National integration and Indian Constitution

National integration means return to Unity in Diversity. Diversities may remain and that is why it should be Unity in Diversity. Diversities may not be forced to disappear and so it is not Unity from Diversity. The diverse and regional overtones no doubt lend variety to the matrix of Indian life at the grassroots and are the attributes of such variety amidst which unity has to be forged. But if such diversity and regionalism are not to create dissension at the national level, the regional aspirations must be legiti mate and minority rights within legitimate bound. For while democracy permits preser vation of differences in views, actions and ways of life, democratic nationalism demands unity through concerted effort both in thought and action. On the other hand democratic unity cannot mean monolithic unity suppressing legitimate regional aspirations and denial of decentralisation of power for appropriate purposes.
The learned author in this outstanding and timely book discusses in detail Minority Rights guaranteed by the Constitution of India and construed by the Judiciary; Constitutional pro visions on Reservation for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and backward classes and national integration; Privileges accorded to Residents owing to constitutional lacunae; the status of Civil Services entrusted with the task of national integration; Hindi as the national language; Centre-State relations in various aspects; and Personal Law and national integration with special reference to Law of Maintenance of the Muslims and the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act passed recently. Relevant provisions of the Indian Constitution are analysed with reference to the constitutional provisions in other countries to arrive at solutions.