Unity in Diversity

In this chapter, we discuss about the concept of unity of diversity in Nepal and advantages of it. Reference Notes of Social Studies, Grade 8.

Unity in diversity is used as an expression of harmony and unity between dissimilar individuals or groups.

Unity in Diversity

Nepal is regarded as a culturally rich country. Nepal is a multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-linguistic and multi-ethnic country. Nepal has been a home to diversified settlements in terms of ethnicity, religion, dialect and culture since its outset in civilization. Different languages and cultures exist in Nepal, which has created a rich and unique national culture. Our national identity also depends upon this cultural and ethnic diversity. This ethnic and cultural diversity, which is also known as unity in diversity, is an important national heritage, which needs to be further strengthened. Nepali society is flexible and the systems and cultural practices are blended according to the comfort of the human beings. The traditional practices could be modified for one’s comfort.

After the Unification of Nepal by King Prithivi Narayan Shah of the Shah dynasty, the concept of Unity in Diversity was accepted by the state and thus put forward in his famous “Dibya Upadesh”, the Divine Sermon as “Nepal Chaar Jaat Chhattis Barna Ko Shajha Fulbari Ho, Sabai Lai Chetana Bhaya” (Nepal is a home to 4 castes and 36 sub-castes, may all be aware!). With the advancement of modern society, these words have been reflected and retained in the society of Nepal as tolerance, harmony, and peace in religion and culture. Despite being a Hindu state for over 2 centuries, the state has offered equality and an inclusion of every caste, ethnic group, religion, dialect, culture, and belief.

According to the CBS 2068, about 123 languages are spoken in Nepal. Such languages are our own identity. All these languages are national languages. But all those languages are not understood by all Nepalese so Nepali is taken as the common language of Nepal. Nepal is a multi-religious country in the world so different ethnic groups live with their own way of religious practice, lifestyle, language, culture, and tradition. Nepal has number of a religious groups they which live in peace and harmony. There is not any record of religious conflict in Nepal. All Nepalese have respected the national feeling of unity in diversity, Nepali’s specialty and establishing own reorganization to the world.

Diversity is our identity and unity are our specialties. Our cultures should be protected from the undue influence of foreign ones. Religious and cultural heritages should be preserved and promoted. Religious tolerance needs to be strengthened and practiced in more practicable ways. Prejudices like lingual, racial, regional, communal should be avoided. Mutual respect should be developed between all components of Nepalese population and people should march forward collectively for peace, prosperity and happiness of the nation.

Advantage of unity in diversity are as follows:

•  It helps to increase coordination, relationships, teamwork among people, thus improving performance, work quality, productivity and lifestyle.
• It increases the morale of people in the workplace, organization and community.