National Unity

National unity is a subject that is being discussed everywhere today. Everyone is thinking about it because India, our country, got divided into two a few years ago. Is it the end of the story, or will the country face similar tragedy again and again? This India was so vast in the past. But unfortunately it has become much smaller now. The question is: Will it still get fragmented and break into pieces? How to keep India united—that is our main concern. Perhaps everybody can well understand that the sense of unity is not something that can be imposed. You can frame laws, you can browbeat people, all the same you can’t bring unity among the people. For that we need to follow another path which is uniquely Indian. It would seem apparently that we are different and separate from one another. It seems as if India is not a country, rather a conglomeration of diverse lands. In this connection, a statement of Mohammad Ali Zinnah comes to mind. It was the time when he was vehemently demanding the creation of Pakistan. The statement I am going to refer to is one he made at Darjeeling. While talking to newsmen, he asked: Where are Indians in this country? They are either Bengalees, Punjabis, or Gujaratis or something else! Show me one ‘Indian’. In fact, here Zinnah made a mistake. Many of us also do the same because we forget that integration or Indianness does not mean the absence of diversity. We Indians believe in diversity. Diversity there must be, but there should be no enmity and disharmony. I shall be as ‘I’ am. You too shall be as ‘you’ are. The Bengalees will remain the Bengalees and the Punjabis will remain the Punjabis. What’s wrong with it? The unity and harmony we want is internal, not external. It is the integration of the mind. I shall respect you in spite of the fact that you are somewhat different from me. Similarly, you too respect me though I am not entirely like you. Indeed, variety is the sign of life. Swami Vivekananda says, we would have turned into Egyptian mummies in no time if each and every individual thought in the same manner. Therefore both difference and diversity will exist. That is natural. But there should be no discord and disharmony. I don’t want to use the word ‘tolerance’ here, as it has a negative connotation. It carries a subtle hint that I am greater and stronger than you; but since I am very generous I will just put up with you; I will not crush you. Behind this kind of ‘tolerance’ is hidden an overriding attitude that I am superior to you; I am more powerful than you. If I wish I can force you to adopt my language, dress and everything I consider proper. However, as I am liberal and tolerant I don’t prevent you from living the way you like, according to your taste, temperament and distinct lifestyle.