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Hello everyone! Today, I’m going to be talking about the beautiful unity in diversity present in India, my home country. I’m also giving my opinion on what we as a nation need to do to advance our society. So let’s get to it.

With over 1.5 billion people, 50,000 years of evolutionary history ,~2,700 Whole Genome Sequences and 5,000 well-defined ethno-linguistic and religious groups, India is a nation like no other. From the snow-capped peaks of the mighty Himalayas to the sun-kissed beaches of our coastal regions, from the bustling streets of our cities to the serene villages, India stands out as a perfect kaleidoscope of cultures, languages, traditions and biodiversity. Our diversity is not merely a statistic but a source of strength, resilience, and innovation with its  diverse strands weaving together a vibrant and intricate societal fabric that is India.

In the next two decades, India hopes to achieve  sustainable and inclusive development with GDP growth of  $19 trillion,  600 million jobs and per capita income of $12,000. It is critical that we stand united as one people, one nation to achieve this ambitious goal. Today, as we navigate the complex terrain of the modern world, marked by rapid technological advancements and social unrest, the need for unity and solidarity has never been greater. We must use social media not as a tool for division, but as a platform for education, creativity and collaboration. We must educate our youth about  inclusivity and equality from an early age.

One of the most profound examples of our unity in diversity is the recent historic achievement of Chandrayaan-2, India’s lunar mission. The world watched in awe as India’s unity in diversity radiated through the empowering image of saree-clad women scientists, standing alongside their male colleagues, shattering glass ceilings and breaking stereotypes. India has witnessed another remarkable journey of unity in AMUL, led by Dr. Verghese Kurien,the Milkman of India. Dr. Kurien grew up in South India but chose to work in Gujarat, the western state of India, empowering milk farmers and spearheading the AMUL movement that would revolutionize the dairy industry. Amul’s iconic butter is now a household staple across the country. 

Friends, let us strive to build a nation where unity is a constant reality and diversity is a source of geopolitical strength. Let us be united by the shared values of tolerance and respect, whether we say hello in the myriad ways of “Namaste,” “Sat Sri Akal,” “Vanakkam,” “As-salamu alaykum,” or “Peace be with you”. Let us choose empathy over apathy, understanding over ignorance, and cooperation over conflict. 

To conclude I’d like to share a quote from Jawaharlal Nehru that fits the theme of this blog.

“Like the ocean she received the tribute of a thousand rivers, and though she was disturbed often enough, and storms raged over the surface of her waters, the sea continued to be the sea.”

JAI HIND.