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Introduction

While ethnic identity refers to a shared sense of belonging based on cultural, linguistic, or ancestral ties, communalism is often seen as an exaggerated allegiance to one’s own community, sometimes at the expense of others. The post-liberalized economy, initiated in India in 1991 has also impacted ethnic identity and communalism in India.

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Impact of Post-Liberal Economy on Ethnic Identity

Positive Impacts:

• Enhanced Representation: It allowed regions such as the Northeast to find better representation in the mainstream narrative. Eg: Mary Kom, a renowned boxer from Manipur, has become a household name, showcasing the talents from diverse ethnic backgrounds.
• Cultural Renaissance: Industries like fashion and cinema have experienced a renaissance, drawing extensively from India’s rich ethnic traditions. They are exploring stories from diverse backgrounds. Eg: movie “Village Rockstars” set in Assam, showcasing regional narratives.
• Education: Educational opportunities for various ethnic groups have significantly improved, with policies promoting inclusivity and diversity. IITs and IIMs, for example, have reservation policies that aim to uplift traditionally marginalized ethnic groups.
• Technological Connectivity: YouTube channels, blogs, and other platforms have brought forward the cultures and languages of communities like the Toda tribe of the Nilgiris, helping in the preservation of their culture and language.
• Tourism Boost: The liberal policies have provided a boost to tourism, aiding in the promotion of diverse ethnic cultures. Places like Leh-Ladakh have seen a surge in tourism, helping the local economy and promoting Ladakhi culture.

Negative Impacts

• Widening Disparities: Despite the positive impacts, economic liberalization has exacerbated disparities among different ethnic groups. Eg: the tribal belts in central India have not seen as much economic growth compared to urban areas, leading to an increased divide.
• Cultural Erosion: The flood of western products and cultures has sometimes overshadowed traditional practices. Eg: western festivals like Valentine’s Day have overshadowed traditional Indian festivals, impacting the younger generation’s connection to their ethnic roots.
• Displacement: Large-scale projects like dam constructions have led to the displacement of tribal and ethnic communities, such as the issues witnessed during the Sardar Sarovar Dam project on the Narmada river which displaced numerous tribal communities.
• Language Extinction: The growing predominance of English has posed a threat to regional languages. Languages such as Koro Aka, spoken in Arunachal Pradesh, are now highly endangered due to the decreasing number of speakers.
• Resource Conflicts: Liberalization has led to escalated resource conflicts among different ethnic groups. The fight for resources in states like Jharkhand, where mining projects often collide with the interests of the tribal population.

Impact of Post-Liberal Economy on Communalism

Positive Impacts

• Inter-Community Dialogues: Various NGOs and civil society organizations have initiated dialogues between communities to foster economic partnerships, such as those seen in riot-affected areas like Muzaffarnagar to rebuild trust through economic cooperation.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): These CSR activities has indirectly facilitated community development projects which foster harmony. Eg: the Tata group has been involved in several community upliftment projects irrespective of the community distinctions.
• Employment Opportunities: Increased job opportunities in various sectors such as IT have brought people from diverse communities under one roof. It is visible in multicultural corporate environments in cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
• Urbanization: The influx of different communities in urban landscapes like Mumbai and Delhi fosters a more secular and inclusive outlook, breaking communal barriers and encouraging cosmopolitanism.
• Education: The emphasis on education post-liberalization has fostered a more rational and unified perspective, reducing space for communal viewpoints. Universities promoting exchange programs have brought students of diverse backgrounds closer.

Negative Impacts

• Economic Disparities: The economic disparities fostered by liberalization have sometimes fueled communal tensions. Eg: economic competition and resentment have sometimes led to communal riots, a scenario seen in the Godhra riots where economic disparities played a part.
• Commercialization of Religion: Post-liberalization, there has been an increase in the commercialization of religious symbols and practices. Eg: the commercial exploitation of religious symbols in various advertisements has occasionally sparked controversies and communal tensions.
• Ghettos: For example, in cities like Mumbai, there have been instances where communities have been isolated in specific areas, which has fostered a lack of understanding and increased communal tensions.
• Exploitative Politics: Politicians sometimes exploit communal sentiments for economic gains. During various electoral campaigns, divisive strategies have been used to consolidate vote banks, a strategy that hinges on exploiting economic insecurities along communal lines.

Conclusion

Adopting these innovative strategies can steer India towards a harmonious future, bridging communal divides and fostering a society rooted in mutual respect and understanding. It is pivotal that the blueprint for the future is drawn with careful consideration to nurture a society that stands united in its diversity.

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