How does celebration of diversity of cultures help in achieving stronger unity? Explain it in the context of Indian Society. (HPAS Mains Question Paper 2022 – GS 1, Q.10)
Celebrating cultural variety contributes to greater unity by developing a feeling of tolerance, respect, and understanding for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
How a celebration of the diversity of cultures helps in achieving more vital unity:
1. Promotes mutual respect: Celebrating cultural variety enables people to understand and accept each other’s cultural origins. This promotes mutual respect and understanding among individuals of all faiths, castes, and groups.
2. Encourages social integration: By appreciating India’s varied traditions, people from all walks of life come together to engage in festivals and cultural activities. This fosters social integration and aids in the bridge-building process between disparate populations.
3. Cultural legacy is preserved: India has a varied cultural heritage, which is represented in its different customs, art forms, and architecture. We contribute to conserving our cultural legacy for future generations by commemorating and promoting these traditional activities.
4. Celebrate the variety of cultures in India: Celebrating the diversity of cultures in India may assist in establishing a more robust national identity that is inclusive of all groups. This may develop a feeling of belonging and pride among people, as well as a shared sense of ownership and duty for the nation.
5. Celebrate cultural variety: Celebrating cultural diversity may assist in fostering tolerance and minimizing prejudice against underrepresented populations. This may contribute to developing a more inclusive society that values all persons regardless of their origins.
There are many examples in India where the celebration of the variety of cultures promotes more vital unity:
1. Festivals: India is a diverse nation with people of many faiths, languages, and traditions. Diwali, Eid, Christmas, Holi, and other festivals are observed nationwide. These events allow individuals from all origins to unite and enjoy each other’s cultures. For example, at Eid, Muslims welcome their friends and neighbours, regardless of faith, to partake in the festival’s delight. Similarly, Hindus celebrate Diwali with their friends and neighbours of other faiths.
2. Food: Indian food is diverse and reflects the country’s cultures and customs. Food can bring people together and is an essential aspect of social bonding. People from various origins may join together to learn about each other’s culinary habits and customs by enjoying the variety of Indian cuisine.
3. Art and music: India has a diverse cultural past, including many types of art and music. Folk music, classical music, and dance genres such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Kuchipudi, among others, are regionally distinct throughout India. People may learn about the variety of Indian culture and respect the distinctions by supporting and enjoying various creative forms.
4. Clothing: India has a rich dress legacy distinct to various locations and civilizations. People may learn about one another’s traditional costumes and respect the distinctions by enjoying the variety of Indian apparel.
5. Language: India has various languages, each with its own culture and customs. People in India may learn about each other’s languages, literature, and cultures through fostering multilingualism and appreciating the plurality of languages.
