Mehak Gupta Grover
A land of diversity, a land of opportunities, a land of infinite variety, a land of inventions, a land of innumerable languages, a land of belonging, a land of cultures, a land of religious variance, a land of festivals, a land of living traditions, a land of Gods, a land of spices, a land of peace, a land of pilgrimages, a land of oneness and a land of Power. This is My India- Our India.
India is an alluring country. It is a prominent country all over the world for its cultures and traditions. Indian culture is considered as the first and supreme cultures of the world along with being one of the oldest civilisations as well. The vital components being good manners, etiquettes, civilised communication, rituals, beliefs, values, etc. India is a land where many different religions and practices live together in complete congruity. It is a land where cultures and thoughts intermingle to provide an altogether new way of living to the people. It is truly a land of great cultural heritage and enriched traditions. It is home to thousand year old innately sculptured temples and modern skyscrapers.
The national language of India being Hindi, however there are almost twenty two languages being recognised by Indian Constitution( written in thirteen different scripts with over seven hundred twenty dialects), thirty one other languages have received the status of being official and more than eight hundred eighty other languages are spoken in India everyday. India is also home to nine recognised religions, namely Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Jainism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Judaism and Baha’i. Inspite of so many religions and languages in India, there is ‘Unity in Diversity’. It focuses on the existence of unity even after incalculable dissimilarities. The high mountain ranges, vast sea, countless rivers, large river-irrigated lands, dark forests, sandy deserts, all these have adorned India with an exceptional diversity. The modern Indian civilisation has been nourished and developed by multiracial contributions. From times immemorial, diverse races migrated into India and got themselves settled here. The unique ethnic groups such as the Aryans, the Persians, the Arabs, the Kushanas, the Sakas, the Europeans and many more races came to India and enriched Indian culture and ethnicity. The national customs, traditions, national festivals which we Indians celebrate irrespective of caste, creed, colour, religion, in all parts of the country contains within them a sense of unity. Our true nationality is mankind and India follows this saying with a true heart.
Rightly said by PM Narendra Modiji
” Unity in diversity is India’s strength. There is simplicity in every Indian. There is unity in every corner of India. This is our strength.”
Unity in diversity is not just another phrase or quotation. But, these words are highly prudent to a country like India that is incredibly rich in culture and heritage. The warmth in the relations and euphoria in celebrations make the country stand out distinctively in the clutter. The cuisines, festivals, music, literature and theatre- everything is special in this land of God.
Our incredible India is truely incredible! India is aptly considered as the land of inventions. The number system was invented in India by Aryabhatta. Algebra, trigonometry, geometry and calculus originated from India. Most of the European languages are originated from Sanskrit. The binary number system used in computers and digital services was invented in India. The value of ‘pi’ was first discovered in India by Budhayana, ages before the European mathematicians. The wireless communication was first invented by the Indian scientist Professor Jagdish Chandra Bose. Chess was invented in india during Gupta empire. Yoga- the union of the individual consciousness was also invented in India. The word yoga was first mentioned in oldest sacred texts of the Rig Veda. Buttons were discovered in the Indus valley civilisation almost 5000 years ago. Indians started cultivating cotton during 4th and 5th millennium. Rulers- made of ivory were invented in India. Flush toilets were first used in the Indus valley civilisation. The township of Harappa and Mohenjodaro had flush toilet systems in all the houses connected to sewage system. And still we say India is an illiterate country? No doubt the literacy rate in India is not too high and poverty is also at it’s high, but every country has certain flaws, right. And working towards improving this blemishment is important which India is doing with full dedication.
India is a multicultural country and same is reflected in the festivals of India. There are many festivals which are celebrated as national festivals; while a number of them are celebrated by members of particular religious groups. These Indian festivals bind all Indians together irrespective of their colour, lineage, beliefetc. Major festivals are Diwali ( festival of lights), Janamashtmi ( birthday of lord krishna), Shivratri (birthday of lord shiva), Holi ( festival of colors), Onum ( harvest festival), Raksha Bandhan( festival of brothers and sisters), Eid-Ul-Fitr ( one of the most important Muslim festival), Ramzan( holy month for Muslims dedicated for prayers), Easter ( festival celebrating resurrection of Jesus from dead), Christmas ( birthday of Jesus Christ), Guru Nanak Jayanti (birth of first Sikh guru- Guru Nanakji), Baisakhi ( sikh’s new year), Mahavir Jayanti ( birth of Jain guru Mahaviraji), Pajushan ( important festival for jains) and list is endless. Each festival is celebrated with full fervour. Why do people still say- we are not one?
In words of Mark Twain, ‘ In religion, India is the only millionaire. The one land that all men desire to see and having seen once, by even a glimpse, would not give that glimpse for all the shows of all the rest of the globe combined.’
The influence of various cultures on each other is evident from the architectural styles, languages as well as the practices in various parts of the country. This innate mixture of various traditions give India the place and the reputation of being the most tolerant and patient country in the world.
Apart from so many religions and languages, India is known for its flavours- which spread the aroma of love and peace all over. The glory of Indian spices are known throughout the world. India commands a formidable position in the world spice trade. Indian spices are popularly known for their aroma and flavour in domestic as well as international markets. It is the world’s largest producer, consumer and expoter of spices; and accounts for half of the global trading in spices. Out of 109 spices listed by ISO, India produces around 75 spices. Even organic spice farming is gaining prominence in India.
If we consider India to be the best nation in the world, it is because of all the above features but the major reason is the values which binds the people together.
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