journal
Impact Factor: 7.53 Volume 4, Issue 1, June 2024

A Conceptual Outline of “Unity in Diversity in

India”
Mr. Prasenjit Ghosh
Ph.D Research Scholar
Mangalayatan University, Department of Arts (History), Aligarh, Uttarpradesh

Abstract: India is the oldest civilization in the entire world. In this long journey of 5000 years, we were
ruled by many rulers, belonging to different religions and cultures. Further, a lot of people migrated from
other countries, and India accepted them with open hearts. Due to this exchange, we can observe a lot of
diversity in terms of religion, culture, race, and religion in our country. However, despite all these
diversities, India remained united even in dark hours and faced all the crises with a united spirit. The
thread which binds all Indians together is known as "Unity among diversity".

Keywords: National Integration, Tradition, Unity, India, Diversity, Nationalism, Environment, Festivals,
History, Culture, Language, Motherland, Peace, Globalization, Dedication

I. INTRODUCTION
As we all know India is a country of “Unity In Diversity”. The mountain ranges, river- Irrigated areas, rivers, and
streams, forest, and desert all have beautified India with their outstanding diversity amongst people various races,
castes, creed, religion, and languages each state and region has its uniqueness International local travellers or visitors
love this variety colours, culture, and the climate, etc. Dance & music, colourful festivals and beautiful handiworks a
spell on the visitors both National and international. Beaches of Goa, backwaters of Kerala, and snow-clad mountains
of Himachal, and sands, & lakes of Rajasthan, world culture sights of Delhi etc are the symbol of the diversity of our
nation. This colourful variety of a country makes our country a major attraction of tourists that is beneficial for the
Economy, and prosperity of the country.
However, many of the differences in religions, traditions, languages and cultures have become so intense that they have
assumed dangerous proportions for National Unity and safety. We not only have to provide the best facilities and safety
to foreign tourists but also to maintain peaceful and amicable coextensive people belonging to different ethnicities and
cultures. Without peace, our diversity is of no use. It is the common duty of the government and the people of India to
keep the beautiful diversity of our nation secured in the card of unity intact.

Aims And Goals Of The Study:-

1. To enable to understand that despite so many differences in caste, creed or race, These differences cannot
separate us, Indians must remain united for the betterment of the country."
2. To make us aware of the concept: “Unity In Diversity” which means harmony and place.
3. To search the truth that tolerance is uniform in our country.
4. To find out the reason why the concept of “Unity In Diversity” is mostly practised all over the world more or
less.
5. Besides caste, creed, race, nationality or gender are the instances of diversity But physically, culturally,
linguistically & politically also the Indians are different, yet they maintain the togetherness.

Meaning of “Unity In Diversity” in India:-

The term "Unity In Diversity" implies the feeling of oneness or togetherness even after having a lot of diversity. Its
spirit unites the people together and this bond shows the path of righteousness. This Diversity can be in the form of
religion, colour, caste, creed, cultural practices, etc. In our country, these diversified traits are not seen as a conflict, but

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 ISSN (Online) 2581-9429
IJARSCT
International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology (IJARSCT)
International Open-Access, Double-Blind, Peer-Reviewed, Refereed, Multidisciplinary Online Journal
Impact Factor: 7.53 Volume 4, Issue 1, June 2024

they are the varieties that enrich our society and the nation. It is used as a symbol of harmony and unity among people
belonging to different religions or cultural backgrounds.
Origin of “Unity In Diversity” in India:
The term "Unity In Diversity" was coined in China and North America around 500 BC. It signifies the unity and
oneness among people, despite belonging to different caste, religion, culture, and social background. At the time of
independence, this term was widely used by our freedom fighters to induce the feeling of patriotism in the people. It
was depicted that we all Indians are the son/daughter of the holy "Bharatmata" and it is our prime duty to protect its
soul from the foreign invaders.

What Is “Diversity”:
From the perspective of society, diversity refers to the presence of a wide range of differences among people within a
given community, organization, or group. These differences can include but are not limited to race, ethnicity, gender,
sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, and more.

Different Kinds of “Diversity” In India:

India's diversity stems from historical influences, including waves of invasions, the emergence of religions, and
Western colonialism. Geographically, the country's rugged terrain, river systems, coastline, and climate have also
shaped distinct cultures, traditions, and languages across regions.

“Geographical Diversity” and “Biodiversity”:

India's geography is diverse, featuring towering mountain ranges such as the Himalayas and the Western Ghats, as well
as vast plains like the Indo-Genetic along with the Deccan Plateau.
 The country also boasts a variety of climates and ecosystems, from the wettest areas of the northeast to the arid
deserts of the west.
 India is one of the world's 17 mega diverse countries, home to around 8% of all recorded species. India has
over 45,000 plants and 91,000 animal species, and various ecosystems.

“Religious Diversity”
India is characterized by diverse religious beliefs and practices.
 India is the birthplace of four of the world's major religions, Le. Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
 India is also home to people of many religions of the world, including a huge population of Muslims(3rd
largest in the world) and Christians, along with Jews, Parsis, etc.

“Caste Diversity”
Caste plays a significant role in shaping the diverse fabric of Indian society. There are more than 3,000 Jatis in India.
These are hierarchically graded in different ways in different regions.
 It may also be noted that the practice of the caste system is not confined to Hindus alone. Castes among
Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and other communities also exist in India.

“Linguistic Diversity”
More than 19,500 languages or dialects are spoken in India as mother tongue.
 121 languages are spoken by 10,000 or more people in India.
 The languages spoken by the Indian population can be divided into four language families:
 Austric family- Santhal, Munda, Ho, etc.
 Dravidian family -Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, etc.
 Sino-Tibetan family- Sikkimese, Sikkimese, Bodo, etc.
 Indo-European family-Hindi, Punjabi, Sindhi, Marathi, etc.

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 ISSN (Online) 2581-9429
IJARSCT
International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology (IJARSCT)
International Open-Access, Double-Blind, Peer-Reviewed, Refereed, Multidisciplinary Online Journal
Impact Factor: 7.53 Volume 4, Issue 1, June 2024

“Racial Diversity”:-
India is a country of great racial diversity, with a wide variety of different ethnic and linguistic groups.
 The population is primarily an admixture of the following races: Indo-Aryans, Dravidians, and Mongoloids.
 The country is also home to several tribal groups, each with distinct cultures and traditions.

“Diversity” in Social Life:

Indian society is greatly heterogeneous along various regions and sub-regions differing from one another. Diversity can
be seen in –
 Family Structure, Marriage Types and Rituals.
 Festivals, Cuisine and food habits, Clothing, settlement patterns.
 Literature, Epics, Drama, Cinema, and Theatre.

Significance Of “Unity In Diversity”:-

“Unity In Diversity” is very much important for a country for:-

National Integration:-
“Unity In Diversity” is very essential for a country because it is a very simple task to divide people with different views
and ideas. If there is a unity between people despite their variations and it is very difficult to disintegrate the nation. The
unity among the citizens of the country plays a great role in maintaining peace and prosperity in the nation.
 Global recognition:- A country that is highly diverse but remains united not only builds a strong platform of
growth but also attains recognition at the global level. It becomes an example for the world to follow.
 Peaceful Co-Existence - The peaceful co-existence can only be maintained through unity in a diverse country.
 Economic growth:- Diversity can bring economic advantages as well, as different regions of the country have
their own strengths and resources, leading to a more diversified economy.
 Tolerance and Social Cohesion:- India's diversity can promote greater tolerance and understanding among
different groups, leading to a more cohesive society.
 Innovation:-“Diversity” in perspective and background can lead to more creative thinking and spur innovation
and progress. The diverse range of languages and cultures also enables more effective communication with
different parts of the world.

Merits & Demerits of “Unity In Diversity”:-

Merits:-
 “Unity In Diversity” increases the morale of individuals within the workplace, organization and community.
 It helps to expand collaboration, relationships, interactions between people, thereby improving performance,
quality of work, productivity and lifestyle.
 This enables communication to thrive even under the most trying circumstances.
 Keep people removed from social ills and it helps to manage conflicts more easily.
 It promotes healthy human relationships and protects the equal rights of all people.
 “Unity In Diversity” provides a source of tourism for India. People from all walks of life, cultures, religions,
and clothing are attracted to many visitors and tourists from all over the world.
 This, though distinctly different from one another, results in the practice of national
 unity among the peoples of the world.
 It strengthens and enhances the rich heritage of the country and moreover as a cultural heritage of India.
 It helps to fill the agricultural sector with biodiversity as well as economic expectations.
 A source of skilled and developing professionals in various parts of the country.

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 ISSN (Online) 2581-9429
IJARSCT
International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology (IJARSCT)
International Open-Access, Double-Blind, Peer-Reviewed, Refereed, Multidisciplinary Online Journal
Impact Factor: 7.53 Volume 4, Issue 1, June 2024

Demerits:-
 This can give rise to multiple social strains among various states arid people of linguistic origin.
 It produces corruption and illiteracy in many regions of the country.
 Due to the undeveloped foundation, power deficiency, roads etc. it can be the origin of poor lifestyle in various
pastoral areas.

Differences Between “Unity”& “Diversity”

There is a sense of togetherness and integration of unity. Its spirit holds people together and the bond that guides the
path of righteousness.
“Unity” represents the relationship between the various parties that binds them together as one unit. It can even be
argued that the lack of distinction between people of different races is supported by religious, linguistic, or racial
aspects.
In contrast, diversity refers to something different. It is defined because the collective differences of various groups
supported religion, race or language etc. It's a diversity of classes and groups living in several regions, with different
cultures, traditions and backgrounds.
“Diversity” can be something that helps bring about different perspectives, experiences and acceptances among people.
“Unity” can be a state of existence while diversity can be a state of division or diversity. A family may have people
with different views, interests, or ideas who express their differences in many respects, but as a family, they show the
way to unity among themselves.

“Unity In Diversity” in the Context of Indian Society:-

People of various religions and cultural origins live here. Because India is a secular country, they practise whichever
faith they want. People here appreciate one another and live in an atmosphere of love and fraternity despite their diverse
cultures, languages, and beliefs. India, a 5000-year-old civilisation, is rich in diversity, whether in religion, race, caste,
culture, or tongue. There are approximately 29 countries, each with its own culture and language. More than 30 new
festivals are held for the country's numerous communities every year. Despite these disparities, the Indian people
exhibit a true sense of togetherness, reflecting India's unique philosophy of unity in diversity that challenges global
Society. This is due to ancient Indian culture, which instilled a sense of national identity.

The Elements Of The “Unity In Diversity” in India:-

Despite all the diversities, India remained united with a unitary spirit. The thread which binds all Indians together is
known as "Unity among diversity". This unity can be seen across various spheres

“Geographical Unity”:-
The Indian Subcontinent constitutes a distinctive geographic entity, and the Himalayas provide a formidable physical
barrier to the North, while seas are across the East, South, and West.
The geology of the Indian subcontinent is unique due to its location on a separate tectonic plate, the Indian Plate, which
collided with the Eurasian Plate to create the Himalayan mountain range, resulting in distinctive geological features and
land formations.

“Historical Unity”:-
From the very beginning, the entire geographical part was known as Bharat Varsha, and this name is present in the
Vedas and Puranas.
 Most of the geographical territory of India came under the rule of great emperors like Ashoka and Akbar.
 British rule and the subsequent Nationalistic Movement led to further territorial integration.

“Cultural Unity”:-
Despite having different cultural groups, there is a lot of unity in terms of ideas, philosophy, literature, etc.

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 ISSN (Online) 2581-9429
IJARSCT
International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology (IJARSCT)
International Open-Access, Double-Blind, Peer-Reviewed, Refereed, Multidisciplinary Online Journal
Impact Factor: 7.53 Volume 4, Issue 1, June 2024

 Being the country of festivals, it is observed that people from all cultural backgrounds come together and
celebrate all the festivals like Diwali, Holi, Eid, Christmas, Gurupurab, Durga Puja, Onam, Baisakhi, etc
reflecting the cultural diversity and unity of India.
 The manner of performance of social ceremonies is usually the same in all parts of the country.
 Despite its vast cultural diversity, India shares a sense of unity in its customs, practices, and social life, such as
respect for elders, hospitality, joint family systems, etc.

“Religious Unity”:-
Religious unity is still evident as almost all major religions practiced in India provide a similar teaching of values of
tolerance and solidarity.
 Despite the diversity, there is also a sense of unity and tolerance towards different religions, with people of
different faiths living and working together in harmony.
 This unity is reflected in the country's secular constitution, and most people in Indiahave historically lived in
peace with their neighbours regardless of their religious beliefs.

Obstacles in the Path of “Unity In Diversity” in India:-

Religious and Ethnic Conflicts:-
India has a history of religious and ethnic conflicts, which can lead to violence and loss of life. These conflicts can
threaten the unity and diversity of the country.
Discrimination and marginalization:- Certain groups, such as Dalits and tribes, have faced discrimination and
marginalization based on their caste and ethnicity. This can lead to social and economic disparities and threaten the
diversity of the country.

Forced Assimilation & Cultural Homogenization:-

With the rise of globalization, there is a risk of cultural homogenization and the loss of traditional customs and
practices. This can lead to the erosion of diversity in India.

Political Polarization:
Political polarization in India based on religious, caste, and linguistic lines can also threaten diversity as it can fuel
tension and conflicts between different groups.

Climate Change and Environmental Degradation:-

Climate change and environmental degradation can also threaten the diversity in India, as it can lead to the loss of
biodiversity and the displacement communities that rely on natural resources.

Analysis:-
India today is unfolding an account regarding a billion-plus people, yet greater precisely, one-sixth concerning the
world's population, about an extensive pace as India's sizeable and tricky structures, hastily shifting top-down than us of
a put in an appearance as much one on the fastest-growing economies on the world, India is probably the only united
states of America between the ball where humans belonging in accordance with exceptional religions, castes then
creeds, talking distinct languages, grudging special cultures, extraordinary modes about living, exclusive clothing,
special sheltering habits, worshiping distinct gods and father live together conformable and agree with according to
remain the youth concerning some mother-MOTHER INDIA.

II. CONCLUSION
“Unity In Diversity” teaches us that, despite our differences in caste, creed, or race, these differences cannot keep us
apart, and we must remain eternally united to better our country. This is the most unusual occurrence that has occurred
in our country. It not only keeps the nation unified and strengthened, but it also keeps the belief in coexistence with

Copyright to IJARSCT DOI: 10.48175/IJARSCT-18766 538

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 ISSN (Online) 2581-9429
IJARSCT
International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology (IJARSCT)
International Open-Access, Double-Blind, Peer-Reviewed, Refereed, Multidisciplinary Online Journal
Impact Factor: 7.53 Volume 4, Issue 1, June 2024

love, peace, and respect alive in us. The country's particular culture, traditions, festivals, music, and dance make it an
energising and incredible country in the world.

“Unity In Diversity” Famous Slogans and Quotes:-

"Peace, harmony, togetherness, and brotherhood are all because of “Unity in Diversity”.
“Unity In Diversity” creates a sense of oneness, togetherness, and harmony among the citizens of India".
"Our identity lies in the Diversity because of unity".
"Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilization." - Mahatma Gandhi.
“Unity”: It starts with the letter "U". If not you, then who?
“Diversity”: The art of thinking independently despite being together.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
[1]. Unleashing The Power Of Diversity ny Bjorn Z. Ekelund.
[2]. Diversity In The Great Unity by LALA ZUO.
[3]. Making Sence Of Indian Democracy by YogendraYadav.
[4]. Diversity In The Workplace Essentials. by Jaquina Gilbert.
[5]. Governance In India & Social Justice by Navnath Mishra &PriyankaTiwari.
[6]. Unity In Diversity by Raghwendra Pratap Singh.
[7]. Culture, Diversity & Society by Dr. Adinarayanappa N.A. &Dr.VeenaRani.P.
[8]. Unity In Diversity by Dr. Anshumali Pandey.
[9]. Diversity In Life Forms by Dr.Kailash Chowdhury.
[10]. The Incredible India by Sulekha Gujjar.

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