Subject: Polity
National integration refers to the process by which diverse communities and regions come together to form a unified nation. In India, this concept is particularly important given the country’s vast diversity in language, religion, and culture. Obstacles to national integration include communal tensions, regional disparities, and socio-economic inequalities.
In simple language, national integration is about unity in diversity. The National Integration Council, established to recommend measures for fostering unity, and the National Foundation for Communal Harmony, which works to reduce inter-community conflicts, are two key institutions in this regard. Recent incidents of communal discord have underscored the ongoing challenges in achieving complete integration, while government initiatives continue to promote dialogue and understanding among different groups.
The aim is to build a cohesive society where every citizen feels an equal part of the nation, despite their differences.