Op-ed sentinel

National integration of our nation: A systematic dilemma

>>Priyanku Narayan Baruah.Lecturer, R.D college, Digboi.8822797237

National Integration remains a crucial issue in India, notwithstanding the fact that we boast of a civilization, which is nearly 5000 years old. Indias ancient, unique and great culture and civilization has been a great unifying factor. The variety of life here makes a complex but wonderful and a whole pattern.The Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, Muslims, Christians, Jews, Parses etc., live here in harmony and trust. Indias great cultural and historical heritage is common to all the people and citizens of the country. The one greatest virtue of Indian culture has been its abiding tolerance and respect for others. The moral and spiritual values of India have always been the same in spite of many political and social changes. They have further strengthened the fundamental unity of India. Although history reveals that, after 1947, Indian leaders were faced with the stupendous task of national integration and economic development with lot of regionalism. This made regional leaders. In the face of widespread agitation for linguistic separation of states, beginning with the Telangana Movement in 1953 increased number of states by linguistic lines after 1956. The condition became so worst that states like J&K, Punjab and Tamiladu even demanded separate countries merely on the basis of language. The unity of India faces grave challenges today. First, regionalism is gaining ground in India. A large number of regional parties have come into existence it is generally seen that these parties prefer regional interest to national interest. At times, we have witnessed conflicts and disturbances. Certain anti-national and external forces try to disrupt the unity of the country by encouraging communal feelings and sentiments. It leads to intolerance, disharmony and, lawlessness among the masses. There has also been an increase in riots, violence and killings of innocent people. Secondly, separatist tendencies are developing among certain sections the people who demand separate homelands, for example, Nagaland, Mizoram, Bodoland, Khalistan, Gorkhaland, etc. Thirdly, despite our Constitution having declared India as a secular State communal riot erupt every now and then and pose a threat to the unity of India. Fourthly, casteism and linguism are also affecting the unity of the country Caste factor also plays a great role during the elections. Despite a shared culture of so many years, linguistic diversities have often generated tensions and conflicts amongst different communities threatening the fabric of national unity. The same holds good for regionalism exacerbated no doubt by inequitable development amongst different regions of the country. The age old caste system has also contributed in no small measure to weaken the bond of unity. Most of Our very politicians are corrupt than the word corruption itself. They often rely on empty promises to mislead the innocent masses to win their mandate for power just to become Greedy rulers to amass wealth to the detriment of the socio-political and economic well-being

of the good people of this country. Our so-called leaders do not think twice about the harmony of the country when it comes to grinding their axe. Playing vote-bank politics, they have always tried to create animosity between different religions. Where are the men and women of integrity? In order to curb all these problems, it has become indispensable that the Centre should have a say in them so that it may control them before they become harmful for the unity and integrity of India. Let the States have more powers to implement their economic programmes but we should see that the Centre is also clothed with sufficient powers needed to maintain the unity and integrity of India as well as to safeguard its independence from external aggression and internal subversion. We should strive to maintain the relationship of common brotherhood. We should uphold the torch of unity irrespective of our different faiths and creeds. Ultimately, strengthening the National Integrity System promotes better governance across all aspects of a society and contributes to a more just society overall.