India’s story is inspirational. As we celebrate our Independence Day, it is once again an opportunity not just to wave the flag, but to reaffirm faith in the values that have held this complex nation together. India must remember her “tryst with destiny”.
As India approaches its Independence Day on August 15th, it’s a moment not only to remember the sacrifices that led to the country’s freedom but to reflect on the great journey that followed, and the extent to which it has lived with Nehru’s classic words of India, commencing it’s tryst with destiny and to awaken to a new world of life and freedom.
India’s story is remarkable in its complexity—a vast land with a myriad of cultures, languages, religions—all stitched together under a single Constitution—flowing along like the holy Ganges into the vast Indian Ocean. What makes India unique is not just its scale but the way it has sustained federalism, unity in diversity and democracy over seven decades.
India adopted a quasi-federal structure at independence. While the Constitution declares India as a “Union of States”, it balances a strong centre with significant powers given to States. This decision was informed by the need to maintain unity in a newly independent and deeply divided society, emerging from the trauma of partition.
Over time, Indian federalism has evolved. The creation of new states, based on linguistic and cultural identities—such as the formation of Maharashtra, Gujarat, and more recently Chattisgarh, Jharkhand and Telangana—reflects the adaptability of Indian federalism. Unlike rigid federations, India’s system has allowed for reorganisation based on people’s aspirations. Bodies like the Inter-State Council and the Finance Commission have also played roles in balancing Centre-State relations.
However, Indian federalism is not without tension. Disputes over waters, demands for greater autonomy, and debates over the role of centrally sponsored schemes are recurring themes. Yet these issues are addressed within the constitutional framework often through negotiations, legal adjudication, or democratic pressure. The recently accepted central scheme of the Goods and Services Tax is a good example of such agreement.
India’s true miracle lies in its ability to embrace diversity. With over 1.4 billion people speaking more than 1600 languages and practicing multiple religions – Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Judaism and more – India defies the conventional idea of nationhood based on homogeneity.
The principle of “unity in diversity” or “sarv dharm sambhav” is embedded in Indian society. Gandhi’s favourite hymn, sung in all his religious meetings throughout his life, was “Raghu pati raghav raja ram, patit ka pawan sita ram”. Festivals like Diwali, Eid, Christmas, Baisakhi or Pongal are celebrated across communities. Regional cuisines, dress, music, and traditions flourish, coexisting with a shared national identity.
This unity has not been accidental; it has been carefully nurtured via a brilliant Constitution that guarantees fundamental rights, including cultural, educational rights etc.
Yet, this unity can be fragile. Communal tensions, regional chauvinism, and political polarization pose real challenges. There is a growing concern that the powers of democratic institutions, Constitutional bodies are curtailed. The press is increasingly compromised, while the freedom of speech is under stress. The answers to these concerns, lies not in denial, but in recommitting to the ideals of the Constitution. Yet, the resilience of civil society, judiciary and the common citizen’s faith in the ballot box keeps our democracy alive. This shall require a reignited courage that seems to be diminishing.
Najeeb Jung is former LG Delhi and Vice Chancellor, Jamia Milia University
