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12 Jan 2026·Source: The Indian Express
3 min
Polity & GovernanceSocial IssuesNEWS

PM Modi Calls to Counter Divisive Forces in India

PM Modi emphasizes unity to counter divisive forces, promoting national progress.

PM Modi Calls to Counter Divisive Forces in India

Photo by Ligio Pereira

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for a united effort to counter divisive forces within India, emphasizing the importance of social harmony and national integration for sustained progress. Speaking at a public event, Modi highlighted that divisive elements can hinder the country's development and undermine its social fabric.

He urged citizens to prioritize unity and work together towards common goals, reinforcing the idea that a cohesive society is essential for India's growth and prosperity. The Prime Minister's statement underscores the government's focus on maintaining social cohesion and addressing challenges posed by divisive ideologies.

Key Facts

1.

PM Modi: Calls for unity to counter divisive forces

2.

Social harmony: Essential for national progress

3.

Divisive elements: Hinder country's development

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice

2.

Link to Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy

3.

Potential for essay questions on social cohesion and national integration

Visual Insights

Countering Divisive Forces: A Holistic Approach

This mind map illustrates the interconnected strategies for countering divisive forces and promoting social harmony and national integration in India, as emphasized by PM Modi.

Countering Divisive Forces

  • Promoting Social Harmony
  • Strengthening National Integration
  • Education & Awareness
  • Legal Frameworks & Enforcement
More Information

Background

The concept of national integration in India has deep historical roots, predating even the nation's independence. The seeds were sown during the Indian independence movement, where leaders like Mahatma Gandhi emphasized unity among diverse communities to achieve freedom. Post-independence, the challenge was to consolidate a newly formed nation with vast linguistic, religious, and cultural differences.

The Constitution of India, adopted in 1950, enshrined principles of secularism, equality, and fraternity to foster national unity. The establishment of institutions like the Election Commission of India and the reorganization of states based on linguistic lines aimed to promote political and cultural integration. However, challenges such as regionalism, caste-based discrimination, and communal tensions have persisted, requiring continuous efforts to strengthen the social fabric of the nation.

Latest Developments

In recent years, the focus on national integration has intensified due to rising concerns about social polarization and the spread of divisive ideologies. The government has launched initiatives like 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' to promote cultural exchange and understanding between different states. There's also been increased emphasis on inclusive development policies to address socio-economic disparities that can fuel social divisions.

The rise of social media has presented both opportunities and challenges, with platforms being used to spread both messages of unity and divisive content. The ongoing debates around issues like religious freedom, citizenship, and historical narratives highlight the complexities of maintaining social cohesion in a diverse society. Future efforts are likely to focus on promoting dialogue, education, and inclusive governance to counter divisive forces and strengthen national integration.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the concept of 'National Integration' in India: 1. It solely refers to the political unification of the country. 2. It encompasses social, cultural, and economic dimensions beyond political unity. 3. The Constitution of India promotes national integration through provisions ensuring equality and fraternity. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is incorrect as national integration is not limited to political unification. It includes social, cultural, and economic aspects. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as they accurately describe the broader scope of national integration and the Constitution's role in promoting it.

2. Which of the following initiatives is/are aimed at promoting cultural integration and understanding between different states in India? 1. Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat 2. National Education Policy 2020 3. Atal Innovation Mission Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • A.1 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 2 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: C

Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat promotes cultural exchange. National Education Policy 2020 emphasizes understanding of Indian culture. Atal Innovation Mission focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship, not directly on cultural integration.

3. Assertion (A): Divisive forces can hinder India's development and undermine its social fabric. Reason (R): Social cohesion and national integration are essential for sustained progress and prosperity. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?

  • A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
  • B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
  • C.A is true, but R is false.
  • D.A is false, but R is true.
Show Answer

Answer: A

Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why divisive forces hinder development. Social cohesion is a prerequisite for progress.

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