<–2/”>a >National integration has been a very serious and prominent challenge in all the developing countries including India. For a proper analysis of the concept of national integration it is necessary to know the meaning of certain concepts. The first and foremost concept is the term integration itself which may be defined as “a process of becoming whole.” In other words, “an integrated whole is one in which all structural aspects and parts, fit together with at least some minimal amount of unity or mutual compatibility.” Furthermore, “integration is the name for the state of relationship between parts of the system.” It “has to do with the interrelations of units.” Thus, “an integrated Society is one in which established institutions and rights and values associated with them are generally accepted.” These definitions generally present the static character of integration with its main focus at maintenance of the system. But in reality while concerned with the process of becoming whole, integration is also directed towards an orderly change within the system.
Various Challenges to National Integration are:-
The term national integration tends to be obscure in the Light of varying definitions of nation and nationalism. The minimum requisite for nationhood is considered to be the people living in a compact geographical area with general cultural unity. They form a nation by accepting a particular political order and forming a state. Language, race, religion and history are additional factors which generally strengthen the bond of nationhood. According to J. P. Narayan nationhood is made up of tangible and intangible Elements, the latter constituting much the larger part of it.
The most essential tangible elements of nationhood are:
- A well-defined territory
- Political unity represented by a constitution, common Citizenship-2/”>Citizenship and a government
- A workable medium of Communication.
The intangible elements are:
- An Attitude of mind which makes it natural and normal for every citizen to regard loyalty to the nation as being above sectional and group loyalties
- An attitude of mind which makes it natural and normal for every group and section of the nation to subordinate its interest to national interests;
- An attitude of mind which makes it natural and normal for the nation to think of the interests of every citizen and of every group and section of the nation.
Problem of National Integration in Post-Independence India
The main challenges to national integration in post-independence India are
linguism, Communalism, casteism and Regionalism.
- Language
India is a multi-linguistic nation with several well developed languages
which are rich in grammar, expression and literature and have their own distinct
script. Multi-linguism is, therefore, one of the primordial facts of the Indian
Despite the acceptance of Hindi as the Official Language of the Republic by
the Constituent Assembly of India and its further recognition by the Hindi-
speaking states, the language issue has remained unsettled. In post-independence
India the language issue took a different turn. Now instead of the Hindi-Urdu
conflict what emerged was a conflict between Hindi and English on the one hand
and Hindi and regional languages on the other hand, particularly those spoken in
the South India like Tamil and Telugu. Till 1960, the language issue mainly
revolved round Hindi and English. So long as the memory of the freedom struggle
and its commitments were fresh in the minds of leaders of different parts of India,
there was no sharp public reaction or mass mobilisation against Hindi. The non-
Hindi speaking people were taking interest in Hindi, especially in the Hindustānī
form of Hindi, even in the pre-independence period. The leaders from non-Hindi
areas had been emotionally committed to replacing English by an Indian
language. Moreover, after independence, for three successive Elections the
Congress party had won overwhelming majority in most of the states. Congress
Leadership convinced the anxious non-Hindi speaking people and their leadership
that the promotion of Hindi would not take place at their cost.
To make a compromise between the supporters and the opponents of Hindi
the ‘Three Language Formula’ was accepted as a middle path. However, the issue
was finally settled by the Official Languages (Amendment) Act, 1967, and it was
decided that English will continue to be the Associate Official Language of the
Union for all the non-Hindi states till the time they themselves opt for Hindi.
- Religion
Religion is a very crucial factor as far as the national integration of India is
concerned. There are six major religious communities in India accounting for a
substantial Population in the country as a whole. Historically, religion has never
played a predominant role in the governance of the state in India. Whenever
attempts were made to introduce religion as a principle of administration, it failed.
Still, religion directly or indirectly, influences our politics to some extent and in
its accentuated form, it leads to communalism and violence and then poses a
serious threat to national integration.
- Communalism
A sense of blind loyalty towards the community that may go to the extent of subordinating one’s higher loyalty to his or her nation or society as a whole. Instead of having an attitude towards a particular religion enlightened enough so as to circumvent any possible feeling of orthodoxy, it leads to the inculcation of wrong orientations that have their manifestation in the form of fanaticism or religious orthodoxy. As such, communalism refers to the attitude of the people and their groups when they “place their loyalty to the community above loyalty to the body politic to which they belong, or else when they develop active hostility towards communities
living within the same body politic.”
- Regionalism
Regionalism is one issue that has apparently caused the greatest threat to
national integration. Regionalism is defined as politicisation of regional
sentiment. To have a conceptual understanding of the term regionalism, let us first
see the meaning of the term region.
Region generally means a large tract of land, a more or less defined portion
of the earth’s surface specifically distinguished by certain natural features and
climatic conditions. The essential point is that a region is characterised, more than
anything else, by a widely shared sentiment of ‘togetherness’ in the people,
In India the most important factor responsible for the Growth of
regionalism has been regional imbalance and regional disparity. The unequal
development of different regions of India owes its genesis to the colonial past.
The British did not have much interest in India’s development, least be said of
equal development of all the regions.
internalised from a wide variety of sources and, what is more, a ‘separateness from others.’ The concept of regionalism draws sustenance from the factors of
geography, topography, religion, language, culture, economic life, customs,
political traditions and shared historical experiences. The term regionalism has its
wider and narrower connotations. In the former sense, it covers the case of a
movement directed against ‘centralism’; in the latter sense, it refers to the
attachment of the people with interests of a local significance and in that respect it
becomes analogous to localism or sectionalism,
National integration is the process of bringing together different groups of people into a cohesive nation. It is a complex process that can be challenged by a variety of factors, including ethnic and religious diversity, language barriers, economic disparities, regionalism, social inequality, political instability, and external threats.
Ethnic and religious diversity can be a challenge to national integration because it can lead to conflict and division. When people from different ethnic or religious groups have different values and beliefs, it can be difficult to find common ground. This can lead to conflict, violence, and even war.
For example, in India, there is a long history of conflict between Hindus and Muslims. This conflict has its roots in the British colonial period, when the British rulers divided India into two separate countries, India and Pakistan, on the basis of religion. This division led to violence and displacement, and the conflict between Hindus and Muslims has continued to this day.
Language barriers can also be a challenge to national integration. When people do not speak the same language, it can be difficult to communicate and understand each other. This can lead to misunderstandings and conflict.
For example, in Belgium, there are two main languages, French and Dutch. This has led to a situation where the two language groups have different cultures and identities, and there has been a long history of conflict between them.
Economic disparities can also be a challenge to national integration. When there is a large gap between the rich and the poor, it can lead to resentment and anger. This can create instability and make it difficult to build a cohesive nation.
For example, in Brazil, there is a large gap between the rich and the poor. This has led to a situation where the poor are often excluded from the political process and have little opportunity to improve their lives. This has created a sense of resentment and anger among the poor, which has contributed to social unrest and violence.
Regionalism can also be a challenge to national integration. When people identify more with their region than with the nation as a whole, it can be difficult to create a sense of national unity. This can lead to conflict and division.
For example, in the United States, there is a strong sense of regional identity in many parts of the country. This can lead to conflict between different regions, as each region tries to assert its own interests.
Social inequality can also be a challenge to national integration. When there is a large gap between the rich and the poor, it can lead to resentment and anger. This can create instability and make it difficult to build a cohesive nation.
For example, in South Africa, there is a large gap between the black majority and the white minority. This has led to a situation where the black majority is often excluded from the political process and has little opportunity to improve their lives. This has created a sense of resentment and anger among the black majority, which has contributed to social unrest and violence.
Political instability can also be a challenge to national integration. When there is a lot of political instability, it can be difficult to build trust and cooperation. This can make it difficult to address the challenges of national integration.
For example, in Pakistan, there has been a long history of political instability. This has made it difficult to build trust and cooperation between different groups in society, and has made it difficult to address the challenges of national integration.
External threats can also be a challenge to national integration. When a nation is facing external threats, it can be difficult to focus on the challenges of national integration. This can make it difficult to build a cohesive nation.
For example, in Israel, the country is constantly facing external threats from its neighbors. This has made it difficult for Israel to focus on the challenges of national integration, and has led to a situation where the country is divided between Jews and Arabs.
In conclusion, national integration is a complex process that can be challenged by a variety of factors. These factors can include ethnic and religious diversity, language barriers, economic disparities, regionalism, social inequality, political instability, and external threats.
What is national integration?
National integration is the process of bringing together the various groups and regions of a country into a cohesive whole. It is a complex process that involves political, economic, social, and cultural factors.
What are the challenges of national integration?
There are many challenges to national integration, including:
- Ethnic and religious diversity: Countries with a diverse population can face challenges in uniting their people around a common national identity.
- Economic inequality: Economic inequality can lead to social unrest and conflict.
- Regional disparities: Regional disparities in development can lead to resentment and a sense of alienation among people in poorer regions.
- Political instability: Political instability can make it difficult to implement policies that promote national integration.
What are some examples of successful national integration?
Some examples of successful national integration include:
- The United States: The United States is a country that was founded on the principle of diversity. The country’s founders believed that people from different backgrounds could come together and create a strong nation. The United States has faced many challenges over the years, but it has always managed to overcome them and remain a united country.
- Canada: Canada is another country that has been successful in integrating its diverse population. The country’s official policy of Multiculturalism recognizes the value of different cultures and languages. Canada has also made efforts to promote economic Equality and regional development.
- Germany: Germany is a country that has a long history of division. After World War II, the country was divided into two separate states, East Germany and West Germany. In 1990, the two states reunited, and Germany has since become a strong and united country.
What are some examples of failed national integration?
Some examples of failed national integration include:
- Yugoslavia: Yugoslavia was a country that was formed after World War I. The country was made up of six republics, each with its own distinct culture and history. In the 1990s, Yugoslavia broke up into several smaller countries. The breakup of Yugoslavia was a violent and bloody process that resulted in the deaths of thousands of people.
- Czechoslovakia: Czechoslovakia was a country that was formed after World War I. The country was made up of two regions, Bohemia and Moravia, which had been part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In 1993, Czechoslovakia peacefully split into two separate countries, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
- The Soviet Union: The Soviet Union was a country that was formed after the Russian Revolution in 1917. The country was made up of 15 republics, each with its own distinct culture and history. In 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed. The collapse of the Soviet Union was a complex process that was caused by a number of factors, including economic problems, political instability, and ethnic conflict.
What can be done to promote national integration?
There are a number of things that can be done to promote national integration, including:
- Promoting a common national identity: One of the most important things that can be done to promote national integration is to promote a common national identity. This can be done through Education, the media, and public events.
- Addressing economic inequality: Economic inequality can be a major obstacle to national integration. It is important to address economic inequality through policies that promote economic growth and opportunity for all.
- Reducing regional disparities: Regional disparities in development can also be a major obstacle to national integration. It is important to reduce regional disparities through policies that promote Investment in poorer regions.
- Promoting political stability: Political instability can make it difficult to implement policies that promote national integration. It is important to promote political stability through policies that strengthen democratic institutions and the Rule of Law.
Question 1
Which of the following is not a challenge of national integration?
(A) Economic disparity
(B) Social inequality
(C) Political instability
(D) Cultural diversity
Answer
(D) Cultural diversity is not a challenge of national integration. In fact, cultural diversity can be a source of strength for a nation. It can help to promote Tolerance and understanding between different groups of people.
Question 2
Which of the following is the most important factor in promoting national integration?
(A) Economic Development
(B) Education
(C) Political stability
(D) Social harmony
Answer
(D) Social harmony is the most important factor in promoting national integration. A society that is divided along social lines is more likely to be unstable and prone to conflict.
Question 3
Which of the following is not a way to promote national integration?
(A) Promoting education
(B) Promoting economic development
(C) Promoting political stability
(D) Promoting cultural assimilation
Answer
(D) Promoting cultural assimilation is not a way to promote national integration. Cultural assimilation is the process of one culture becoming dominant over another. This can lead to the loss of minority cultures and can create resentment and conflict.
Question 4
Which of the following is a positive effect of national integration?
(A) Increased economic growth
(B) Reduced social inequality
(C) Increased political stability
(D) All of the above
Answer
(D) All of the above are positive effects of national integration. National integration can lead to increased economic growth, reduced social inequality, and increased political stability.
Question 5
Which of the following is a negative effect of national integration?
(A) Loss of cultural diversity
(B) Increased conflict between different groups
(C) Increased government control
(D) All of the above
Answer
(D) All of the above are negative effects of national integration. National integration can lead to the loss of cultural diversity, increased conflict between different groups, and increased government control.
Question 6
Which of the following is the best way to deal with the challenges of national integration?
(A) To ignore them
(B) To try to suppress them
(C) To address them head-on
(D) To wait for them to go away
Answer
(C) The best way to deal with the challenges of national integration is to address them head-on. This means promoting education, economic development, political stability, and social harmony. It also means respecting cultural diversity and avoiding policies that would lead to the loss of minority cultures.
Question 7
Which of the following is a country that has successfully dealt with the challenges of national integration?
(A) The United States
(B) Canada
(C) India
(D) All of the above
Answer
(D) All of the above countries have successfully dealt with the challenges of national integration. The United States is a diverse country with a long history of immigration. Canada is a bilingual country with a strong commitment to multiculturalism. India is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country with a long history of conflict. However, all three countries have been able to achieve a high degree of national integration.
Question 8
Which of the following is a country that has not successfully dealt with the challenges of national integration?
(A) Yugoslavia
(B) Czechoslovakia
(C) the Soviet Union
(D) All of the above
Answer
(D) All of the above countries have not successfully dealt with the challenges of national integration. Yugoslavia was a multi-ethnic country that broke up in the 1990s. Czechoslovakia was a bilingual country that split into two countries in 1993. The Soviet Union was a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country that collapsed in 1991.
Question 9
What is the most important lesson that can be learned from the experiences of these countries?
(A) National integration is difficult to achieve
(B) National integration is not always possible
(C) National integration is worth the effort
(D) All of the above
Answer
(D) All of the above are important lessons that can be learned from the experiences of these countries. National integration is difficult to achieve, but it is not always possible. However, national integration is worth the effort.