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National unity of India is not only the soul of our country but also the guiding force to build a strong national structure.

India has resources. Around 394.6 million acres of arable land is available in the country. Despite a persistent drinking-water problem at the global level, India is blessed with adequate

water sources. Along with success in the field of energy, available coal, iron and thorium reserves ensure the country’s capability to step forward towards development. Unlimited manpower is available in India. At the same time, its large population is also a challenging problem. However, this problem can be potentially transformed into a formidable resource that can give India a decisive global edge. Indians are full of intelligence and skills. For centuries, India has been established as a spiritual land and has led the world in the fields of science, literature and art. Kashi, Nalanda, Vikramashila, Vallabhi, Taxila, Udayagiri, Odantapuri, Sompura, Jagaddala, and Lalitagiri have been centres of higher education and learning in ancient India, often frequented by foreign learners.

Currently, there are more than six million graduates and postgraduates in India. There are more than 150,000 graduates, postgraduates and researchers in different branches of medical science. Despite many flaws in the system, these figures are enough to boost India’s advanced position in the field of education. Approximately 5,00,000 professors, readers and lecturers are teaching in the institutions of higher studies and research in India – working in universities and affiliated colleges.

Indian culture and civilisation have inspired people all over the world for thousands of years with its slogan of ‘live and let live’ - focusing on cooperation, coordination and harmony.

Many other things can also be mentioned about India to testify its unity and integrity. Despite this, India’s unity has been severely jeopardised due to its inability to take a united stand.

India’s unity, along with its integrity and prosperity, is most important for itself. It must also be noted that unity, integrity and prosperity of India are rooted in the principle of universal unity. India’s development denotes the progress of humanity. The pages of Indian history disclose the liberal pattern of progress of India. These pages clearly reveal India’s records in all walks of life – art, astronomy, chemistryphysics, geometry, mathematics, medicine, space science etc. The world along with India gained from the works and unprecedented achievements of great Indian Maharishis like Sushruta, Charaka, Patanjali, Panini, Aryabhata, Bhaskara and many others. It can be stated here that that the unity, solidarity and prosperity of India had never been confined to progress, prosperity and welfare of Indians only. It concerns

everyone on this planet and is dedicated to universalism.

The concept of unity and prosperity of India is wide-ranging and this reality can be repeated time and again. Despite appearing nationalistic from outside, the basic spirit of this unity relates to the entire spectrum of humanity. Therefore, when there is a talk about India’s unity and prosperity, it should not be taken lightly or from a narrow outlook. The concept of India’s unity is integrally related to the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. There are four bases Indian national unity. They are -

Casteless society;

Communal harmony;

Women’s empowerment; and

A mature national political approach.

The caste system in India is a curse. It divides Indian society into approximately 4000 parts and subparts. For centuries, it has caused great loss to the unity and prosperity of the nation.

Discrimination among fellow-beings, violation of the natural right of equality and exploitation of man by man and social disparity have been some of its detrimental effects. Therefore, concrete work towards the formation of a casteless society is the first necessity to ascertain national unity and real prosperity.

India is a land of different faiths and communities. Along with respect towards its welfaristic national culture, harmony among the people is another foremost need in this regard.

The third is participation of women in all walks of life, certainty of their role in policy-making and implementation and share in governance are ways to their empowerment. The issue of women’s empowerment should not be taken lightly.

The last but not the least is the need for a mature national political approach. Only such an approach can pave the way to ascertain women’s empowerment, harmony among communities and the establishment of a casteless society. On the basis of these, India can build a better future for the coming generations. National unity can give us a common vision and a common approach to put our energies together for a common goal.