Unity in Diversity
We have divided by language, ethnicity, religion and habitat
environment, but the feeling of being Indian united us. The
reason for India shines as the biggest democratic country in
the world is because of the Indian people’s mentality of ‘
feeling united while divided’ only. Indian people follow the
customs in culture, languages, hospitality, and habits.
Kindness to living beings was the purpose of our people. The
theories of வர்த்தமான மகாவீரர், கௌதமபுத்தர்,
ஆழ்வார்கள், நாயன்மார்கள் taught great
spirituality to people.
(A.L. Basham) said in his book ‘wonder that was India’ and
that‘India has countless wonders in it’. This book tells about
village rituals and culture.
India is the 7th largest and ancient country in the world. There
are 28 states and 8 union territories in it. According to 2011
census its population is more than 121 crores.
There are many points to be proud as an Indian but top
among is unity in diversity only. The differences in us attract
each other make us care for one another. To prove we are
united even though we are divided, national flag, national
symbol and national anthem is followed in all over India.
Definition/limitation of unity in diversity
We have different types of land, food, culture, customs,
literature, religion, society, economics, ethnicity etc but
people have the feeling of oneness. It is the best thing if Indian
culture.
Elements of differences
Geographical differences
From the Himalayas in the north, Kanyakumari in the south,
India is a vast country. Himalayas separate India from Asia. It
has Bay of Bengal in east, Arabian sea in west and Indian
Ocean in south. As it is surrounded by water in 3 sides and
land in One side it is called peninsular country. The climate,
weather, rain, soils, plants have elements of difference in
India.
North India has severe cold conditions during winter, but with
tolerable temperature only. People living in Kashmit like cold
places adopted to live in that climate. Apart from this no other
region in India has adverse climate that is interfering with the
day today life of people. So India has a favourable climate for
living.
The climatic conditions plays great role in economic growth of
a country. India’s coastal lines helping the external trade and
large plain lands helps internal trade and economic growth.
Each state differs in geographical location, but same in
economic growth. For eg. Kerala produces spices like pepper,
TN and Bengal produces rice, Gujarat Maharashtra produces
cotton and Punjab produces wheat, MP produces pulses,
Assam produces Tea and Karnataka produces Coffee. These
helps the economic growth of India.
Plateaus are higher lands with less rainfall. In Chota Nagpur
Plateau minerals, In Malava Plataue Thinai(millets) Deccan
Plateau pulses and oilseeds are produced in high quantity.
Difference in race
We have evidence of people lived in Sind and Harappa. Vedas
tell that Aryans lived in Sind valley. Sangam literature tells
that culture of TN is antique. In north-west India
பாரசீகர்கள்,
கிரேக்கர்கள், சாகர்கள்,
குஷாணர்கள்,ஹுணர்கள் ஆகியோர் settled.
According to the father of history,
ஹெரோடோட்டஸ்(Herotototus) in 5th century BCE
itself India had more population and many ethnicity in it. In
medieval Indian history, people from Arabia, Turkey,
Mangolia and Moguls came to India and ruled it. In modern
Indian history, Dutch, English, French and Portuguese came
and settled in India for trade. Because of this
ஸ்மித்(Vincent Arthur Smith) இந்தியாவைப் பல “
இனங்களின்அருங்காட்சியகம்“ ( Museum of
many ethnicity) என்று குறிப்பிட்டுள்ளா ர்.
The foundation of Indian culture is decided by lifestyles of
different people living in it. As different breed had different
culture it stands united country even as divided.
Language differences
language is the vehicle of communication என்று
அபெர் குரோம்பி (Aber crombie) குறிப்பிடுகிறார்.
Speech and writing/letters are the best gift to mankind.
Paintings and hand movements are also considered as code of
language of human beings. Voices can be converted into
writings. But the hand signs can’t be converted into writings.
These are called words and the rules of writing is called
grammer.
Many languages are spoken by Indians. 33 languages of each
is spoken by more than 1 lakh people. In ancient India, people
in many places spoke Prakriti and Sanskrit. Sanskrit is called
as mother of North Indian languages. To write Sanskrit and
other North Indian languages Devanahari script is used.
Hindi, Marathi, Gujarathi, Punjabi, Kashmiri, Urdu and
Bengali are main Indian languages. Assamese in northeast
India, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam are spoken in
south India. There is no script for many languages spoken by
scheduled tribes. After ruling for 200years English is the
linking language in India. But only 22 languages are approved
by Indian government as official languages of India.
Language is the connecting factor for culture. Because to
share cultural views language plays the great role. In India
national language, linking language and regional languages
are spoken. Language determines the ethnicity’s science, arts,
economics, history, social status, habits, discipline like
lifestyle features.
North Indian languages are belong to Indo-Aryan family and
they are பஞ்சாபி, சிந்தி, ஹிந்தி, உருது,
குஜராத்தி,வங்காளம், ஒரியா காஷ்மீரி,
சமஸ்கிருதம் spoken widely. English is used for higher
education. Apart from this French in Puducherry and
Portuguese in Goa are also spoken.
Religious difference
According to 2011 census, India’s population is 121.09 crores
and 79.80% are Hindus, 14.23% Muslims, 2.30% Christians
and 1.72% Sikhs 0.07% Buddhists and , 0.37% Jains are living
in India. Among these Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and
Sikhism originated from India.
Based on population, Muslims are more in Jammu &
Kashmir, Christians are more in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram
and Meghalaya. Sikhs are majority in Punjab. Rest of the
places Hindus are living in majority. All are following their
religion, built their worshipping place and living with
harmony.
Difference in society
There is a difference in way of living between North Indian
people and south Indian people. Every state has different food
habit, difference in attires, jewels and habits.
Economic differences
India is 4th place in buying capacity of people. Depends on
nature of land the crops are cultivated. The economic status of
Punjab is decided by its main crop wheat. Its growth, static
and fall of infrastructure depends on wheat production. Like
wise West Bengal depends on Jute and rice, Gujarat and
Maharashtra depends on cotton, Madhya Pradesh and
Karnataka depends on oil seeds, and pulses and Kerala
depends on spices and scents. India follows mixed economic
policy. It includes the private and public contribution to
economic growth. And so there is a difference depends on
economic status like rich and poor and employee and
employer.
Elements of oneness
Geographical oneness
India is in centre of south Asia. From north to south its length
is 3214 km and from east to west its width is 2933 km. It has
cultivating lands all over the country.
Foreigners considered all the lands of India as one country.
Greeks called this country as Sindh, due to the river Sindh.
And it was changed into Hind. Due to Persian and Greek
invasion our country was called Hindustan. They called Sindh
as Hind. So even Arabians called India as Hindustan.
Even geographical differences are there from ancient days
Indian mythology named our country as Bharat. Vindhya
Satpura mountain ranges parts south India and North India.
But we call it Bharat sub-continent. We worship our country
as Bharat mata.
Political oneness
Already translated ( அரசியல் ஒற்றுமை
பண்டைய தமிழர்கள் பண்பா ட்டில்
சிறந்து விளங்கினர் என்பதைச் சங்க கால
இலக்கியங்களாகிய எட்டுத்தொகை யும்
பத்துப்பாட்டும் உணர்த்துகின்றன.
இந்தியாவின்
பழைமையான, உயர்வான பண்பாடே , அதன்
ஒற்றுமைக்கும் வரலாற்றிற்கும்
பின்னணியாக
அமைந்துள்ளது.) Even though there are difference in
language and culture people were united to fight invaders. In
Discovery of India Nehru said that the political and cultural
unity made India a Strong nation. The kings who conquered
whole India and ruled were called as Rajathirajan, Ekrat,
samrat. Ashoka of Maurya dynasty, Akbar of Mughuls ruled
whole India. The law and coin like symbols were same for
whole India. Official language used for whole country was
Persian and long roads were built to connect India. Britishers
constructed rail roads and connected India.
Oneness in Religion
Festivals of every religion is celebrated here and people forget
their religious differences and wishes each other during
celebration and helps each other in celebration. Brotherhood,
equality and unity prevails in people. Even village festivals
unite people due to culture. People of all rel;igion celebrates,
Gurunanak Jayanthi in Punjab, Kanduri festival of Nagoor
durga, Velankanni festival, and Sikkal singaravelan temple
festival.
Religious celebrations
Many festivals are celebrated with unity in India. Hindus
celebrate Deepavali, Navarathri, சித்திரைத்
திருவிழா, ஸ்ரீஇராமநவமி, வைகுண்டஏகாதசி,
விநாயகர்சதுர்த்தி, மகாசிவராத்திரி,
கும்பமேளா, மாசிமகம், தைப்பூசம்,
கார்த்திகைதீபம், கிருஷ்ணஜெ யந்தி and Tamil
people celebrate Pongal which is called Sankranti in north
India.
Christians celebrate christmas and Muslims celebrate
மிலாடி நபி, ரம்ஜான் , பக்ரீத். Buddhists Budha
purnima and Jains celebrate Mahavir jayanthi . Those who are
celebrating these festivals think that with pure love, true
devotion and tolerance we can attain god. As these festivals
are celebrated with unity India is called as a secular nation.
All the religions in India has god is one theory, soul is
immortal, incarnation, fate theory, and moksha theory. Basic
religious customs and habits are same. North Indians comes
to Rameshwaram and South Indians go to Kasi for pilgrimage
shows the integrity in religion and culture.
Whole India follows the custom of worshipping Siva, Vishnu,
reading Ramayan and Mahabharata, and considering Vedas
and Bhagwat gita as holy book are same in whole India.
Hindus are going to Durga and church shows the integrity of
India. Indian constitution paves way for people of all religion
love and respect each other, follows their custom and living
with peace and harmony. Provides right to other religious
people to build their worshipping places. Religion and
religious festivals nurture the morality of people.
Literature
India is a treasure of literature. Veda, Ramayana,
Mahabharata, bhagwat geeta, bible, quaron and Thirukural
are in all Indian languages. Kalidasas Meghdootham and
Shakuntalam translated into all languages. Theories of
Sankara, Ramanuja, Kabir, and Gurunanak are followed in all
over India.
Nalayira Divya Prapandham by Azhwars and Thevaram by
Nayanmars are recited by all. These literature integrate and
unite India and so these are our treasures.
Unity in culture
Indians show greatness of living with harmony and culture to
the world. Culture is the result of matured behaviour by the
society. Through language, literature, society, religion,
philosophy, behaviour, legends, tradition, beliefs and fine arts
we see the unity. So culture is a multi-faced rules/protocol of
life.
We see a same points/principles in all Indian cultural
literature. As all the religions celebrate their festivals and
follow their customs, harmony can be seen. The customs and
culture saw so many changes in our country, but due to
compromise, tolerance, and hospitality like cultural elements
make it still present.
Customs and Traditions
Indian customs and traditions are ancient. It is already
translated. Same repeated. இனம், சமயம்,
ம�ொழி ப�ோன்ற வேறுபாடுகளைக் கடந்து,
விருந்தோம்பல், ஈகை, நட்பு, அன்பு,
சுயநலமின்மை, நீதி, நன்னடத்தை, உண்மை,
அமைதி, சமயநம்பிக்கை, உயிரிரக்கம்,
பெரியோரைப் ப�ோற்றுதல், பெற் றோர்,
ஆசிரியர்களை மதித்தல், சகிப்புத்தன்மை
ப�ோன்ற பின்பற்றத்தக்க நற்பண்புகளை
வலியுறுத்துகின்றன. மேற்கூறிய நமது
பண்புகள் பழக்கவழக்கங்களையும்
பண்பாட்டினையும் பாதுகாக்க உதவுகின்றன.
Art and architect
Indian architect is related to religion. பல்லவர்காலத்து
மாமல்லபுரச் சிற்பங்கள்
காஞ்சி கைலாசநாதர் கோயில், வைகுந்த
பெருமாள் கோயில், தஞ்சை பீரகதீஸ்வரர்
கோயில், மதுரை மீனாட்சியம்மன் கோயில்,
திருவரங்கம் அரங்கநாதர் கோயில்,
திருவில்லிபுத்தூர் ஆண்டாள் கோயில்,
ப�ோன்றவை பழங்கால தென்னிந்திய
கட்டடக்கலைக்குச் சிறந்த சான்றுகளாகும்.
are example of south Indian architecture.
In North India Sthupi(dome) type of architecture was
emerged. In Sanchi and Saranth ancient sthupis are there.
Mosques were built according to Persian architectural style.
Puri Jagannathar temple, Konark sun temple, Kashmir
Vaishnav devi temple Taj Mahal, Red fort are examples of
North Indian architecture.
Hindustani music in North India and Carnatic music in south
India are the elements of integrating people. Dances are
different in every state but it unite us as Indians.
Languages
Different languages are spoken in all the states. And each one
has its richness and grammer. The way of speaking is different
in every language but it reflects the culture of our country.
Pali, Prakriti and Sanskrit were spoken in north India. Jains
and Buddhists spread these languages in south India also.
These literature emphasis on morality and ethics.
During these period in Tamil also so many immortal literature
with moral were written. Thirukural written by Thiruvalluvar
a holy book of the world.
From ancient Dravid languages Kannada and Malayalam were
appeared. And many literature were written in these
languages and these show south Indian culture to the world.
Ancient Sanskrit literature were translated into Persian and
Arabic. It establishes the relation between the languages. In
western Asia, Indian literature on astrology, maths, science
and philosophical were translated. After the British rule,
English became official language. Thirukural, and many books
were translated into English. Manonmaniyam Sundaranar
translated the English book The Secret Way. Raja ram Mohan
Roy and Vivekanandr’s books are translated in to English.
Even after freedom, many books in other languages were
translated. So languages help to integrate us.
Integrity in literatures
One can see the richness in these books, தொல்காப்
பியம்,
திருக்குறள், நாலடியார், நான்மணிக்கடிகை,
இன்னாநாற்பது, பெரிய புராணம்,
கம்பராமயாணம், சீறாப்புராணம், இயேசு
காவியம் which was written in Tamil, a classical language.
These books projects the moral theories. During the period of
Rashtrakudas, Kavirajamargam was written in Kannada and
during Vijayanagara dynasty Amuktamasyata written in
Telugu shows the richness of these languages.
Unity in Physique
Aryans, Greek, and sagar invaded India and they had fair skin
and blue eyes. The people living in moderate cold climate like
north east India has short figure and fair skin. South Indians
have brown skin and medium height. Even though there is
difference in physique and eating habit, Indians are united
with the Indian culture they are following.
Unity in society
From the beginning Indians have differences in terms of
economic and occupation in the society, but they have same
life style and culture. Even though there is difference in
status, they help each other during emergency or natural
calamities with the feeling of Indians.
Framework foe business in the community is changed from
caste wise now. Any one can do any business now. This
change declares the unity in society.
Factors helped in improving the unity of culture in India
Kings
The emperors like Ashoka, Chandra Gupta, Samudra Gupta
and Akbar ruled India and have great name in Indian history.
Due to their greed for land, they conquered many parts of
India and ruled. They united so many under-kings and made
India as one. Following kings, Soldiers wwere also shown their
valour. These actions united our culture.
Uniform administration
Those who ruled India like Mauryas, Guptas, Moghuls and
Britishers united all the provinces and ruled uniformly.
Religion and language
Ancient days Tamil and Sanskrit and in modern days English
and Hindi are helping to unite us. Epics were translated in to
all Indian languages according to their culture. Ramayana was
written in Sanskrit by Valmiki and in Tamil by Kambar and in
Telugu by Tulsi dasar. But without changing the main concept
these were written suitable to their culture. Hindu religion is
basic for many religions of the world, it helps in betterment of
spiritual life and culture of the people.
Transport and Telecommunication
The development activities like rail transport, radio, telegram,
post and telephone done during Britisher’s period laid seeds
for fast communication. As people are moving easily and
quickly the cultural development is improving. Likewise the
growth of telecommunication like television, internet,
computer, email, fax, messages, facebook are helping to
connect everybody closely.
History and Patriotism
Generally we learn history of tradition through our literature
and follow those principles and help to improve our culture.
And by studying history of freedom movement we get a feeling
to live like a patriotic. So our patriotism, knowledge of history
and nationalism help in improvement in cultural unity.
Preserving the tradition of culture
Unity in diversity is India’s basic cultural theory. We show this
to the world during emergencies and natural calamities and
war. And apart from these extreme situation, we should live u
nited in all the situation with peace love and harmony.
As Valluvar said “பிறப்பொக்கும் எல்லா
வுயிர்க்கும்“ we should treat ever body equally, help others
and participate in their happiness and sadness. Follow the
principles like ‘All religion are accepted’ ‘God is one and
religion is one’ in daily life.
Should be a patriotic. We all should strive to make our country
achieve richness in all the sectors.
National symbols
India’s national flag is tricolour with blue colour Dharma
chakra (wheel) in the centre, National song is Vande Mataram
by Bankim Chandra Chatterji, National anthem is Jana Gana
Mana by Rabindra Nath Tagore are recognised by national
council. And national bird is peacock, national animal is tiger
and national tree is Banyan tree according to our Government.
National festivals
National festivals removes the differences of language,
religion and ethnicity and make us to feel the sense of unity.
We celebrate August 15 ஒவ்வொரு ஆண்டும்
ஆகஸ்ட் 15-ஆம்
நாள் கொண்டாடப்படும் சுதந்திர தினவிழா,
ஜனவரி 26-ஆம் தேதி கொண்டா டப்படும்
குடியரசுதினவிழா, அக்டோபர் 2-ஆம் நாள்
கொண்டாடப்படும் தேசத்தந்தை
காந்தியடிகள்
பிறந்த தினவிழா, நவம்பர் 14-ஆம் நாள்
கொண்டாடப்படும் பண்டித ஜவகர்லால்
நேருவின் பிறந்தநாள் விழா, ஜனவரி 12-ஆம்
நாள் கொண்டாடப்படும் தேசிய இளைஞர்
தினவிழா(விவேகானந்தர் பிறந்த நாள்)
ஆகியவை இந்தியர் என்ற உணர்வுடன்
கொண்டாடப்பட்டு வருகின்றன.
World need peace today. We should live with compatibility
and tolerance. World peace is way for development. And
brotherhood is basic for peace. We should live with
brotherhood and peace.
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