General Studies Paper-2 Social Harmony

2
Chapter's Glimpse
 Meaning of Social Harmony  Barriers to Social Harmony
 Elements of Social Harmony  Measures to Promote Social Harmony
 Objectives, Characteristics and Importance  Memorable Facts
of Social Harmony  Probable Questions

Meaning of Social Harmony

Social harmony is such a topic that it is the basic need of society and nation today to discuss and
implement it properly. In short, it means social equality, which is, by eradicating social
discrimination and untouchability from the root, increasing mutual love and harmony among
people and establishing unity among all sections and classes of society is what social harmony means.
Therefore, harmony means to consider everyone as equal. In a broad sense, social harmony means to
develop the feeling of brotherhood for socio-religious harmony in any particular society, bypassing
communalism, nationalism, citizenship, apartheid, discrimination based on gender, caste, social
status, class, regionalism, linguism, nepotism, dynasty, traditional values etc. All human beings in
the world are children of one God and there is only one consciousness in them. Thus, social harmony
implies the proper incorporation of different sections of the society, religions, castes, beliefs and ideas
with their uniqueness. Under this, each individual is unique but is related to each other. This
socialism is the foundation of strengthening harmony.
In ancient Indian culture, discrimination of any kind against anyone has never been accepted.
In our Vedas also, there is no mention of any discrimination on the basis of caste or Varna. Varna
system has been told in Vedas not on the basis of birth but on the basis of karma. With the passage
of time, many distortions got introduced into these systems, as a result of which many evils and
malpractices were born. Due to all this, sense upper class and lower class were born and the trend of
caste discrimination, untouchability etc. increased. This discrimination increased so much that the
upper class started looking down on the lower class people and they became more and more
backward. Ban on entry in temples, discrimination in educational institutions, their neglect in
public functions, there are many reasons due to which these people got neglected. It was impossible
for the upper class people to visit these people's homes, even drinking water from their hands was
considered corrupt religiously. It is fault of caste-discrimination which has led to lack of harmony.

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General Studies Paper-2 Social Harmony
In general context, harmony means social equality, but harmony is not mere equality. Its
meaning is - 'Atmavat Sarvabhuteshu', that is, the behaviour to be practiced by considering
everyone as one's own. In this sense, the philosophy of harmony is not only a spiritual philosophy; it
is also a practical thought of organized society. If seen in the wider social context, social harmony
means respect for all and intimate or respectful behaviour with all. The aim of social harmony is
to eradicate social discrimination and untouchability and increase mutual love and harmony
among the people. Its goal is to establish unity among all sections of the society.
Elements of Social Harmony
Main Elements or Contents (ADD FIGURE)
In the concept or content of social harmony, instead of conflict there is a desire for coexistence,
equality in place of disparity, in place of class consciousness lays the desire for all-good. In this
sense, social harmony is also manifested in sympathy and empathy. From the ideological point of
view, there should be equality among all human beings, that is, by destroying all the reasons for
mutual animosity, everyone should be engaged in mutually harmonious living. Main Elements or
Contents of Social Harmony are-
 Peaceful Coexistence: It is an important component of social harmony, because harmony is not
based on the principle of conflict, there is no conflict of interests and aspirations. It is a concept
of coexistence and interdependence apart from socio-cultural and political opposition. Social
harmony is not a question of identity, nor is it a separate existence, it is a peaceful co-existence.
 Fraternity: Social harmony is an emotional concept, an important component of which is the
feeling of fraternity.
 Affinity: A component of harmony is affinity. Affinity leads to the development of
belongingness and affectionate relations in the society, due to which harmony is established in
the society.
 Common Interest: This is also an important component of harmony. Because it is necessary for
harmony, that people should talk about the common interest and not the self interest. At the same
time, the government also has to make policy keeping in mind the general interest. The basic
spirit of social harmony depends on the common good.
 Dependence or Dependency: This is also an important component of social harmony. All the
people of the society depend on each other for some work or the other. Interdependence or
dependence among people establishes harmony in the society.
 Tolerance: A key component of harmony is tolerance. It is important to note that accepting and
respecting the existence of all the beliefs, cultures, and religions of the society is tolerance.
Therefore, in order to increase social harmony, it is necessary to have the concept of tolerance.
 Co-working or Cooperation: This is also an important component of social harmony.
Cooperation is the feeling of working together and understanding the work. Therefore, by
working together or co-operation, harmony is established in the society.
Other Important Elements
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General Studies Paper-2 Social Harmony
 Coordination
 Concern
 Group Consciousness
 Membership, etc.

Ancient and Traditional Elements

Harmony is a subject whose usefulness has been of great importance since ancient times. It has been
discussed extensively in ancient literature. From Vedas-Upanishads to modern literature, it has got a
sufficient space in almost all types of texts. Harmony is such principles, which are universal as well
as the axis of social life. The very existence of the concept of society rests on the principle of
harmony. The actual state of harmony determines the direction or condition of a society. The more
systematically and transparently this principle is followed in the society, the more advanced and
orderly the society becomes. Following are the components of social harmony –
 Art: Art is an important component of social harmony. There is no place for caste-class
discrimination in art, so it is a symbol of social equality. Art is the vehicle of culture.
Therefore, art maintains our social harmony. By presenting poignant depictions of social
practices, untouchability, discrimination and deprivation, art encourages harmony by bringing
about a change in the hearts of people and increasing inter-group interaction.
 Family: Family is the smallest unit of the society. The first influence on a person is of his
family. Children should be taught good values from the very beginning by the family, so that they
develop a good-will towards the society and country. The joint family system is still in vogue in
many places in India. Through the joint family system, we can imbibe the qualities of mutual
coordination, unity, etc., which later help in maintaining social harmony.
 Cultural Festivals: India is a country of diversity. Here, festivals of different religions like Holi,
Chhath festival, Diwali, Rakshabandhan, Eid, Christmas etc. are celebrated together. These
festivals give the message of social harmony.
 Religious Texts: These are also an important component of social harmony. Different types of
religious texts like Vedas, Puranas, Quran, Bible etc. teach human beings to love each other. In
this way, these religious texts give the message of social harmony.
 Rural Social System: The most prominent feature of the rural social system is the existence of
social homogeneity. There is no land-sky difference in the standard of living of the villagers like
in the cities. Here all the people use the same culture like language-festival, food-drinking,
living-style. Along with this, mutual self-reliance is found in every sector in the rural society.
Thus the rural social system gives the message of social harmony.
Other Important Elements
 Ancient Cultural Language Tradition
 Jajmani System
 Specialized Culture such as: food habits, clothing etc.
Modern Period Elements

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General Studies Paper-2 Social Harmony
 Constitution: Social justice and equality is possible only through the constitution. It provides for
social justice and equality in the society and lays the foundation of a progressive society. The
social philosophy enshrined in the Constitution of India lays the foundation for socio-economic
justice for every section in the society. Many such provisions have been made in the constitution,
which help in maintaining social harmony. For example, Article 14 of the Constitution mentions
equality before the law and Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste,
sex, place of birth, etc. In this way, the constitution promotes social harmony through the
fundamental right of equality and the fundamental duty of promoting brotherhood.
 Government: Government is a group of certain people who rule the nation and states for a
certain period of time and by a certain system. Generally it has three parts – legislature,
executive and judiciary. They play an important role in maintaining social harmony. Many
efforts are being made by the government to promote social harmony. For example, to give
respect to the lower classes and women, the government is moving them towards progress by
providing reservation.
 Media: Media is the nurturer and builder of social harmony. Media has an important role in
social harmony, which opposes discrimination against any person and reveals the truth before the
public. Ideology of the society is influenced by the media, so its presentation should be towards
the positive elements of the society and country. Due to negative elements, situations like
discrimination, violence, hatred, fear, competition and ill-will arise in the society. Therefore,
the media should keep in mind the social harmony of India. Media should not encourage anti-
social elements spreading ill-will and caste discrimination in the society but should encourage
people who promote social harmony and unity. Social media should be used in a positive
direction because it is a platform that influences people the most. Therefore, media and social
media are important factors in promoting social harmony.
 Literature: Literature plays an important role in maintaining social harmony. There is a tendency
to develop the spirit of social harmony, unity, brotherhood in literature. Often what is
happening in the society is the subject matter of literature, which has a direct impact on the
people. Through the creation of literature, the development of social harmony is possible by
inducing mental change among the people.
 Civil Society: Civil society is made up of the totality of voluntary civil and social organizations
and institutions that form the basis of a functional society, quite distinct from the government-
supported structures and commercial institutions of the market. It is a social movement which
helps in maintaining social harmony. This requires collective efforts. Civil societies are playing
an important role in the creation of a harmonious society free from caste discrimination, as they
promote social harmony by mediating and giving advice in case of any dispute to end it.
 Education: Education is an essential element for maintaining social harmony. When all the
people of the society are educated, social harmony will be promoted through mutual harmony
and brotherhood.
 Social Legislation: Social legislation is also helpful in increasing social harmony, such as the
Protection of Civil Rights Act and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes

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General Studies Paper-2 Social Harmony
(Prevention of Atrocities) Act have promoted social harmony by reducing untouchability and
caste discrimination.
Objectives, Characteristics and Importance of Social Harmony
Objectives of Social Harmony
In its basic nature, it is a creative concept, whose main objectives are as follows-
 To maintain Unity and Integrity of the nation.
 To promote mutual love and harmony among the people by eradicating caste discrimination and
untouchability.
 To establish unity among all the castes and classes of the society.
 To preserve pride of the nation beyond caste, religion and politics.
 To encourage collective efforts to eradicate the lacks.
 To cooperate in progress of the nation by increasing fraternity, love and harmony.
 To protect the unity and integrity of the nation from disruptive external and internal forces.
 Providing boost to development.
 Scientific refinement and counteracting socio-cultural distortions.

Characteristics of Social Harmony

Following are the characteristics of Social Harmony-
 It is a quality of Indian culture based on the principle of Advaita.
 It is a unique effort of uniting all sections of the society.
 Its goal is to build a discrimination free, ideal society.
 It has social unity with equanimity, affinity and motherhood.
 It has an acceptance of collective existence.
 This is an idea of a society based on equality and fraternity.

Need and Importance of Social Harmony

India is famous all over the world because there is a vision of unity in diversity, social harmony here.
Therefore, the need and importance of social harmony can be understood by the following–
1. Development of Humanity: The biggest Need and Importance of Social
Harmony
importance of the spirit of social harmony is that it
Development of Humanity
develops humanity as it increases the feeling of
human love. No matter which nation a human
Awakening of Mutual
belongs to, believes in any religion, speaks any Goodwill
language, he is a human first and for that, his
feelings should be respected. From this, the feeling
End of Separatist Sentiment
of global-belongingness and nationality develops
and this feeling will be helpful in maintaining world
Development of Secular
peace. Sentiments
2. Awakening of Mutual Goodwill: It is only due to
harmony that mutual goodwill can be awakened
Development of Nationality
among human beings. This is possible only when
all the people are united and keep motivating each
other to have good behaviour. Such a tendency can
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 General Studies Paper-2 Social Harmony
be adopted only by eradicating the feelings of caste and class discrimination. Individuals can adopt
mutual oneness with each other only through social harmony.
3. End of Separatist Sentiment: In a country where class discrimination and separatist sentiment
increases, social relations between citizens also deteriorate and the country starts breaking up. To
prevent this disintegration, we have to build character first. For which, education of social
harmony must be provided, because without it, selfishness starts increasing in a person. Therefore,
there is only one basis for ending all this, that while protecting the national interests of all
individuals, education to be one should be given. This will end the separatist feelings of
individuals and the person will be able to understand the importance of social harmony.
4. Development of Secular Sentiments: India is a secular country where there are beliefs and
inclusion of many religions. Secularism is an ideal, and to maintain it in this form, social
harmony is very much needed.
5. Development of Nationality: All round development of the country is possible only when the
feeling of nationality is developed in all the people. Social harmony is the only key through which
the feeling of nationality develops.
In the present time, the importance of social harmony is necessary for the country. But social
harmony is not possible due to major problems like casteism, communalism, linguism, regionalism,
economic inequality, faulty education policies, moral degradation of political parties etc. Political
parties and their selfish leaders are engaged in fulfilment of individual and party interests by ignoring
the national interests. The aim of these leaders is to either obtain power, or to maintain power, by
dividing the Indian citizens and creating conflicts. It is needed that the leaders of different political
parties change their perspectives and pave the way for political integration and harmony.
Barriers to Social Harmony
 Casteism: Casteism is a major obstacle in the way of social harmony of India. The residents here
believe in different religions and castes, due to which mutual differences are found in all of them.
A person of every caste or religion considers himself superior to a person of another religion or
caste. Due to this, the feeling of alienation towards each other has taken such a severe form in
every person that they are unable to adopt a comprehensive approach in the interest of national
harmony renouncing this narrow sentiment.
 Communalism: In our country, people of many religions Barriers to Social Harmony
and sects live such as Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians Casteism
etc. In all these sects, the feeling of mutual antagonism
has reached to such an extent that the people of one sect Communalism
look at the other sect with the eyes of hatred. All the sects
in India are busy in fulfilling their respective communal Regionalism
interests rather than national interests. This has put the
social harmony of the country in danger. Political Parties
 Regionalism: By regionalism we mean - to keep a sense
of pride and loyalty towards our region. Thus, Linguism
regionalism refers to a particular area of land, where the
inhabitants have a sense of unity of language, culture and Lack of Leadership

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ByInequalities
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Policy of Reservation
 General Studies Paper-2 Social Harmony
economic interests. Thus, regionalism is a negative feeling towards the people of other region.
This negative feeling is about the autonomy of one's own territory. That is why; each region
demands its own autonomy. In states that want autonomy, people are agitating and protesting for
autonomy. They are ready to die for their land. This type of regional loyalty is really dangerous for
social harmony.
 Political Parties: Political parties formed on the basis of caste and religion; promote
discrimination and communalism the most. These parties seek votes from the people on the basis
of caste, religion, sect and region and are involved in acts of national disintegration rather than
national interest. This has a negative effect on social harmony.
 Linguism: In the name of language, many disgusting incidents have happened in the states of
Assam, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu etc. and this problem exists even today in the
country. Therefore, for the sake of social harmony, only one language should be accepted for the
whole nation by ending the linguistic debate.
 Lack of Leadership: High level leadership exists in our country but it is lacking at the local level.
It is often seen that to fulfil their selfish interests, local leaders incite undesirable feelings like
casteism, communalism and regionalism etc.
 Economic Inequalities: As a result of economic inequalities, an environment against social
harmony arises. This economic disparity is seen among different classes, regions and different
parts of the same region. The poor class is unable to fulfil its basic needs even after hard work, due
to which it has a feeling of hatred and jealousy towards the rich. Economic inequality gives rise to
class struggle. All this affects social harmony.
 Policy of Reservation: Due to the policy of reservation, a feeling of hatred arises among different
castes, which creates an obstacle in the path of social harmony.
Measures to Promote Social Harmony
Social harmony is the fundamental need of India in the present circumstances. Therefore, the
following measures can be adopted to promote social harmony -
1. Abolition of Casteism: Casteism is a major obstacle in the path of social harmony. Therefore,
efforts should be made to eradicate casteism. Casteism can be ended by encouraging inter-caste
marriages. Along with this, the word caste should not be used with the name of the person.
2. Abolition of Communalism: For social harmony, it is necessary to eradicate communalism. To
achieve success in this direction, minorities should be provided equal opportunities and facilities.
There should be same law for all the citizens of India. There should be no discrimination on
religious grounds while making and implementing laws. Along with this, literature,
organizations and educational institutions based on communalism must be banned.
3. Proper development of all Languages: The problem of linguism is a major obstacle in the way
of social harmony, social harmony and peaceful coexistence cannot be achieved without
eradicating this problem. In this regard, arrangements should be made in Central Secondary
Schools, Colleges and Universities to study regional languages like Bengali, Marathi, Tamil,
Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Oriya, Punjabi etc. and students studying these languages should
be encouraged by providing scholarships.

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4. Integrated development of all the States: To increase social harmony, it is necessary that all
the states of the country and all the areas of a state should have proper development. In this
direction, it becomes the duty of the Central Government, State Government and NITI Aayog
that while distributing the means of economic and technological development; keeping in mind
that all the states can grow equally on the path of progress.
Measures to Promote Social Harmony
Abolition of Casteism

Abolition of Communalism

Proper development of all Languages

Integrated development of all States

Abolition of Economic Inequality

Spread of Education

Cultural Exchange

Change in Reservation Policy

Ban on Disruptive Elements

Increase in Religious and Linguistic Tolerance

Change in the role of Political Parties

5. Abolition of Economic Inequality: Economic inequality in India is at its peak. Economic

inequality gives rise to class struggle. Therefore, there is a need to make efforts to remove the
increasing economic disparity in the country as soon as possible. The labour class and working
class should get such a salary, so that they can easily fulfil their basic needs. Special facilities
should be provided to the backward and poor sections of the society for doing jobs and business.
6. Spread of Education: To make people understand the importance of social harmony, it is
necessary to spread education and awareness among them. It is necessary to develop nationalistic
qualities in them. Therefore, there is a need for fundamental changes in the education sector for
national integration and unity.
7. Cultural Exchange: To pave the way for national integration and unity, there is a great need for
cultural exchange between different provinces and linguistic states. With the organization of
national sports competitions and camps, sportspersons and youth of different states get an
opportunity to come in contact with each other and the spirit of cooperation increases in them.

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General Studies Paper-2 Social Harmony
Educational tours should be organized at college and university level. So that the students can
get knowledge of the culture of different regions.
8. Changes in Reservation Policy: Due to reservation policy, the feeling of hatred arises among
different castes. For the sake of votes and power, the present Indian society has been divided into
upper castes, backwards and Dalits. This is not good for the unity and integrity of the nation.
Therefore, there is a need to change the reservation policy today.
9. Ban on Disruptive Elements: Many disruptive organizations are active in the country at
present. These organizations resort to violent tendencies in the society, by which anarchy spreads
in the society. In this way, the elements that spread violence and anarchy should be strictly
banned so that social harmony can be established.
10. Increase in Religious and Linguistic Tolerance: Due to linguistic intolerance and lack of
religious tolerance, obstacles arise in social harmony. That’s why, there are various religious
tensions. Therefore, there is a need for rapid economic development in the country, development
of true tolerance in matters of language and religion and abolishing the caste system.
11. Change in the role of Political Parties: The major four problems existing in India are casteism,
communalism, linguism and regionalism. These problems are the biggest obstacles in the way of
social harmony. Therefore, in the present circumstances, there is a need for a fundamental
change in the role of political parties.
Memorable Facts
Social Harmony Need and Importance of Social
 Harmony means to treat everyone as equal. Harmony
 Social harmony refers to proper  Development of Humanity
coordination among different sections of  Awakening of Mutual Goodwill
the society, religions, castes, beliefs and  End of Separatist Spirit
ideas with their uniqueness.  Development of Secular Sentiments
Elements of Social Harmony  Development of Nationality
 Peaceful Coexistence Barriers to Social Harmony
 Co-working or cooperation  Casteism
 Tolerance  Communalism
 Common Interest  Regionalism
 Dependence or Dependency  Political Parties
 Affinity  Linguism
 Fraternity  Lack of Leadership
 Coordination  Economic Inequalities
 Concern  Policy of Reservation
 Group Consciousness Measures to Promote Social
 Membership Harmony

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 General Studies Paper-2 Social Harmony
 Abolition of Casteism  Change in Reservation Policy
 Abolition of Communalism  Ban on Disruptive Elements
 Proper development of all Languages  Increase in Religious and Linguistic
 Proper development of all States Tolerance
 Abolition of Economic Inequality  Change in the role of Political Parties.
 Spread of Education
 Cultural Exchange

Probable Questions
1. Very Short Questions
 What is Social Harmony?
 State two characteristics of Social Harmony.
 Write the objectives of Social Harmony.
 State the components of Social Harmony.
 What are the barriers to Social Harmony?
2. Short Questions
 Explain the concept of Social Harmony.
 Write the characteristics of Social Harmony.
 What are the objectives of Social Harmony?
 Throw light on the relevance of Social Harmony in present times.
 Throw light on the content of Social Harmony.
 Write the components of Social Harmony.
 What are the obstacles in maintaining Social Harmony?
3. Long Questions
 Explaining Social Harmony, write its features.
 Throw light on the components of Social Harmony.
 What are the barriers to Social Harmony? Briefly explain.
 “Social Harmony is the acceptance of Collective Existence”. Explain.
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