“For I am of the opinion that the most vital need of the day is to create among the mass of the people the sense of a common nationality, the feeling not that they are Indians first and Hindus, Mohammedans or Sindhis and Kanarese afterwards, but that they are Indians first and Indians last. If that be the ideal then it follows that nothing should be done which will harden local patriotism and group - Dr. B.R.Ambedkar (13th October 1956 during the meeting of the workers of the scheduled caste federation in Nagpur)
Dr. Ambedkar has laid down the foundation of a strong framework for social justice in India. He has been instrumental for constitutional empowerment of minorities especially dalit community.Through this quote, Dr.Ambedkar has emphasised the importance of core doctrine of unity in diversity in India.
Today the country is divided into fragments, the fragments which are deepened by religious fanaticism, intolerance towards liberal views, extreme form of regionalism, ignorance and narrow mindedness. The need has arrived to revive the values of unity, integrity, common brotherhood, respect for woman, and other ideals enshrined in the preamble of the country.
Without the sense of common nationality among the masses in India, the dream of an inclusive society and being a global superpower will be the far fetched one.
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