GS1 · 15 marks · 250 words

Examine the reasons behind generation of regional sentiments? Do you agree that regional sentiments and cultural assertiveness may lead to the issue of separatism?

Answered by 3 toppers · CSE 2021–2024

Syllabus: Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism.

How toppers approached it

From 1 of the 3 answers · about 190 words · 100% drew a diagram.

Opening

  • A definition1 of 1

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  • Points and prose1 of 1

Close

  • A way forward1 of 1

The toppers’ answers

Madhav AgarwalAIR 16 · CSE 2024 · 212 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening

Regionalism is a phenomenon where people choose regional identity over national identity. It is based on "geographical concentration" of identity markers.

Reasons behind generation of regional sentiments:

Body

(i) Imbalanced economic deprivation of a region. (eg: Telangana state due to poor development)

(ii) Chauvinism based on language. (eg: Son of Soil Policy in Maharashtra.

(iii) Political factors: who use regional sentiments to fulfill their own vested interests.

(iv) Feeling of "otherisation" eg: North East Exodus from Bangalore.

(v) Identity based on historic folklores

eg: Bundelkhand region through folklores of past

(vi) Competition of resources :-

eg: Inter-state disputes among states for rivers, eg: Maharasthra, Karnataka

Regional sentiments & Cultural assertiveness leading to separatism :

Yes both can lead to separation by promoting solidarity in region but having an ETHNOCENTRIC view against other regions.

eg: Demand for Greater Nagalim to forge a Naga Identity/culture

Similarly in religion can be seen from secessionist demands of Khalistan in Punjab.

Demands of separation can also be from State but within India

Diagram
- Demand for Kukiland (Manipur) - Demand for separate Bundelkhand State (MP) - Demand for Tipraland (Tripura)

Ways to foster solidarity

→ 'Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat' → Balanced regional growth through tax incentives → Political Sensitization & rule of law

Close

We need to boost regional identities that allow for self determination & boost to diversity rather than which leads to conflicts and chaos.

More on Regionalism

Regional identity, sub-nationalism and inter-state tensions.

All GS1 questions on Regionalism