The most striking feature of India is its unity amidst great variety and diversity. We have in India all types of topography, climate, soil and rainfall. All the major religions of the world are practiced here. We have several varieties of costumes, food habits and social customs. We have about our thousand six hundred fifty two languages and dialects on
afferent parts of the country. India is often called a geographical, social, etymological and cultural museum. Despite 11 these differences India is a political entity, every part of which is governed under the same Constitution. We have to 0-exist with each other peacefully, respect the culture and religions our fellow Indians.
Our Constitution is the most important force that binds the nation together. It has given recognition to eighteen languages as National languages. Our national festivals also act an important unifying force. Independence Day, Republic
Day and Gandhi Jayanti are festivals that are celebrated by all Indians and in all parts of the country, regardless of languages, religion or culture. They remind us of our common nationality.
Our national symbols like the National Flag, the National Anthem and the National Emblem also help to remind us that We are all one. They are important symbols of our national Identify.
Interdependence among states once again establishes the fact that we are one. Different regions of the country are dependent on each other for supplying and consuming various kinds of products that result in their economic growth. For example, wheat grown in Punjab may be sold in Tamil Nadu and cotton textiles from Gujarat may be sold in Bihar. No region is so self sufficient that can do without the other. These factors also bind the country together.
The family life, ceremonies and festivals throughout India are nearly the same. Even the much exploited religious diversity Hi only superficial, as the same Gods are worshipped all over India though under different names. Other forces like the communication system and the mass media help in the exposure to all the cultures of different regions of India. Thus, bringing the whole country as one nation.
This unity in diversity was displayed at the time of the freedom movement when all the Indians united against the same British Rule.
Thus, unity of numerous social, cultural, religious and racial diversities, India still remains a largely unified country. The concept of unity has been a running thread among various Indian religions and cultures.
