Conclusion

Given India's dedication to multiculturalism and pluralism, its long history, its enormous cultural variety, its tendency to encourage diversity, and its tradition of tolerance, it is not surprising to find India prone to controversy and conflict both internally and externally.

As the world's most populous democracy, India since 1947 has developed a tradition of democratic principle that has withstood numerous tests, external wars, internal emergency rule, violent ethnic and religious conflicts, political scandals, assassinations, and economic problems. That democracy has survived intact is a tribute to the wisdom of the Indian people and to the foresight of the framers of its constitution.

Any survey of the numerous conflicts that seem to engulf India should note that, despite its problems, India has developed a vibrant industrialized economy. It has a burgeoning consumer-oriented middle class and a rapidly growing educated population. The country has taken its place as a prominent player in the United Nations and on the international scene. Although plagued by political and economic problems, India's basic structure grounded in political and personal freedom has survived.

Considering the astonishing diversity of heritage, custom, tradition, religion, ethnicity, language, education, lifestyle, dress, and food, India's survival as an open democratic society was one of the great success stories of the twentieth century.

Ranee K. L. Panjabi Updated by the Editors