STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

OF DIVERSITY IN INDIA
A
PROJECT REPORT

i
Acknowledgement
First and foremost, praises and thanks to the God, the Almighty, for His
showers of blessings throughout our research work to complete the research
successfully.
We would like to express my deep and sincere gratitude to our research
supervisor, for giving us the opportunity to do research and providing
invaluable guidance throughout this research. His dynamism, vision, sincerity
and motivation have deeply inspired us. He has taught us the methodology to
carry out the research and to present the research works as clearly as possible. It
was a great privilege and honor to work and study under his guidance. We are
extremely grateful for what he has offered us. We would also like to thank him
for his friendship, empathy, and great sense of humour. We are extending our
heartfelt thanks to him for the acceptance and patience during the discussion we
had with him on research work and thesis preparation.
Our heartfelt appreciation goes to our interviewees who took time out of their
busy schedules for participating in this research.

ii
Abstract
India is known for its diversity that ranges over its natural environments and
resources, rivers, lakes, seas, forests, agro-products and climates. As regards its
people, India’s diversity ranges over their cultures and religions, their castes,
languages, foods, dresses, arts and dances, musical traditions, across rural and
urban regions, where the poor and rich live in harmony. There is an underlying
linkage and interconnection among geographically, socially and economically
diverse groups in India. This diversity has been recognized as the main strength
of India. The most visible manifestation of this strength has been in the form of
creative traditions such as music, dances, literary and philosophical traditions.
India’s most vibrant constitutional democracy in itself reflects the strength of its
diversity, and it also helps in managing this diversity. Whenever this diversity is
not understood properly or is misinterpreted, there arise tensions, disputes or
situations of conflict. However, the existence of India as a nation in its present
form suggests some common cultural bonding, common identity and social
mechanism that have helped it to resolve its tensions, disputes and conflicts, and
these have also been pushing to shape and transform the Indian society.
The paper argues that the Indian experience of diversity shows that the “conflict
theory” explanation, which claims that proximity with diverse groups, leads to
tension and discord cannot adequately account for the varying forms in which
diversity manifests itself. On the contrary, it believes in a “contact theory”
explanation which claims that more time spent with people of varied
backgrounds leads to greater understanding and harmony between groups. It
asserts that increasing diversity is not only inevitable but ultimately valuable
and enriching. The paper moves a step further and asserts that a capable and
visionary governance system can direct diversity in developing different
perspective to seek solution to socio-economic challenges before the country.
These different perspective and solution will provide innovative solutions that
ultimately result in social and economic prosperity of people.

iii
Table of Contents

3 Introduction
8 Analysis

iv
1. Introduction
Cultural diversity refers to having a variety of cultures or human societies
within a specific region. Cultural diversity is possible when individuals accept,
acknowledge and value the different ways in which people interact and live in
the world. Cultural diversity is based on an understanding that even if people
have cultural differences, they desire the same things: acceptance, well-being,
security, esteem and equity.

Cultural diversity is based on the idea that people should not ignore or discard
their cultural identities but rather value and maintain them. The foundation of
cultural diversity is that every race or culture contributes positively to social and
economic development. A culturally diverse society is characterized by
differences in culture, economic background, ethnicity, age, disability,
education, geographical background, physical appearance, language, race,
political affiliation, sexual orientation and religious beliefs.

Cultural diversity depends on the flow of human population across borders, and
it is a source of creativity, innovation and social exchange. Policies for
participation and inclusion of all people promote social cohesion, peace and the
vitality of a culturally diverse society. Cultural diversity is a means to a more
emotional, spiritual, intellectual and moral existence.

Cultural diversity brings together people with various skills, creativity and
knowledge for effective productivity. A diverse group has increased
adaptability, a variety of viewpoints on an issue and innovation. Challenges of
diversity include communication problems, resistance to change, differences of
opinions and stereotyping.

For years Indian ethnicity and diversity has attracted masses and for them this
country is a place of Maharajas, elephants, Gods, Yogis, saris, strange names
and software engineers. Although this is all true, India is far more in the midst
of modern civilization by preserving its past traditions and cultures. Since Stone
Age when human settlement in India was in progress, this country has greeted
many communities with their vast cultural backdrops to strengthen its diversity
in its own way. India shares its diversity in cultures, religions, languages and
communities with great diversity extended to manners, habits, tastes and
customs. Although this diversity is unique in nature, India is always looked
upon as country with “Unity in Diversity”.

One best thing about Indian diversity is the motto to live peacefully, which has
also helped India to gain its independence. This happened due to active
participation from people of different religion, caste, creed and community

1
thinking they are Indians first. As every coin has two faces, diversity in India
also has some advantages as well disadvantages and looking at the current
issues in India it becomes significantly important to analyze them.

Disadvantages of Diversity in India

I. Social Tensions: Due to diversity in religions, cultures, ethnic origin and

linguistic background often, India faces some social tensions based on
these issues. Examples can be depicted as communal violence based on
religion values or current issue of tensions among people of different
states and of different linguistic origin.Social tension can occur as a result
of cultural and linguistic differences. In India, for instance, tension
between the Muslim minority and the largely secular majority is
frequently attributed to the incommensurability of Islamic and Secular
values.

II. Corruption and Illiteracy: Due to Indian diversity and previous

traditions, politics is limited to certain families carrying out the legacy. 
This has increased overall corruption in India and due to nervousness of
these politicians to look after poor and disabled in turn increased
illiteracy rate.

III. Lack of Urbanization in Some states: Only because of diversity, still

there are many states with underdeveloped infrastructures where there is
no electricity and no proper roads for transportation. On the other hand,
some states are developing with rapid pace to compete with some of the
biggest commercial cities in the world.

IV. Diversity with diverse issues: Different regions, castes, states and
different parts of the country have diverse issues making government
paralyzed to meet all these issues. Somewhere people are fighting for
their reservation rights whereas somewhere people are fighting against
people migrated from different states in search of employment
opportunities.

V. Professional: Although largely it is a benefit, managing a multicultural

workforce can be very demanding. Prejudices of employees may work
against the people belonging to a minority. Encouraging cooperation
among all the co-workers, especially in collaborating as a team, can be a
task.

VI. FearofInfluence: Living in a multicultural society, even a cosmopolitan

city for that matter, may inculcate a fear among individuals or minority
2
 groups, that they would lose their original ethnic identities or lifestyle.
Being influenced by other cultures or foreign belief systems, at times
create a protectionist tendency among the citizens.

Advantages of Diversity in India

I. Tourism: It is the world-renowned unity in diversity and diverse cultures
in practicing religion, traditions, cuisines, manners and clothing that
attract all the visitors and tourists from globe to India. Tourists visit India
to understand the different spiritual practices, to meet scents, Yogis and
follow the rich heritage and culture of different religions have perished in
all these years.
II. National Integration: Although there is diversity in cultures, preaching
and practices, often these things are treated separately when any matter of
special grievance develops in the country. Recent issue of anti corruption
movement started by Shri Anna Hazare has witnessed the strong national
integration in Indian civilization despite of caste, religion, social status,
age and place.
III. Rich Heritage: Every participant in diversifying the Indian culture has
strengthened and enriched the cultural heritage of India in many ways
either with the religion practices or with the ancient traditions. For years,
these traditions and practices are preserved from generation to generation
and will be preserved by coming generations in near future.
IV. Rich Flora and Fauna: Due to diversity in India, many advantages as
differential soil providing rich agricultural beds in different crops
according to soil variety. This has led to development in sugar industries,
wheat industries, tea industry, fruit industry and industries depending on
the cash crops of the subsequent crops.
V. Differential Breed of Profession: Certain areas in India are engaged in
enriching its culture and ethnicity, as more number of software engineers
is from South India whereas many classical musicians haul from Western
India. North India is known for brave soldiers and East India has
provided some of the brilliant literature pundits and scientists to the
country.
VI. Education: There have been changes in the syllabus of subjects, like
history, to accommodate a more comprehensive and broader version of
the past events. This can be seen as giving more exposure to children,
wherein they learn about different perspectives on a given topic. Kids are
educated about equality, and thus develop an attitude against racism.

3
VII. Professional: Employees coming from various cultures can contribute
with a wider range of perspectives on an assignment. A mix of cultural
experiences helps in problem-solving, and can create a strong team.
Having a diverse group of workers always enriches the office
environment, improving the work culture.
VIII. MultinationalCompanies: These service industry giants, specifically the
FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) manufacturers, have benefited
greatly from globalization. A diverse population employed by these
companies in different countries helps them capture global markets,
increase customer base across nations, and earn profits easily.

4
2. REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The literature review has been conducted to know about the diversity of India in
a broad way. The literature review tells us about the areas of concerns and why
minorities don’t feel safe in India. Due to this we come to know about the
brilliancy of our vast diversity.
REVIEW OF RELATED STUDIES:
According to Dr.Dominic KV Multiculturism is defined as the state of co-
existence of diverse cultures. Culture includes, racial, religious, linguistic etc.
Which may have differences and distinctions in customary behaviours, cultural
assumptions and values, patterns of thinking and communicative styles. It also
aims at the preservation of different culture and their identities within a unified
society as a state or nation. ‘Multiculturalism’ is now used not only to define
disadvantaged and marginalised groups like tribals, linguistic –cultural-religious
minorities, LGBT, disabled, etc. but also, immigrants who may come under
ethnic, religious minorities as well as minority nations and indigenous peoples.
Multiculturism is applied by the government, philosophers, politicians, writers,
critics and scholars for human society alone but to me it includes non-human
beings, plants and the planet itself.

According to Dr. Debiprasanna Pattanayak in the context of Indian diversity

consisting 3000 mother tongues,4600 castes and communities,4000 faiths and
beliefs.45000 plant biological species,65000 animal verities would expect that
the Indian Development Planning would be based on multiplicity of approaches
and practices. One would expect that Indian celebrates its diversity, diversity of
its languages, cultures, world views and creativity. But unfortunately, the
reverse is the case.

According to Harihar Bhattacharya Multicultural concerns have long

informed India’s history and traditions, constitution and political arrangements.
Much of the writings on Indian history, culture and politics are marked by some
kind of multicultural concern. The Indian Constitution as the source of these
policies can be said to be a basic multicultural document in the sense of
providing for political and institutional measures for the recognition and
accommodation of the country’s diversity.

5
According to Beteille 2003 Most of the major religions of the world such as
Hinduism and Buddhism, originated in this land while others, such as
Christianity and Islam though came from outside has remained and grown in it
for a thousand years and more. This great profusion of linguistic, religious and
other customs and usages was associated with a multitude of castes,
communities and tribes each of which was bearer of a particular sub-culture or
even sub sub-culture which is transmitted from generation to generation.

6
3. Problem Statement

7
4. Methodology of the study
Methodology is the systematic, theoretical analysis of the methods applied to a
field of study. It comprises the theoretical analysis of the body of methods and
principles associated with a branch of knowledge. Typically, it encompasses
concepts such as paradigm, theoretical model, phases and quantitative or
qualitative techniques. This part outlines the research strategy, the research
method, the research approach, the methods of data collection, the selection of
the sample, the research process, the type of data analysis, the ethical
considerations and the research limitations of the project. When it comes to data
collection, there are two methods in general used by researcher to collect data,
primary and secondary method. Primary data is data that is collected by a
researcher from first-hand sources, using methods like surveys, interviews, or
experiments. It is collected with the research project in mind, directly from
primary sources. The term is used in contrast with the term secondary data.
Secondary data is data gathered from studies, surveys, or experiments that have
been run by other people or for other research.
Typically, a researcher will begin a project by working with secondary data.
This allows time to formulate questions and gain an understanding of the issues
being dealt with before the more costly and time-consuming operation of
collecting primary data.
In order to satisfy the objectives of the study, combination of both qualitative
and quantitative research was held. To capture the main dimensions of this
study, a survey was carried out. A questionnaire was prepared based on the
knowledge of already existing studies and experiments. Qualitative data is
gathered through sampling process. People from different ethnic groups,
religions, age and backgrounds were considered for the sample of the study.