- North Indians being beaten up in Bombay
- Kerala and Tamil Nadu fighting over Mulla Periyar Dam
- Tamil Nadu and Karnataka fighting over Kaveri River
- Hindus and Muslims fighting
- Hindus and Christians fighting
- Liberation Tigers of Tamil Elam
- Maoist Terrorists demanding freedom
- Kashmir will vote against India if given a chance.
How can we still teach our young ones that India is a country where there is unity in diversity. Why are we still clinging to some old slogan which has lost its significance.
Diversity without Respect. Thats the actual motto. There is nothing like unity in India, except when we watch Cricket.
Comment by Tony Jose — January 13, 2009 @ 4:05 pm
Kenney,
Those educational boards idiots don’t even get the names of the texbooks correct.. You are giving them another issue to bicker about??
But, it’s true… The Indian Honour Code : Community > Religion > Region > State > Country > Humanity
It’s sad..
Comment by Jr. — January 13, 2009 @ 4:45 pm
Well, Unity in diversity is Theory.
What we actually learn at school and college are theories ..right..?
So there is no problem in teaching them the theory.
They will understand the practicals by themselves..
Cheers
Comment by Arun Basil Lal — January 13, 2009 @ 4:52 pm
Historically, India has rarely been united as a single nation. Post independence to ensure stability to the nation, the message of “Unity in Diversity” was inserted into the minds of youngsters via textbooks and other educational medium. It is more of state propaganda than anything else.
Comment by Arby K — January 13, 2009 @ 6:51 pm
Dear Kenny,
It is a very painful but a very significant thought. And as you said we have no rights claim we have ‘unity in diversity’.
But the very existence of people like you and me, who amount to millions tells the future can be made better provided a little effort is taken.
Here is such an example
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Avoid_cow_slaughter_on_Eid_urges_Deoband/articleshow/3797689.cms
Just check the comments for this post and it is a promising India out there. We shall promote such acts and maybe we can retain ‘Unity in diversity’ in the text books.
Comment by Anula — January 13, 2009 @ 7:44 pm
Ours is such a diverse country,it is a wonder that we are still a single nation.So this line of argument is silly,we didnt had the kind of unity u are talking about ever since independence and we will never have, because its a propaganda as well as a kind of “promised land” or “heaven” for those who believe in secularism and democracy.
But yes we can make things better,for that we should shift our focus on what is good and working.What can be made good and working.
The slogan will never loose its significance,’cause thats what we strive to attain,and not an initial condition from which we drifted.
Comment by Dhanesh — January 14, 2009 @ 4:21 am
@Dhanesh
What you are saying is very true, but it will happen only if we are ready to accept the reality and start working on it rather than dreaming.
Comment by Kenney Jacob — January 14, 2009 @ 5:28 am