Essays

India has always remained land where every one existed with one another. India has had the unique capacity of accepting the people of every religion in its folds. That's why India is emerging leaves and bounds. In 1957, the British annexed Bengal. Then they started British rule which lasted for 200 years. British were able to conquer India because the Indians were divided among themselves. So they were successful in playing the policy of divide and rule. Hence it was after 1947 that Sardar Vallabbhai Patel undertook the national integration of Indian union successfully. The next integration was emotional in nature. Despite the efforts made by our fore fathers, communal forces have tried to disturb the country's peace and establishment. Kashmir problem has always dominated all the issues. Kashmir is the integral part of India but Pakistan has tried several times to capture it. It failed in its every attempt. Punjab also faced the crisis which ripped it apart. However certain anti- national and eternal forces disrupted India's unity by encouraging communal feelings and sentiments. There were series of violence and killing of innocent people.

Our rich culture heritage is a legacy which binds the people together and must always be preserved. A correct balance of traditional values with modern ideas should be the objective. The next generation should be able to hold their heads high for being Indian. The Govt. of India has also, in its effort to promote national integration, started organizing big cultural events and set up regional centres in different parts of India. All these attempts should help in

strengthening the common bond of unity. People should always remain together in spite of the diversity in their beliefs and religions.

The country has tested bombs and missiles that could be used if there is any external threat. But the threat of disintegration within the country has not been resolved. The intolerance among the Indians is growing.

There is a need for emotional integration at this time. People should emerge from the narrow walls that divide us. We celebrate Independence Day every year. And if we continue to fight amongst ourselves, we would not be able to face a fresh aggression if it were to happen. The British could rule over us because of our differences. We should realize the threat and wake up to the cause of national integration. We must emerge from the regions of intolerance and indifference. We have to prove to the world that India still can remain united despite of its diverse culture, traditions and faiths.