Broadly, independent India encountered three primary challenges.
The initial and immediate challenge involved the task of forging a unified nation while embracing its diverse society. With India's vast size and a populace speaking diverse languages and practicing various cultures and religions, doubts arose about the country's long-term cohesion. The partition of the nation seemed to validate these concerns, prompting serious questions regarding India's future: Could it sustain its unity without compromising other objectives? Would it necessitate the abandonment of regional and sub-national identities? Furthermore, a pressing question emerged: How could the integration of India's territory be accomplished?
The second challenge entailed the establishment of democracy. As you have already learned about the Indian Constitution, it granted fundamental rights and universal suffrage to all citizens. India adopted a representative democracy based on a parliamentary system of government. These provisions ensured that political competition would take place within a democratic framework. However, while a democratic constitution was essential, it alone was insufficient for establishing a functioning democracy. The challenge lied in developing democratic practices in accordance with the Constitution.
The third challenge aimed to ensure the overall development and well-being of society as a whole, rather than specific segments. The Constitution explicitly laid down the principle of equality and offered special protection to socially disadvantaged groups, as well as religious and cultural communities. Additionally, the Directive Principles of State Policy outlined welfare goals that democratic politics should strive to achieve. The true challenge at this stage was to devise effective policies for economic development and the eradication of poverty. |
