Regionalism is often seen as a serious threat to the development, progress and unity of the nation but it does make a contribution to the nation. Discuss.

It is a serious threat to development

1. It lead to pariochual tendencies which places one group over the other. eg: A sense of relative deprivation among northeastern people.

2. Ethical, religious revivalism is promoted which could turn

violent. Example: Issue of Bodos for political autonomy

1. It may result into anti national tendencies threatening the security of country eg: Khalistan movement

2. Advantage of regionalism could be taken by other countries for spreading militancy. Eg: Pakistan in Kashmir.

3. Andre Beteille: It is a form of partial ideology which does not represents all. Any partial ideology affects development.

It makes a contribution to the nation

1. It acts as a pressure group on the government to listen to people who have been left marginalised and without the support of state. eg: Govt. renewed attention to North east

(2) It helps in the resource mobilisation among the communities

(3) Rajni Kothari: It helps in the revival of the culture which has been left behind.

(4) Ghurye: It reinforces syncretic nature of Indian culture. Make the mainland culture more aware of the minority culture.

(5) It helps to raise the demand of minorities :- provide possible solutions. eg: Sacchar committee

(6) Regionalism as a tool can be used for political mobilisation → better representation in politics. Example: DMK

(7) It prevents the domination of one ideology over other. eg: South states against Hindi opposition

Way forward

(1) Andre Beteille: Regionalism should never be associated with violence, separatism. It then becomes a problem.

(2) Spirit of Nationalism should be promoted through developmental nationalism – Nehru

(3) Regional aspirations should be taken care of.