Indian society is a pluralistic society with a complex social order characterized by a multitude of ethnic, linguistic, religious, and caste divisions. It comprises people living in rural, urban, tribal setting and all sections which carry the ethos of Indianness.Amid the complexities and so much diversity among the nation, widely accepted cultural themes, the feeling of oneness, brotherhood, and values of constitution binds individuals and enhance social harmony and order.
MEANING OF SOCIETY-
Sociologist Peter L. Berger defines society as “a human product, and nothing but a human product, that yet continuously acts upon its producers.”It consists of groups of human beings who are linked together utilizing specific systems and customs, rites, and laws and have a collective social existence.
INDIAN SOCIETY AND ITS FEATURES-
1). Indian culture has been modified continuously, with times making India a composite culture.
2).Indian society was a stratified society from ancient times.The division of society into Aryans and non-Aryans was mentioned in Rig Veda. The Aryan society was further divided into four groups based on the pursuit of occupations.
3). The confrontation of Hindu and Muslim culture led to a synthesis with interesting results and mixed culture as a result of Sufi writings, the bhakti movement, Kabir Panth.
4).India today (after independence) amalgamated different caste groups religions, race tribes, linguistic groups. It glorifies the ideals of liberty, equality, fraternity as its goals in a secular, socialistic framework.
SALIENT FEATURES OF INDIAN SOCIETY-
1). Multi-Ethnic Society–
An ethnic group or ethnicity is a category of people who identify with each other, usually based on a common language or dialect, history, society, culture or nation.A society with the co-existence of a wide variety of racial groups is a Multi-ethnic society. India is home to almost all racial profiles.
2). Patriarchal Society–
Patriarchy is a social system in which men hold primary power and enjoy greater status than women.In this system, men make all decisions in both society and their family unit, hold all positions of power and authority and are considered superior.
3). Family-
The family forms the basic unit of social organization.It is the most immediate group a child is exposed It is in the family a child learns language, the behavioural patterns, and social norms in his childhood.
Family is a basic, definite, and enduringFamily is formed by the companionship of the husband, the wife who procreate children.
DIVERSITY-
Diversity is differences in racial and ethnic, socioeconomic, geographic, and academic/professional backgrounds. People with different opinions, backgrounds (degrees and social experience), religious beliefs, political beliefs, sexual orientations, heritage, and life experience.
India is the oldest civilization in the entire world. In this long journey of 5000 years, we were ruled by many rulers, belonging to different religions and cultures. Further, a lot of people migrated from other countries, and India accepted them with open hearts. Due to this exchange, we can observe a lot of diversity in terms of religion, culture, race, and religion in our country. However, despite all these diversities, India remained united even in dark hours and faced all the crises with a united spirit. The thread which binds all Indians together is known as “Unity among diversity”. In this article, we will explore the meaning of Unity in diversity in India, the types of diversity in India, what is diversity, provisions of unity in the constitution, its importance and the hurdle in achieving unity.
The unity in diversity is defined as the spirit of brotherhood without any discrimination.The term “Unity in diversity” implies the feeling of oneness or togetherness even after having a lot of diversity. Its spirit unites the people together and this bond shows the path of righteousness. This Diversity can be in the form of religion, colour, caste, creed, cultural practices, etc. In our country, these diversified traits are not seen as a conflict, but they are the varieties that enrich our society and the nation. It is used as a symbol of harmony and unity among people belonging to different religions or cultural backgrounds.
