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Query from North-East: Does imposing a common culture unify us? || Acharya Prashant, IRMA (2023)
Bharat
754 views
1 year ago
Regionalism
Racism
Identity
Liberation
Indian Constitution
Diversity
Human Nature
Equality
Description

Acharya Prashant addresses the issue of racism and regionalism by explaining that any attempt to standardize or enforce a uniform identity based on superficial traits like language, food habits, or physical features will inevitably lead to division, violence, and suffering. He argues that these aspects vary naturally from person to person and place to place, and trying to normalize them is both impractical and childish. Instead of focusing on diverse external factors, society should emphasize what all human beings have in common. He notes that diversity in nature is not a sign of superiority or inferiority, but a necessary part of a functioning ecosystem where every element, from the smallest bacteria to the largest tree, plays a vital role. He identifies the true unifying principle of humanity as the urge to know, reflect, and seek liberation from inner ignorance. Unlike animals, which live by instinct, human beings possess a unique drive to understand their existence and rise above their current state. Acharya Prashant suggests that national policies and social systems should be founded on this shared human need for education, transparency, and understanding. When identity is built on exclusive factors like language or ethnicity, it creates an 'alien' status for others, whereas an identity based on the shared pursuit of truth and liberation fosters genuine unity. Regarding the role of the state, Acharya Prashant highlights the Indian Constitution as a respectable framework because its core values—such as liberty, equality, and fraternity—are universal and non-discriminatory. He asserts that if a polity is conducted honestly according to these constitutional principles, many social problems like racism and regionalism would be resolved. While the constitution may not directly address the inner spiritual liberation of an individual, it provides a stable foundation for a just society. He concludes that living up to these sublime constitutional values is a necessary step toward a more harmonious and inclusive national identity.