This refers to National Integration Day observed in India on October 31, the day when former Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi was assassinated in 1984. The concept of secularism is not alien to Indian societies, but it has been misinterpreted and misused by the enemies of national development. Discrimination of a particular group/community grows hatred and it is not good for a healthy nation.  For instance, it is ironical that most of the times whenever a Kashmiri visits outside J&K, he is being looked in a suspicious manner and for no reasons. Similarly, violence against Dalits is still prevailing in some parts of India even in the 21st Century. Leaders like Maulana Abul Kalam Azad helped in sustaining the well being of various communities and minorities  in India in the post-independence era.  At present, there is a National Integration Council (NIC) in place which is headed by Prime Minister. It aims to promote national integrity  and communal harmony throughout the nation. However, even after six decades of Independence from Britain, the plight of minorities, especially Muslims and other sections within majority commuinity (viz Dalits) is still below the  threshold. It is reflected officially through the surveys like the Sachar Committee report.  To sow the seeds of harmony among the youth, the initiatives like establishment of National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Social Scheme (NSS) are laudable steps. Participation of school and college youth in such activities enhances their physical, mental, psychological and social capabilities besides helping them to channelize their talent in a proper direction. We should encourage students for taking part in such events which promote harmony.

Abdul Hamid Mir
Lecturer Chemistry
Govt. Higher Secondary School,
Chuchot-Shama, Leh-Ladakh. 


Lastupdate on : Mon, 31 Oct 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 31 Oct 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 1 Nov 2011 00:00:00 IST