Read the passage and answer the questions:
India’s response to the regional aspirations.
In studying the Indian Constitution and the process of nation-building we have repeatedly come across one basic principle of the Indian approach to diversity - the Indian nation shall not deny the rights of different regions and linguistic groups to retain their own culture. We decided to live a united social life without losing the distinctiveness of the numerous cultures that constituted it. Indian nationalism sought to balance the principles of unity and diversity. The nation would not mean the negation of the region. In this sense the Indian approach was very different from the one adopted in many European countries where they saw cultural diversity as a threat to the nation. India adopted a democratic approach to the question of diversity. Democracy allows the political expressions of regional aspirations and does not look upon them as anti-national. Besides, democratic politics allows parties and groups to address the people on the basis of their regional identity, aspiration and specific regional problems. Thus, in the course of democratic politics, regional aspirations get strengthened. At the same time, democratic politics also means that regional issues and problems will receive adequate attention and accommodation in the policy making process.
Which one of the following distinguishes the Indian approach from that of the European approach to region?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → The nation does not negate region
Option (1) The nation does not negate region — Correct. In India the nation would not mean the negation of the region; many European countries, by contrast, saw cultural diversity as a threat to the nation.
Option (2) The nation is always above the region — Incorrect. Placing the nation above the region would let national unity override regional cultures. The Indian approach balances the principles of unity and diversity instead of ranking one above the other.
Option (3) Nation is all-encompassing — Incorrect. An all-encompassing nation that absorbs every regional identity is closer to the European view, where cultural diversity was seen as a threat. India kept the distinctiveness of its numerous cultures.
Option (4) Nation should neglect regional aspirations — Incorrect. Indian democracy allows the political expressions of regional aspirations and does not look upon them as anti-national.
NCERT (2025-26): “Indian approach … In studying the Indian Constitution and the process of nation-building we have repeatedly come across one basic principle of the Indian approach to diversity – the Indian nation shall not deny the rights of different regions and linguistic groups to retain their own culture. We decided to live a united social life without losing the distinctiveness of the numerous cultures that constituted it. Indian nationalism sought to balance the principles of unity and diversity. The nation would not mean the negation of the region. In this sense the Indian approach was very different from the one adopted in many European countries where they saw cultural diversity as a threat to the nation. India adopted a democratic approach to the question of diversity. Democracy allows the political expressions of regional aspirations and does not look upon them as anti-national. Besides, democratic politics allows parties and groups to address the people on the basis of their regional identity, aspiration and specific regional problems. Thus, in the course of democratic politics, regional aspirations get strengthened. At the same time, democratic politics also means that regional issues and problems will receive adequate attention and accommodation in the policy making process.” |