India is a land of unparalleled diversity, a nation where people of different religions, languages, and cultures coexist in a vibrant tapestry of unity. At the heart of this coexistence lies its democratic ethos, which guarantees equality, liberty, and justice to all. However, the continued use of terms like “minority” and “majority” to describe sections of society undermines these principles.
The concept of a “minority” in a democracy is not only unnecessary but also harmful. Democracy, by its very definition, is a system of governance that treats all citizens as equals. To categorise individuals into numerical groups is to compromise this foundational ideal. Every citizen of a democracy is an equal stakeholder, irrespective of their religion, caste, or language. When we divide people into minorities and majorities, we erode the collective identity of the nation and reduce individuals to fragmented labels.
India’s history reveals the origins of this divisive mindset. The British colonial administration institutionalised communal and social divisions as a means to perpetuate their control over the country. Policies such as separate electorates based on religion created a sense of separateness among communities, sowing seeds of mistrust that have lingered long after independence. While India adopted an inclusive Constitution in 1950, the language of division persists in the political and social discourse.
The use of terms like minority and majority has led to the exploitation of identity politics. Political leaders and parties have used these labels to carve out vote banks, appeal to specific groups, and fuel polarisation. This approach reduces citizens to the confines of their religious or community identity, ignoring the shared challenges they face as Indians. It fosters a mindset of competition rather than cooperation, as different groups are pitted against each other in the struggle for resources, representation, and rights.
Such divisions undermine the spirit of national unity. India’s strength lies in its ability to accommodate diversity while nurturing a shared sense of belonging. When we emphasise differences over commonalities, we risk fracturing the social fabric that binds the nation together. The constant invocation of minority and majority labels reinforces a sense of otherness among citizens, fostering distrust and alienation.
Democracy is meant to be a level playing field where every individual is entitled to equal rights and opportunities. The Indian Constitution reflects this vision. It guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens, without discrimination on the basis of religion, caste, gender, or language. These rights are universal and do not differentiate between individuals based on their numerical representation in society.
The persistence of minority-majority narratives also distracts from the real challenges facing the nation. Issues like poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, and access to healthcare and education affect all citizens, regardless of their religious or cultural identity. By framing these challenges within the narrow confines of communal or caste-based concerns, we fail to address them in a holistic and inclusive manner. Policies designed to benefit one group often create resentment among others, further deepening divides.
India must move beyond the politics of division and embrace a citizen-centric approach that priorities universal welfare over identity-based classifications. Governance should focus on ensuring that every citizen, regardless of their background, has access to opportunities and resources. The emphasis should shift from catering to specific communities to addressing the common aspirations of the people as a whole.
The unity of a nation lies in its ability to see its citizens as equals. Terms like minority and majority are relics of a divisive past that have no place in a modern democracy. They serve only to perpetuate the divisions that democracy seeks to overcome. It is time to abandon these artificial distinctions and embrace a vision of India where every individual is valued as an equal participant in the nation’s progress.
The true essence of democracy lies in its ability to bring people together, to unite them in their diversity, and to foster a sense of collective responsibility for the nation’s future. By rejecting the labels of minority and majority, India can reaffirm its commitment to these ideals. Every citizen, regardless of their creed, language, or culture, is a son or daughter of the nation, equal in rights, opportunities, and dignity.
India’s democratic journey is a testament to the resilience and strength of its people. To honour this journey, the nation must rise above the politics of division and focus on building an inclusive society. The time has come to embrace the idea of a united India, where the only identity that matters is that of being an Indian. This vision of equality and unity is not just a constitutional promise; it is the cornerstone of India’s destiny as a great democracy.
