The psychology of national integration in different religious groups in India

Abstract

When India was a British colony, there existed a totally different ideology about being an Indian. It was important to re-examine the dynamics of feelings of individuals who were once segregated on the grounds of different castes, religions, etc. during earlier times, to the individuals of now. How integrated or secluded do they feel even after our constitution gives each one several rights. Qualitative research was carried out through unstructured telephonic interview. Then content analysis was done based on the narratives of now and records of the earlier times using historical method and ethnographic research in which etic approach was used to test the hypothesis concerning cause, effects and trends of events to explain present events. Sample size included 60 people of different religious communities. Findings suggest, minorities and Hindus felt somewhat more integrated in Indian culture. Although, some religious groups had different views. Bhartiya dynasties’ contributions and Indian national movement unified India together. Now, India is divided through caste, religion, atrocities on regional antagonism, cultural in-flight with the issue of reservation in public services. Although, the approach of unity in diversity is keeping Indians united to an extent. Thus, it can be implied that people have different perception about the way experiences occur in their lives. Based on it, they make certain ideologies regarding national integration, though belonging to different religious groups.