‘Unity in Diversity’: A Hoax
“Unity in Diversity” was originally the term Jawaharlal Nehru emphasised upon when describing India in his book ‘The Discovery of India.’ Since then, all leaders at the centre and state level have used it to gain votes and admiration of the people. The question however is how relevant is the idea of “Unity in Diversity” in the Indian context. Personally it is funny to me how this concept is used in society today,it rather seems like a piece of jewellery that the elite ladies wear to show off their wealth on big family weddings and after the wedding is over that jewellery is put in a locker. Similarly, this idea comes to the centre stage during elections or visits by foreign dignitaries and once the show is over the idea gets dumped under the rubric of petty social, religious and economic divisions. The locker of divisions is so deep that sometimes even when the leaders want to get it out to show off their eliteness, the glitter of the words is still covered with the dirty dust of divisions. When it comes to asking for votes or wooing audiences such ideas are proudly announced irrespective of the political party the leader is from but when it comes to practical implementation of the idea the nation lags behind.
Unlike most societies, the Indian structure is unique, comprising various religions, languages, and cultures. This is the reason some scholars do not believe in categorising India as a nation due to its heterogeneous composition in every aspect. Things like the national anthem, emblem, song, and bird were chosen with careful consideration. For example, the national bird the peacock is supposed to represent diverse traditions and culture prevalent in Indian society.
The reality is Hinduism and Hindus in general dictate the entertainment and policies in the Indian context. Patriotic songs usually have something or another that can be inferred as a reference to the Hindu culture. For example, the song ‘Maa Tujhe Salaam’, can be seen personifying the country as the mother nation which is the Hindu tendency of ‘Bharat Maa’. Perhaps, that is the reason so many Hindus will still debate over how India should be referred to as ‘Hindustan.’ Another example that can be discussed is ‘Jai Hind’, this song was supposedly produced to celebrate the diversity prevalent in India and it was propagated in all forms of entertainment. Through the song, the audience is supposed to celebrate the diversity of different cultures and traditions that make India unique. The use of the national tricolor flag is used as an object that unifies the country. However, despite the message conveyed one can claim that the style of music and presentation of actors give a hidden message. Style of music is classical which can be inferred as the dominance and supposed superiority that Indian classical music has over the folk music forms from different regions. Moreover, all artists in the video are missing anysign which displays their religious or regional identity. So it can be seen as the Hindu culture being portrayed to the audiences as Indian culture. It is as if the Hindu culture characterizes all Indians and encompasses all that India has to offer.
There are an array of examples that show the hypocrisy prevalent in the country which are against the idea of ‘Unity in Diversity.’ Recent scenario of Muslim girls not being allowed to go to educational institution with a Hijab shows the double standards prevalent in Indian society. It is unfair and hypocritical to allow signs of religions like cross necklace, Sikh turban, or Hindu tikka on forehead. All individuals under Article 25 have the right to freely profess, practice, and propagate their religion. This is supposed to be part of what makes us the secular country that our forefathers imagined. The ground reality is that certain religions get preference over the others. The Hindus in the country feel free to conduct various progressions in the years, whereas minorities communities like the Muslims do not feel as free to practice their religion.
Similar scenario is prevalent in sports, if the individual achieves something on the international podium they are celebrated and given national admiration. However, if an individual dares to make a mistake their entire identity as an Indian is questioned. For example, Indians love to celebrate admiration that a Muslim like Shah Rukh Khan has gotten India, but if and when any Muslim makes a mistake it does not take a minute for the people of the country to doubt the intentions of that individual. Cricketers who are not Hindus, are branded as ‘Khalistani’, or ‘Pakistani’ whenever they fail to meet the expectations of the audiences Similarly, the Sikh regiment of the Indian army is a highly decorated regiment, and the official warcry is ‘Bole So Nihal Sat Sri Akaal’. However, when the same soldier or his father was protesting against the highly controversial farm law it did not take time for the people of the country to claim that the same warcry is a symbol of being a ‘Khalistani’. The above examples give a gist of how hypocritical Indian society really is.
The idea of diversity is very glorified in the Indian context but the truth is there is a certain hierarchy that exists in the country. This hierarchy helps in perpetuating inequality and deprivation. Some leaders may claim that India since the beginning of time has respected different religions and cultures. However, historically religion in India has always been a sensitive issue. Although no religion preaches intolerance towards other religions, in Indian society various incidents show an intolerant nature of people when it comes to religion. Violent measures were used to threaten people from different religions at various points of history. Usually the religion under threat was a minority religion like Buddhism, Sikhism, etc. Even within Hinduism certain sections like Shudra and Ati Shudras faced discrimination when it came to receiving education and occupational opportunities. Due to this, the oppressed sections in the society were in a vicious cycle in which their social status and socio-economic condition remained stagnant. Therefore, historically inequality can really be seen as a primary feature of Indian society. It is evident that only when the marginalised groups assented to the mainstream hierarchy and power structure were their beliefs and rituals tolerated.
The recent years have really shown that the concept of ‘Unity in Diversity’ is really a hoax. People from minority religions feel under threat and are treated as second-class citizens in their own country. Inequality still has strong roots in the Indian context, segregation and disparity among citizens is growing. Instead of blurring the caste lines with time, the Dalits still face discrimination. The Constitution of India directs India to be a secular nation, but instead ofprogressing with the changing times it seems as if it’s moving backwards. The waves of Hindutva in certain sections of society do not help in eradicating the fear that democracy, secularism, and plurality in the country is under threat.
Unity in diversity’ is a phrase that is thrown around very often in regards to describing India’s character but there is more to this phrase than its ubiquitous character. The truth is that this much used phrase projects a utopian view of India and its various cultures and is more an idealistic dream than a present reality. One quick glance at the newspaper headlines will unravel a dark history of cultural clashes and societal disharmony that highlights how India isn’t exactly as ‘united’ as it is portrayed to be. What we see in India is fragile tolerance for other communities and cultures rather than love and respect for them. We tolerate each other’s differences rather than celebrate them. There is no denying that India is a diverse country. From different religions to food, languages, cultures and traditions, diversity is the best of what India has to offer. But the sad truth is that not all of these cultures and religions are given equal importance. It seems as if India has put one religion on a pedestal and that particular religion has gone on to characterise the country itself. The strong majority of the Hindus has gone on to create a country that is majorly described by Hindu culture. Their culture is taken to represent all of India while other minorities fade away into the fray. Even in foreign films and shows; India is portrayed as a land of the Hindus. Seldom will an Indian character be portrayed as a follower of any other religion. This is because the message that India sends to its citizens and the world at large is clear: India is a diverse country with many religions, but one will always reign supreme.
‘Unity and diversity’ is a phrase hanging on by a loose thread in this increasingly volatile and wounded country. India is home to many diverse religions and cultures and more should be done to do justice to this phrase. Armed with religion, poisoned by prejudice and absolutely frantic with hatred and fear. There is no ‘unity’ to be seen in this country as of now.
