Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue.

Regionalism is a sense of expression and identity towards a geographical region. Regionalism is a permanent feature of Indian society as our national identity is only a century old while our regional identity is way older.

Rising assertion of cultural identity has been a major cause of regionalism in India:

1. Supremacy of one identity over other: Attacks on people from north east in Delhi, Bangalore etc.

2. Economic factors: Sons of soil movement against migrants in Maharashtra.

3. Separate state demand to protect interest: Bodoland, Gorkhaland.

4. Militant regionalism: Tripura, Nagaland etc.

5. Regionalism coloured with religious doctrines: Khalistan in 1980s.

6. Expression of regional culture: Karnataka state flag controversy.

7. Role of regional parties and elections fought on insider vs outsider.

Regionalism isn't always detrimental. It helps in power decentralisation, voicing aspirations etc. However, at its extreme, it is a threat to national integration and security. Government, with cultural exchanges, national education and schemes like Ek bharat-Shresth Bharat should push for achieving a pan national integration of minds and hearts as envisioned in preamble.