Ek Bharat- Unity In Diversity

India is a multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-lingual and multi-ethnic society. It is a land of diversity. People of different creeds, customs, cultures and traditions live here. They have their different festivals, manners and lifestyle. Their religions and beliefs are also different. Despite all these, there are certain common visit able bonds that link them together. This is a distinct feature of India and it is popularly known as unity in diversity.Basically, Indian culture is tolerant and absorbing. Its nature is assimilating. Democratic set up facilitates the process. The diversity in every aspect of society serves as a source of strength and wealth. The different ways of worship and belief represent underlying uniformity. They promote a spirit of harmony and brotherhood. This is beyond all considerations of religious, regional, linguistic and sectional diversities. India is proud to have a rich cultural heritage.We are inheritors to many grand treasures in the field of music, fine arts, dance, drama, theatre and sculpture. Our spiritual tradition, piety, penance and spiritual greatness are common. Our seers and sages are the same they are held in high esteem in every section of society alike. Our scriptures are the storehouse of spiritual wisdom. Indian yogis, rishis, maharishis, etc are equally popular in every community. They are revered by them all. India is abundantly rich in dialects and languages.Twenty- two languages constitutionally enjoy the status of official language but Hindi is recognised as the lingua franca of the nation. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Nagaland to Mumbai, Hindi is understood as the national language of India. Though different regions have their different regional affiliation they all are Indians. People call themselves Bihari, Punjabi, Kashmiri, Marathi, Gujarati, but they feel proud to say that they are the Indians. Indian dance and drama are the brilliant examples of unity in diversity.The country abounds in triba l dances, folk dances, as well as classical dances of great virtuosity. They are regarded as the mode of aesthetic expression but they all symbolise one India. The expression is different but the theme is the same. We are proud of our cultural distinctiveness. We are proud to be the inhabitants of India. It is our responsibility to maintain its unique feature. We should think beyond the petty interests and work for the broader goals of bringing prosperity and progress in society.