[Points: Introduction—political unity only during the British rule—cultural unity-secessionist movements after independence language policy—unrest and movements in the hilly areas—tribal and other movements-racial discrimination—centre—state relationship conclusion.]
A dark cloud is hanging over the sky of India in the form of national disintegration. This cloud has been gathering in the horizon since independence; and at present the very existence of India as a nation is at stake. Ever since independence, provincialism, communalism, parochial outlook and last but not least foreign interference have been threatening the solidarity and cohesion of this great country. The flames of provincialism, political unrest, religious sentiments, etc. are being cleverly exploited by a group of narrow minded people for their personal gains.
Historically the whole Indian subcontinent had seldom been under the rule of one single ruler. During the Mauryan rule in the ancient period and during the Mughal rule in the mediaeval period, India enjoyed unity of government. But, it was only during the British rule that India for the first time was treated as a geographical entity. Put all these did not she an that India has no basic unity. From the later Vedic period onwards a cultural unity, which was stronger than any other unity imposed from above, had always united the Indians.
But unfortunately, after independence some fissiparous tendency has made its appearance. Though, some of them had been fomented by the outside enemies of India, the so called political or national leaders cannot wash their hands of it. Lack of proper handling has also worsened the situation.
Linguistic unity had always been a criterion for the creation of nation status. But India is a multilingual nation. The language problem in a multilingual nation can be solved only by creating uni lingual provinces with greatest possible autonomy and a link lan guage for the whole country. Though some attempts have been made to create unilingual provinces, a satisfactory solution of this problem is not yet in sight. So language question has remained a thorn to national integration. It has to be tackled properly and with tact.
In a large area of the hilly tracts in North East India, different tribes have been launching anti-government and secessionist move ments. There is no doubt that these movements are being sponsored by some foreign countries who want to Balkanize and weaken India. Tribal people in other parts of the country are also showing resentment against the encroachment by outsiders. They are afraid that they may lose their land and in the process their cultural entity as well." They want their own homelands with complete autonomy to live a better life to maintain cultural heritage. A sympathetic handling of their cases may alleviate their suspicions and strengthen the national unity.
Another factor which is causing immense harm to national unity is the poison of communalism. It is still poisoning the Indian society and endangering national integrity. Of late, the clash between the caste Hindus and the Harijans are on the increase. Unless these tendencies are checked, it will also pose a danger to the integrity of the nation.
Gross disparity in income among different sections of people and regional imbalance in economic growth help to foster regionalism and parochialism everywhere. In a vast country like India, it is but natural that some parts will be more prosperous than other parts. This economic disparity between the regions often damage relations. Thus, for example, the inhabitants of Eastern India often feel that the whole region is being neglected economically. This is naturally generating a psychological resentment amongst the inhabitants of this region against the Centre. In fact, a section of the people here feel that this area is now being treated as a colony of Delhi to fleece for revenue only. They suspect every move of the Centre. This is causing tension leading to injury to national unity.
In order to strengthen unity, judicious steps have to be taken. Professional politicians should be barred from taking any step on socio-economic policy of different regions. The matter should be handed over only to the experts. The different regions must feel that they are not being discriminated in any way. They must also feel that a strong and united India will be to their benefit.
