NATIONAL INTEGRATION
A country which has the craze of self rule and in which the community considers itself as one is called a nation. Economic independence, culture, language and territorial integration are the ties of a nation. There is a feeling of oneness, unity and commonness in it. India is a country where ‘National Integration’ is heard the most. There has been political disunity, rise and fall of various empires. Different languages are spoken here. People have different food habits. Different languages are propagated here. But Indian culture and customs united the Indians and promoted a feeling of oneness and common citizenship.
National Integration is a psychological process. It means a well-knit society in which all are loyal to their country. It means that every Indian irrespective of caste, creed, language or religion belongs to India and is proud of his country. National Integration is very important for the all-round development of the country. In fact, its existence depends on it.
There is different climate in India. Food habits are different, crops are different and there is a difference in people’s faiths and beliefs. They wear different dresses. Even the Indian customs and conventions are vast and varied. People pursue different sects and religions. There is difference even in the lands. The northern area is very fertile. There are hills and mountain ranges here. In south there are deserts, barren lands and plateaus.
As a result, its soil is different in fertility and nature. The taste and temperament, colour, features are all different. There are fanatic people who create communal disturbances in the name of religion. Casteism, provincialisms are also rampant in our society. Sectarianism and communalism disrupt our inner harmony. The states have been created on the basis of language formula.
To counter all these problems, our constitution guarantees fundamental rights to every person irrespective of caste, creed or religion. Hindi has been made the national language to bring National Integration. No particular religion is taught in school textbooks. Our country is a secular country in which every citizen will have the liberty to follow or propagate any religion. Economic development and education facilities are being provided to the people to enable them to rise above these petty things.
A nation can be strong and successfully repulse any external aggression only if its citizens are united. Therefore, there is a great and urgent need of National Integration in our country. The National Integration Council should be made more effective. People of all castes, religions and States should solemnly pledge to give preference to national language, national flag, national anthem and national symbols.