Tolerance and Harmony as engraved in secular ethos of India, but communal discord remains a significant threat to nation's pluralistic fabric. Elaborate

Tolerance refers to acceptance of beliefs, practices of others, even if one disagrees with them. Harmony is social unity, acceptance of diverse ideas. Tolerance and Harmony in Indian ethos: (1) culture of debate since vedic age is pure-paksh & other pakshen representing different sides of debate. (2) Khalife & religions birthplace Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism apart from Hinduism & acceptance of Parvos, Muslims in Indian society. (3) many festivals define India. (4) Holi, Diwali, Eid, Christmas celebrated by all across religions.

Regional and linguistic diversity: Bengali Muslim similar to Bengali Hindu rather than Pakistani Muslim + presence of 20 official languages and thousands of dialects. Single Natural Identity - as Indian is common brotherhood and fraternity → sense of citizenship (Article 1). Significant communal threats: (1) Increasing polarization in society is divisive communal politics (2) Direct Action Day violence (2023) (3) Hate speech + Demonizing crime cow vigilante attacks, Bamariyaabad, Bengadari (4) Increasing radicalization Youth engineers doctor joining ISIS, PPP → banned organization → for 'jihad' i.e. religious war. (5) misinformation, Fake News by Delhi CAA-NRC HOT (2020).

The communal & divisive politics is breaking humanitarian social fabric of India. Way forward solutions: (1) Promotion of inter-caste & inter-religion marriages - ensure implementation of special marriage act 1956 (2) inter-faith religious leaders dialogue is to increase communal harmony in societal front (3) combat radicalization development → school committee ybert (4) Tackle fake misinformation on social media → digital media ethics code 2021

— Aditya Acharya · AIR 96