Tanmai KhannaAIR 61 · CSE 2022 · 227 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening · a definition
Social capital is a form of capital that is built through relationships and an effective network of social connections which provide access and benefits to all its members.
While India is a diverse and heterogeneous nation, it has never impeded the development of social capital:
Body · points
→ Indian culture celebrates heterogeneity and pluralism. Our society is often called a 'salad bowl' or a 'thali' of different cultures which live and thrive together.
A recent Pew Centre report highlighted that >80% Indians believe that it is important to be tolerant of other religions and cultures to truly be Indian.
→ A strong national identity that cuts through all other regional, ethnic, caste, class identities is developed through programmes like 'Har Ghar Tiranga'.
Civil society organisations play an important role as well:
→ NGOs like CRY, Teach for India, PUCL fight for civil rights and protection across all subnational identities, developing a true consciousness of the oppressed.
→ Self help groups like SEWA, Kudumbashree bring together women of different identities so that they can work together and strengthen as a group.
→ Pressure Groups which advocate for protecting our environment, protecting children, students, businesses - create social networks that unify to represent a larger cause.
Close · a summary
All these manifestations of civil society strengthen social capital, and in turn their political capital to fight for their rights and bring about social development.
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