India

The glass industry in India. The modern Indian glass industry is around 100 years old. In the first half of the last century the industry was rather primitive, melting the glass in pot furnaces and small tank furnaces that were fuelled by either coal or gas–although some furnaces at the coastal cities used furnace oil. From the early 1950s the glass industry started manufacturing using modern equipment, both for melting and production. Collaboration with multinational companies gave a boost to the industry.

It was in the lost decade of the twentieth century that the Indian glass industry started to seriously compete globally, installing improved furnaces to conserve energy and therefore reduce the cost of production. The cheaper availability of natural gas in some parts of the country also enabled the industry to reduce energy costs to some extent, and the flat glass industry upgraded to the float process. India now has four float glass plants, although there are still a few sheet glass manufacturing units in operation using both the Fourcault and PPG processes.

The manufacture of figured glass is well established in India. Container glass production has benefited from the addition of higher capacity manufacturing units during the past decade, and this part of the industry is doing fairly well. The flask linings sector has earned a niche in the export market, as well as meeting the domestic requirement. The manufacture of glass bangles has moved to the semi automatic process and India has its own technology in the bangle and glass bead sector. Research is currently being undertaken for the technological improvement of the finishing process.

There has been a quantum leap in glass fibre manufacture with new multinational entrants and a substantial growth in exports. The tableware industry was badly hit with imports and is slowly recovering, acquiring modern equipment to upgrade the sector. There is potential for foreign collaboration here. Ophthalmic glass is still being imported into India and there is scope for putting modern manufacturing units in place. The industry is progressing steadily and will hopefully reach global standards in the weaker sectors as well as in those that are currently strong.

Indian glass industry overview. http://www. allbusiness. com/nonmetallic-mineral/glass-glass-manufacturing/85938 9-1. html Date: Tuesday, November 1 2005 At the 61st annual session of the All India Glass Manufacturers’ Federation, held in New Delhi last September, retiring President, Sanjay Somany reviewed key issues facing the local glass industry, in the presence of Dr Ajay Dua, Secretary (IPP), Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Government of India. A summary of Sanjay Somany’s presentation is given below, together with details of the federation’s newly elected officers.

Despite the uncertainties associated with two consecutive coalition governments, the Indian economy has undergone rapid and all-encompassing change, clearly indicating the strengths of Indian democracy. Economic policy changes have eased out Indian enterprise from governmental control towards globalisation of the economy. These measures have borne fruit and the economy is on a steady progressive path. In spite of petroleum price hikes, inflation is under control and the national economy is expected to grow by around 7%.

The balance of payments continues to be favourable and India has comfortable foreign exchange reserves. Promoting the industry Since its inception in 1944, the All India Glass Manufacturers’ Federation has been promoting the cause of all segments of the local glass industry. Sustained efforts are being made by members of the federation to promote the industry’s growth and development. Diversified capabilities The Indian glass industry has a rich history. From mouth blown and hand working processes, it has taken to automation in a big way, although traditional manufacturing processes have not been abandoned.

Mouth blown and handcrafted glassware have a dominant role in decorative and table glassware, products which are exported in large quantities. The majority of raw materials required by the industry are available locally, providing excellent scope for growth and development. Flat glass Despite the closure of certain sheet glass manufacturing units, total flat glass production has increased via the establishment of new float lines. There has been an increase in demand for float glass as a result of increased investment from the construction and automotive sectors.

Float glass manufacturers are gearing up to meet this demand and are planning to increase their installed capacities. Containers Glass container production has more than doubled from approximately 800,000 tonnes in 1997-98 to some 1. 7 million tonnes in 2004-05. This is despite the stiff competition faced from alternative packaging materials. Production levels increased by 5% in the last 12 months, emphasising the continued importance of the material as a preferred packing material in view of its transparency, chemical inertness, impermeability and ability to maintain the optimum freshness of its contents.

Tableware The massive surge of imports, especially from China, continues to impact the local glass tableware industry, with large quantities of opal and crystal ware being dumped in the market. The price at which these items are being sold shows that either all or most goods have reached the market by avoiding customs duty payments. This has resulted in the underutilisation of installed capacity and is adversely affecting the profitability of local manufacturers. Exports

Dramatically increased Levels of glass and glassware exports have been recorded in recent years, from US$35 million in 1993-94 to US$200 million in 2002-03 and US$227 million in 2003-04 (all figures ore approximate currency conversions : Ed). In the last 12 months, increasing production costs have slowed the rate of growth, however, to a level of US$234 million. Products to achieve strong export growth in 2004-05 were glass fibre, ophthalmic Lenses, glass lampware, containers, bangles, table/ kitchenware, mirrors, glass beads and false pearls.

Export shortfalls were recorded for vacuum flasks and refills, unworked sheet glass, VIALS, float glass and scientific glassware. New AIGMF officers Elected to replace Sanjay Somany as President of the AIGMF for the current term of office is PK Kheruka, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Borosil Glassworks Ltd, Mumbai. His successor as Senior Vice President is Satish Kumar Jhunjhunwala of Shree Gobinddeo Glass Works Ltd, Kolkata. Newly elected to the role of Vice President is Mukul Somany from Hindusthan National Glass ; Industries Ltd. Honorary General Secretary is SC Bansat

India has many races, nationalities, castes, subscastes and communities but so far the heart of India is concerned it is one. It is true that societies that have been integrated into bonds of unity have always enjoyed peace, stability, prosperity and permanence. And those torn by mutual disruptive tendencies among various sections of the society have always been short lived and become non- existent. The national integration is the process of uniting different people from all walks of life into a single whole.

The most serious problem being faced by India in present circumstances is, how to develop an atmosphere of national consciousness among so varied a people. Indians already have suffered for long periods, the pangs of enslavement and servitude. It is India in the whole world which has to suffer under foreign rulers for more than seven hundred years. The separatist tendencies among people and kings have always resulted in the fall of our kingdoms. Our country was always divided into large number of small kingdoms which were mostly at daggers end.

There has been a lack of national consciousness. The internal disputes among the Rajput kings allowed Muslim invaders to establish their foothold here. Then the Britishers were able to create rifts between various kings and princes and thus established their supremacy. It was only overthrown when Indian nationhood joined together by unparallel acumen of some great Indian leaders who became creators of history. There is a need to make efforts for creating emotional integration or a sense of unity.

The need of the hour is national integration. It should be taught at the very beginning, in all schools and colleges all over the country that India is one and only one. The differences between various cultures are just superficial and basically it is only one. What is needed is superior interpretations, synthesis of the power of the mind that can give rise to a vision of the whole and oneness. The school and college teaching material should be suitably revised wherein importance and need of oneness should be emphasised.

From one end of the country to the other end, regular long distance tours must be conducted so as to foster emotional integration among the young students of our country. Steps must be taken to see that, there are no sectional appeals so that disunity among the people does not increase manifold. To bring about national integration, there are many techniques. It can be forced out, or can be made to strengthen from within the core of hearts. The result by way of exercise of power would always be weak, nsuccessful and it would be for a temporary phase only. But when the sense of national integration stems from within, it would be strong stable and ever-lasting. British government brought about national integration by way of their needs. For the first time during the British rule, the whole of India came to be governed from one centre and all regions of the country from West to East and South to North obeyed instructions and advice from the central power. This was because the God of freedom was the same and realized all over the country.

The national unity became more emotional when the country fought a united struggle for freedom. Emotional integration is the basic foundation on which the main structure of national integration can be created. There is a rich cultural heritage in India. All of us are inheritors to several grand treasurers in the fields of music, dance, drama, fine arts and paintings, sculpture and theatre. Our seers and sages have left behind a tradition of piety, penance, conquest of passion and spiritual greatness.

Our cultural unity is further exemplified by the great temples of the South, the caves of Khajuraho and Ajanta and Ellora which are glittering examples of proficiency of India in the field of architecture and sculpture. India classical music is built on the concept of ragas and talas. Each raga is regarded appropriage to a certain emotion, a certain mood suitable for a specified time of the day or night. In the modern times, people like Pandit Ravi Shanker have taken the Indian music to great heights in the whole world and thus have bridged the gap between the East and the West in the field of music.

Today the intellectuals of Indian society can give the right direction as the country is standing at the crossroads of failures and achievements. The intellectuals must come out of their narrow cells of detachment and awake up to their responsibilities towards the general masses. Through national integration, we will prosper and flourish and dominate the others who are characterized by divisive forces. We will carry with us, a power and strength, solidity and solidarity and an element of cohesiveness which will impart to us further permanence and stay in present struggling world

The research revolves around the idea that the entry of retail giants Wal-Mart is a success or failure in India. Since Wal-Mart failed in Germany and South Korea therefore these failures are identified and kept in mind in the Indian expansion. That’s the main purpose of this research. Since the Indian economy is booming in the current era and studies suggested that the current retail market of India is estimated to be $250 annually. The core purpose of this research is to find out that whether this step of Wal-Mart is suitable or not?

Wal-Mart’s expansion in India is a big step in as far as the operations of Wal-Mart is concerned. Due to regulations Wal-Mart has to join hands with and organization named as Bharti Enterprises because direct foreign investment in the retail sector is not possible in India due to regulatory issues. Thus, both of them have agreed to join their hands in becoming a joint venture. The main problem Wal-Mart has to face is to build an operational model similar to Bharti Enterprises that must match Indian method of working. Since Wal-Mart is embedded with technological aspects and the supply chain of Wal-Mart is quite rich in its flow.

Both the organizations have to match each other in terms of attributes because they have to keep the joint venture intact. Wal-Mart has to deal with issues like cultural diversity and religious preferences and have to collaborate with their partner in order to achieve the desired results. Similarly, the main business problem under investigation was the expansionary effects of Wal-Mart in India. A theory named as Dunning’s eclectic theory was discussed and the case of Wal-Mart entry is evaluated through this theory (Halepete, Seshadri, & Park, 2006).

As far as the involvements of individuals are concerned then the research was actually conducted by the individuals of the Marymount and Fairfax University. The research was conducted on Wal-Mart expansion program in India and its joint venture with Bharti Enterprises. The methods that were used to conduct the research were the eclectic theory and a proper case study was developed to facilitate the research. The basic findings of the research were Wal-Mart faces number of issues when they entered into India. The prominent issues were certain ownership issues and the fact that the Wal-Mart’s in India wasn’t appropriate.

These issues must be solved or must be kept in mind when entering into a diversified market such as India. The saturation and cut throat competition in the retail industry proves to be an opportunity as well as a threat for the Wal-Mart. One of the basic methodologies that might be used is surveys and literature reviews in identifying the advantages and disadvantages of Wal-Mart’s expansion strategy. The conclusion of the research suggests that Wal-Mart has to focus a lot on price and they must learn from their past experiences in South Korea and Germany.

They must develop strategies that are cultural enriched and it must match the needs of the Indian people. Similarly, joining hand with an Indian company is a tough ask for the company and they have to integrate their resources to compete in the retail market. Research findings suggest that the retail market is changing and Wal-Mart can attract more customers by effectively implementing proper strategies. Works Cited Halepete, J. , Seshadri, I. , & Park, S. (2006). Wal-Mart in India: a success. emeraldinsight.

Questions-Answers

Q. 1: Describe how the poverty line is estimated in India. Ans: In India poverty line is measured or calculated considering the following factors required for subsistence: 1. Minimum level of food requirement, 2. Clothing 3. Footwear 4. Fuel and Light 5. Education and 6. Medical requirement etc. These physical quantities are multiplied by their prices.

The present formula for food requirement is based on the desired calorie requirement. On the basis of these calculations in 1999 – 2000, the poverty line in the rural areas was fixed Rs. 328 per capita per month and in urban areas, it was Rs. 454. People earning more than this amount were considered above the poverty line and earning less than this amount were considered as living below the poverty line.

Q. 2: Do you think that present methodology of poverty estimation is appropriate? Ans: The present methodology of poverty estimation does not look appropriate.

It only takes one factor in view and that is the economic factor. Moreover it considers about a “minimum” subsistence level of living rather than a “reasonable” level of living. Poverty has many dimensions. It is no longer confined to economic factors alone. With development, the definitions of what constitutes poverty also changes. Its concept has broadened to human poverty. A few persons may have been able to feed themselves but if they are without education, without shelter, without health-care, without job security, without self-confidence, without social equality, they are considered poor.

If poverty is to be removed in real sense and the people are to be brought above the poverty line, not only that we need to increase their income but also, we have to provide the people with education, shelter, health-care, job-security, respect, dignity all. Therefore, the present methodology of poverty estimation needs to be modified and broadened in order to make it an appropriate method.

Q. 3: Describe poverty trends in India since 1973. Ans: As per the data given in the book there is a substantial decline in poverty ratio in India from 55 percent in 1973 to 36 percent in 1993.

There was further decline from 36 percent in 1993 to 26 percent in 2000. Although the number of poor people remained stable (about 320 million) in the earlier two decades (1973 to 1993), there was significant reduction in the number of the poor to about 260 million till 2000. If the present trend continues, the people below poverty line may come down to less than 20 percent in the next few years.

Q. 4: Discuss the major reasons for poverty in India. Ans: There are various reasons for poverty in India which are outlined below – (1) Prolonged Colonial Administration

The policies of British Colonial government shattered the Indian economy so much that it could not be revived until the 1980s. (2) Unabated Population Growth The failures to promote both the required economic growth and population control have been the main cause of poverty today. (3) Illiteracy Illiteracy is also an important cause of poverty in our country. (4) Disparity in the Ownership of Land-holdings The unequal distribution of land, lack of land resources and failure in the proper implementation of land reform policies have been the major causes of poverty in rural areas. (5) Unemployment

Lack of job security and unemployment are other causes. (6) Widening Inequalities of Income This is a feature of high poverty. Money has been concentrating in fewer hands, thus rendering a majority of people poor. (7) Slow Growth of Employment Opportunities Despite the implementation of various employment generating programmes our government has failed to provide the necessary employment opportunities. (8) Socio-cultural Factors In order to fulfill social obligations such as marriage etc. and religious ceremonies people in India including the poor spend a lot of money which makes some people even poorer.

Q. 5: Identify the social and economic groups which are most vulnerable to poverty in India. Ans: Social Groups vulnerable to Poverty in India (1) Scheduled Castes households. (2) Scheduled Tribes households. Economic Groups vulnerable to Poverty (1) Rural Agricultural labour households. (2) Urban Casual labour households.

Q. 6: Give an account of interstate disparities of poverty in India. Ans: Poverty in India is not the same in every state. The success rate of reducing poverty varies from state to state causing inter-state disparities in poverty level.

Orissa, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh are the three poorest states in India with their people living below poverty line being 47, 42 and 37 percent respectively. Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh are the three better-off states in India as far as the poverty is concerned.

Q. 7: Describe global poverty trends. Ans: There have been substantial reduction in global poverty, but there are regional disparities described below – (1) Poverty declined in China and South-East Asian countries as a result of rapid economic growth and huge investments in the development of human resources. 2) In Latin America, the ratio of poverty remained almost the same. (3) In sub-Saharan Africa, poverty saw an upward trend rather than a downward trend. It rose from 41% in 1981 to 46% in 2001. (4) Poverty ha surfaced itself in some of the former socialist countries like Russia, where formerly it was non-existent.

Q. 8: Describe current government strategy of poverty alleviation. Ans: Removal of poverty has one of the major objectives of Indian developmental strategy. The current government strategy of poverty alleviation is based on two planks: (1) Promotion of Economic Growth 2) Targeted Anti-poverty Programmes Some of the anti-poverty programmes undertaken by government at present are discussed below: Prime Minister’s Rozgar Yojana (PMRY) Started in 1993, this programme aims to create self-employment opportunities for educated unemployed youth in rural areas and small towns. Pradhan Mantri Gramodaya Yojana (PMGY) Launched in 2000, this aims to create and improve basic services like primary health, primary education, rural shelter, rural drinking water and rural electrification. National Food for Work programme (NFWP)

Launched in 2004 in 150 most backward districts of the country, this programme is open to all rural poor who are in need of wage employment and desired to do manual unskilled work. National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) This act was passed in September 2005. The act provides 100 days assured employment every year to every rural household in 200 districts. Later, the scheme will be extended to 600 districts and also one third to the proposed jobs would be reserved for women.

Q. 9: Answer the following questions briefly – (i) What do you understand by human poverty? ii) Who are the poorest of the poor? (iii) What are the main features of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005? Ans: (i) Poverty is multi-dimensional problem. As per the official concept of poverty, a person is considered poor if his or her income falls below a given ‘minimum level’. But human poverty is not confined to economic factors alone. With development, the definitions of what constitutes poverty also changes. The official definition of poverty considers only a ‘minimum’ subsistence level of living rather than a ‘reasonable’ level of living.

Many scholars advocate that the concept of human poverty must be broadened and should be looked through other social indicators like – illiteracy level, lack of general resistance due to mal-nutrition, lack of access to resources like health-care, safe drinking water, job opportunities, sanitation, lack of self-confidence without social equality etc. (ii) Women, children (especially the girl child) and elder people in a poor family are regarded as the poorest of the poor because they are systematically denied equal access to resources available to the family. (iii) Refer to the answer of Q. 8 above.

The PEST analysis is a useful tool for understanding market growth or decline, and as such the position, potential and direction for a business. PEST is an acronym for Political, Economic, Social and Technological factors, which are used to assess the market for a business. Basically it is a scan of macro-external environment, in which a business wants to operate.

Political Factors include:

• Tax policy

• Employment laws

• Trade restriction and Tariffs

• Political stability

• Trade Agreements

Economic Factors include:

• Economic growth

• Interest Rate

• Foreign Investment

• Raw material Availability

• Inflation

Social Factors include:

• Population growth rate

• Trend of Buyers

• Health Consciousness

• Career attitude

• Social cultural changes

Technological changes include:

• Industrialization

• R&D activity

• Advancement of technology

Political Factors

Political factors were supporting Indian tire industry as Indian Government especially reduces its taxes on raw material to promote the industry. Tariff and duties on the import and export of tires were set less so that cheaper tires and material could be imported and good quality tires can be exported. Tires made in India were mainly exported to other emerging countries such as Latin America, South-East Asia, Middle East and the Africa. On the other hand imports of tires from other countries are showing the supporting political environment. Read about political factors affecting Ryanair

Economic Factors:

The economy of was emerging and the total production of vehicles more than doubled between 1994 and 2004 so it had a good potential for the industry. Basically in 1926, the first tire was made by a British company Dunlop, and followers of Dunlop were other three foreign companies: The Americans Firestone, Good Year and Italian Ceat, but latter on Indian companies took over these foreign companies.

Now there are about 40 companies in India producing 70 million tires. The main competition is in four major companies which are MRF, APOLLO, JK TIRES, and CEAT. But among all these MRF is the market leader with 21% market share and APOLLO is on seconf number with 20.5% share, JK TIRES on third number with 20.3% and CEAT with 14% market share. The growth in the tire industry of India is positive as in 2005 growth was 5% in tire industry and 3% in commercial tires and predicted to increase in future.

Social Cultural Factors:

Changes in trends bring a positive or negative demand for a product. In India, the major part of population is youth and in previous years, as the income level of people increases so they starts buying two wheeler bikes and as population increases and people start expending geographically so transportation demand also increases so people start spending on automobiles industry. People in India prefer to buy low price tires like cross-ply tires as it is cheaper and more convenient on uncomfortable roads of India. But as the economy is growing, and improvement in road quality also influencing people to buy radial.

Technological Factors:

There are two technologies of tires in India, which are Cross-ply and Radial tires. IN cross-ply technology, the textile and metal cords are braided diagonally, while in radial tires, textile and steel cords are braided at 90 degrees. Cross-ply are more successful in India due to its compatibility with the roads of India, its long life as compared to radial and due to price. There is also a price war between companies and every company tries to reduce its cost by getting low cost input or by bringing some kind of new technology.

Conclusion:

After scanning the market with the help of PEST, we come to know that Government is supporting the Indian tire industry and there is a strong industry of tires in India which bring hurdle for the other new industry to invest in India. But as the country is in developing stage, so people and infrastructure of the country is not so strong, so people like to have low cost tire that are compatible with the roads of India. So for that there is still needed to have new technology.

Maulana Abul Kalam Muhiyuddin Ahmed better known as Maulana Azad was born on 11th November, 1888, was a senior Political Leader and Indian Muslim Scholar, freedom fighter, and poetry. He was the first Minister of Education. Maulana Azad was one of the prominent Muslim leaders to support Hindu –Muslim unity and He opposing the partition of India on communal lines. Maulana Azad still remains one of the most important people of communal harmony in modern India. He worked for education and social improvement in India made him and most important impact in guiding India’s social and economic development.

Maulana Azad can speak Urdu, English, Hindi, Arabic, Bengali and Persian. As indicated by his name, Abul Kalam, which literally means “lord of dialogue”. He adopted the pen name ‘Azad’ as a mark of his mental deliverance from a of religion and life. For his helpful contribution to the nation, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad was posthumously awarded India’s highest civilian honour, Bharat Ratna in 1992. Azad Started the revolutionary activities restricted to Bihar and Bengal. Within short period, he helped setup secret revolutionary centers in all over north India and mumbai.

Most of his revolutionaries were anti-Muslim for the reason people felt that the British Government was using the Muslim community against India’s freedom struggle. Azad tried to assure his colleagues that animus and indifference toward the Muslims would only make the way to freedom more difficult. In June 1912, Azad started publication of a journal called Al Hilal (means the Crescent) to increase revolutionary recruits amongst the Muslims. He also participated in Non-Cooperation Movement, Quit India Movement, and Partition of India

He said in his words about citizen “We must not for a moment forget, it is a birth right of every individual to receive at least the basic education without which he cannot fully discharge his duties as a citizen. ” Jawaharlal Nehru referred to Azad as Mir-i- Karawan(means the caravan leader), “a very brave and gallant gentleman, a finished product of the culture that, in these days, pertains to few” “The Emperor of learning” Mahatma Gandhi remarked about Azad counting him as “a person of the calibre of Plato, Aristotle and Pythagorus. ” He died of heart stroke on 22 December 1958

Unity in Diversity in India India is probable the only country in the world where people belonging to different religions, castes and creeds, speaking different languages, having different cultures, different modes of living, different clothing, different feeding habits, worshiping different gods and deity live together in harmony and believe to be the children of one mother-Mother India. They are one nation at large. They are governed by one central authority, have one Prime Minister, one president, one Supreme Court and one army chief. This is why we say we have unity in diversity.

Geographically India is a vast country so much so that even one of its states in bigger than many countries of Europe. But the whole country is well bounded by nature. In the north is the Himalayan Range. On the other side is the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian sea. This provides, natural geographical unity to INDIA we have different religions in India. Apart from Hinduism we have the followers of Buddhism, Jainism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity and Parsees. But Hindus form the greater majority. There are, no doubt, different factions, sections and sub-section but basically we all believe in the theory of Dharma and Karma.

The theory of rebirth, purification of soul, salvation, Heaven and Hell holds good for each and every one. We untidily celebrate the festivals like Holy, Diwali, Charismas, Budh Jayanthi and Mahavir Jayanthi. This provides unity in diversity. India philosophy has developed on India soil. It has not been borrowed from anywhere. This has blended the various cultures together. There are differences in overall conception of gods, and modes of worship. These changes have been gradual due to interaction of different groups. But the ultimate aim of achieving salvation and the fear of Hell keeps them all bound together.

Very important characteristic of Indian society is the coexistence of different ethnic groups. These groups formulated inter-group behavior. Hence there is no mutual interference as also no merging of their identity. There might be some drawback in our constitution such as separate provision for different castes; particularly the backward and scheduled castes and scheduled tribes but industrialization policy and agrarian reforms have generated a new secular outlook giving rise to a new culture. Members of different castes and communities and followers of different religions have come together in forms, factories and educational institution.

As a result different cultures have been blended together thereby bringing unity among them. We have a cultural unity in India in as much as our philosophy of life, our customs, creeds and traditions are basically, more or less, the same. The institution of marriage, the very foundation of a society, exists all over the country and most of the rituals and sanskars are similar everywhere. Emotional unity plays its own part. The name of Bharat Mata brings us closer and closer together. In spite of different languages and dialects, Sanskrit, the language of Vedas, brings us all together because Sanskrit is the mother of all languages.

The outstanding features of Indian culture responsible for bringing unity in diversity may be summarized as follows: We Indians lay emphasis on spirituality, not on material wealth. Religion has the most important place in India. We believe in Karma and Sanskar. Performance of duty is our religion. Religion tolerance is the unique feature of religions in India. Hence there is no difficulty in coexistence of follower of different religion. Hinduism, which forms majority of the population, has the capacity to absorb all good cultures. It has either absorbed the immigrant cultures or has largely influenced them. We have a very broad outlook. We preach and follow religion and spiritualism without ignoring married life and worldly things. We firmly believe in freedom of thought and freedom of expression because such freedom enriches the culture which then becomes dynamic. Although unity to the desired extent has not been attained but all attempts by foreign agencies to disrupt it or disprove it have proved futile. We might be subject to regionalism and casteism in trifling matters but we always rise to the occasion in times of need such as foreign interference or invasion on our territory. This is sufficient to prove our unity in diversity.