Unity In Diversity

Although there are many religions in India, Vedic religion took birth in India in the ancient times and has existed ever since. There is huge diversity within this religion too.

Various regions of India have different languages. So, making only one language the official language is not practical. As a result, there are 22 recognized languages in India depending on the various regions.

In all our day-to-day activities, language plays a crucial role in understanding others. Without a language, there can be no cooperation and coordination in a society. It is the most important means of communication.

India has a history of rich literature recording various aspects of life. Thembavani was written by Veeramamunivar and is about the religion, Christianity.

Every religion has its major festivals that are celebrated on a marked day. Buddha Poornima is an important festival of Buddhists as it marks the birth of Lord Buddha.

Music and Dance are a means of enjoyment and it is an art that can be appreciated by anyone regardless of place or religion. The numerous dance forms and musical styles and instruments have brought together the hearts of people from diverse places.

India is called the Museum of human race because:

1. India has a large diversity of people in terms of religion, languages, castes and ethnicity.

2. Historically, various groups have migrated into India at different times. So it is like a museum and laboratory fit for the study of man.

Explanation: Like a museum that has different types of artifacts from various places and time periods, Indians also have roots from different places who came or took birth in different times.

Religions of India: Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism etc.

Explanation: Although a few religions like Hinduism, Buddhism and Sikhism took birth in India. Many religions came to India through migration and rulers. For example, Christianity came from Europe through St. Thomas.

Customs, habits and heritage unites us:

1. They follow certain values that are common throughout all religions and regions like respecting elders, hospitality, peace, charity, love etc.

2. Such values bring habits and become a heritage that is not limited to one religion or place or community.

Explanation: India has a rich cultural history and most of the values taught by various communities focus on the same things like love, honesty, peace, charity etc.

Art and architecture in India:

1. India has unique and beautiful forms of art and architecture. Cave paintings from Ajanta and Ellora existed even before civilization. Gandhara art and sculpture are world famous.

2. Temple architecture throughout the country are stunning and attracts pilgrims from across the world.

Explanation: Indian art and architecture have evolved over centuries. It is varied, beautiful and intricate. Indian heritage has many forms of these arts ranging from paintings and statues to temples and palaces.

Indian Music and Dance:

1. Carnatic and Hindustani style of music are classical styles that originated in India centuries back and spread across the country.

2. India have various classical dance forms like Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri etc. and countless other folk dances of various regions.

3. These art forms were patronized by various people over time and unite Indians.

Explanation: India has many forms of dance and music. Most of it is world famous today. Almost every ruler has patronized these arts and they are a big part of Indian culture today.

Role of language and literature in unity in diversity:

1. India has over 800 different languages spoken daily. Such difference has added to the cultural value and heritage of India.

2. The Indian government has recognized 22 languages as official so as to respect the diversity of the country.

3. Indian literature has developed since the ancient times when the great epics Mahabharata and Ramayana were written in Sanskrit.

4. Indian literature can be found in numerous languages and forms- epics, Vedas, philosophy, folk tales, hymns, treatises etc. Such a variety of forms have united people.

5. Despite the diversity in which the languages and literature exist, it has become a pride for the country and the difference has become a unifying force.

National Integration:

1. Indians follow a variety of customs and practices. We have different languages, food, clothing style, religion etc. But beyond these identities, we all have a national identity.

2. We are united in our values and beliefs of humanity, religious tolerance, peace, spiritualism etc. We have a common heritage.

3. All Indians sing the National anthem and salute the National flag. Such an identity and the pledge to love our country bring together the people.

4. Our cultural heritage includes art, literature, music, dance, architecture, festivals etc. and all these forms are enjoyed and appreciated by every Indian.

5. ‘Unity in Diversity’ is a principle that has been in our country since centuries. The diversity brings us together.