The Indian economy, during the early years of independence, was characterised as under-developed (with a per capita income of INR 230), import dependent, having poor infrastructure, trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty and illiteracy etc. However, newly independent India was also facing grave concerns like maintaining the integrity and unity of the nation and consolidation of various regions of India in the background of its huge diversity. Thus, more than dealing with economic problems, the immediate task in front of its founders was to shape a nation that was united, yet accommodative of the socio-cultural diversities.

Challenges in socio-cultural integration of people of India:

• Linguistic diversity: Language emerged as an emotive issue which people identified with their core cultural identities. When the Official Language Commission, set up in 1955, recommended the progressive use of Hindi for official purposes of the Union, the southern states felt that it would put them at disadvantage in matters of public employment and political participation, leading to huge protests.
• Integration of religious minorities: Post partition, newly formed India had challenges to build confidence in its religious minorities like Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Jews of the secular credentials of the Indian state.
• North East regional diversity: Culturally and ethnically diverse North East region has more than 200 ethnic groups that have diverse languages, dialects, and socio-cultural identities. Integration of this region into the mainland, bringing national consciousness and unity among this region was a challenging task, especially in states like Nagaland, parts of Assam etc.
• Isolated tribes: Tribals made up more than 6% of the population and were dispersed throughout India. Residing mostly in hilly and forest areas in colonial India, they lived in relative isolation. They were politically isolated and were hence untouched by ideas of nationalism and a common unifying bond.
• Removing caste barriers: Untouchability based on the concept of ‘purity’ was a major issue which threatened the social fabric of India at that time. Recognizing its nuisance, the Constitution provided for affirmative actions and made practising untouchability a punishable offence. Threat of regionalism: The politics of some regional parties created a sense of isolation from the nation’s umbrella identity.

This diversity could become a divisive tool, thus transforming India into a disruptive country along the lines of communalism, casteism, and regional exclusivity. To address these challenges and keep the country united, early governments adopted policies of territorial integration, promoting social justice, the preservation of India’s rich diversity, and the inauguration of a civil and libertarian polity.