The world today is increasingly fractured, a sentiment that has grown stronger with various global conflicts. For instance, Donald Trump's threats to impose a 100% tax on goods from India and China, his desire to take back control of the Panama Canal, and his proposal to claim Greenland from Denmark all signal a shift towards a more divisive world. Similarly, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the hostilities between Israel and Hamas in Palestine, reflect how tensions are rising on a global scale. These events demonstrate the mounting conflicts and divisions, suggesting that the globalised world is now encountering significant challenges to unity.

In India, the influence of divisive forces is becoming more pronounced under the rule of the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP). One glaring example of this is the political squabble between the ruling BJP and the Congress Party regarding the location of the cremation site for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The bitter rivalry between these two major political forces showcases their mistrust and hostility. Furthermore, hate speech directed against minorities, particularly Muslims and Christians, has continued unabated despite the BJP's victories in states like Haryana and Maharashtra.

In recent events, Mohan Bhagwat, the Sarsanchalak of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), expressed concerns over the resurgence of disputes involving temples and mosques. He called for citizens to avoid stoking communal fires, urging that India, as a "Vishwa Guru," must remember its true nature of accommodation and inclusivity. Yet, his statement was met with criticism from several Hindu right-wing groups, including some leaders within the RSS itself. For instance, the General Secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti, an assembly of seers, contended that issues of religion should be decided not by the RSS but by religious leaders (dharmacharyas).

This climate of divisiveness was further evidenced during the Christmas season when right-wing groups associated with the RSS disrupted Christmas celebrations across India. In Indore, a delivery man working for Zomato was forced to remove his Santa Claus costume. In Lucknow, a group of Hindus disrupted Christmas festivities outside the cathedral, chanting slogans loudly to create disturbances. In Ahmedabad, members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad raided a kindergarten and forced the school staff to remove Christmas decorations. On December 23, unknown individuals vandalised a statue of Mother Mary in the village of Oosri, Madhya Pradesh, moving it to a nearby power station where it was found destroyed.

In Patna, an event commemorating former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on December 25 was marred when a folk singer, while singing the iconic bhajan "Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram," included the lines "Ishwar Allah tero naam" (Ishwar and Allah are your names). A section of the audience reacted violently, and the singer was forced to apologise and chant "Jai Shriram" to placate the protesters. On the same day, cow vigilantes attacked a municipal team in Indore for removing an illegal cow shed. The attack occurred while the team was transporting the cows to a safer location, and it took more than 14 hours for the police to register a case against the attackers.

Over the last decade, the BJP has employed the strategy of marginalising and demonising Muslims and Christians as a key method of maintaining political dominance. Against this backdrop, initiatives that promote "unity in diversity"—a millennial heritage of India—deserve commendation. One such initiative is the Knit India program, organised by the Universal Solidarity Movement (USM), held from December 28 to 31, 2024. The program aimed to reinforce India's unity while celebrating its diversity.

Knit India is an annual event organised by USM since 1994, bringing together students, teachers, and principals from various schools to live together, learn from one another, and experience the beauty and richness of India's diversity. Over the years, USM has organised 29 National Knit Indias and 28 Regional Knit Indias, with Knit India 2024 being the 57th such event. The theme of Knit India 2024 was "Youth Taking Charge to Build an Inclusive India," reflecting the crucial role of young people in fostering an inclusive society.

The participants of Knit India 2024 came from diverse backgrounds, including students from slums and Hindi-medium schools. The event provided these students with the opportunity to mingle with their peers from English-medium schools, offering a space where they could interact without fear of discrimination. Working together in groups to prepare cultural programs and artworks depicting the theme of inclusivity was another powerful means of learning and growing.

Scholars who have dedicated their lives to studying and promoting inclusivity also conducted sessions at Knit India. Dr Piyush Joshi, who spoke on "Role of Youth in Building an Inclusive Society," emphasised that having multiple identities—whether related to religion, caste, language, or profession—is not problematic. The problem arises when one group asserts that its identity is superior to others and insists that everyone must accept it. Dr Joshi also highlighted that inequality, particularly in highly unequal societies, is a major challenge to inclusiveness. He stated that excluding the poor is a critical issue, and quality education for all, especially underprivileged groups, is essential for fostering an inclusive society.

Dr Joshi further urged young people to focus on two major global challenges: climate change and technological disruption. He warned that artificial intelligence (AI) has great potential but could also lead to widespread job losses. He argued that quality education for everyone is indispensable to ensure that the technological revolution benefits all.
Fr Joby Anand, the Director of Prerana Sadan, spoke during the event and shared his perspective on how to build an inclusive India. He emphasised that the most effective way to foster inclusivity is to affirm our identity as human beings and Indians and to accept, appreciate, and celebrate diversity. Fr Anand noted that "Unity in Diversity" is at the core of India's identity as a nation and must be embraced to build a truly inclusive society.

In his session, Bro Christopher SDB outlined the obstacles to creating an inclusive society. These included growing economic inequality, the misuse of media to spread false and hateful messages, unequal access to quality education, discriminatory policies, and the distortion of history to justify social and religious hierarchies. He provided practical steps for young people to take in order to foster inclusivity, such as celebrating diversity, speaking out against injustice, practising active listening, challenging stereotypes, building inclusive friendships, resolving conflicts through non-violent means, using social media responsibly, and respecting the rights of all, especially minorities.

According to Mr Bernardo D'Souza, the founder of the Honesty Foundation Goa, corruption is another major hindrance to an inclusive India. Corrupt practices allow some people to amass vast wealth while the majority remains impoverished. As a remedy, Mr D'Souza advocated for the promotion of honesty. Since 2012, USM, in collaboration with the Honesty Foundation Goa, has publicly recognised students who demonstrate honesty and integrity. During Knit India 2024, eight students from seven schools were honoured with the Honesty Awards, which included a cash prize and a certificate.

The USM's experience with programs like Knit India highlights their relevance in today's context, where politics of exclusion, prejudice, and hatred are increasingly common in India and other parts of the world. The Indian Constitution envisions an inclusive society based on secularism, democracy, justice, liberty, equality, fraternity, and individual dignity. If young people and institutions follow these core values, the vision set out by India's founding fathers will become a reality. Educational institutions and civil society organisations can play a crucial role in organising programs like Knit India to promote these constitutional values, helping to build a truly inclusive India.