Nation building is the process whereby the State becomes a true nation-state, its people become a well organised, united and cohesive group and the society becomes democratic and developed. It also involves the process of making the political system autonomous and legitimate to meet the demands and aspirations of the people and overcome threats, crises and all other challenges. Thus, nation building is the transformation of a country into a great society or a powerful nation.
Components:
1. Community support: To realize the process of nation building, collective support and endeavour of people are essential. The quality of the people reflects the quality of a nation. Disciplined work culture and patriotic feeling also contribute for nation building.
2. Good Governance: Good governance ensures accountability, transparency, efficiency, responsibility and responsiveness. In addition, the use of technology has given rise to e-Governance.
3. Committed Leadership: History depicts many examples of committed leadership. The US President F.D Roosevelt solved the crisis of Economic depression by adopting the new deal policy. In India, Nehru’s leadership largely contributed to the process of nation building.
4. Political Culture: Political culture constitutes a set of values, attitudes and behaviour towards political system. It requires an ideal political behaviour for national reconstruction.
5. Power sharing: To realize the goal, political power needs to be shared among all sections of society. The consentration of political power in the hands of a few people and some families, leads to the emergence of authoritarianism and dictatorship.
6. Universal education: For the development of a Nation universal education is of paramount importance. It enables a person to understand their potentiality and strengthens dignity. As Gandhi said ‘Education is the light of life’, it encourages people to develop the spirit of enquiry, the ability to analyze the nation’s problems and to work for national progress.
7. National Character: Nationalism and patriotism are the foundations to build a national character. Each country has its distinct national character which denotes one’s nativity as the conservatism of UK, ‘Land of Liberty’ of US, ethnic city of Africa, Aborigines of Australia and cultural diversity of India. Love and respect for one’s country and national symbols such as national flag, national anthem and national monuments are the prerequisites.
8. Mass Media: Mass Media is regarded as the Fourth Estate in Democracy as it plays a vital role in nation building. It highlights the omissions and commissions of the Government and acts as a bridge between the Government and the public.
9. Responsible Intelligentsia: The contribution of intellectuals is recognized all over the world. Research and innovations in important areas of human life have contributed to the national development. In India, the development in the field of social sciences by M.N. Srinivas, Amarthya Sen, Gail, Vandana Shiva, Ashish Nandy, and others and in science and technology, Sir M. Vishveshwaraiah, Sir C.V. Raman, Dr. Raja Ramanna, Dr. M.G.K. Menon, Dr. C.N.R. Rao, Dr.U.R. Rao, Dr. A.PJ. Abdul Kalam and others have greatly contributed for India’s present position at global level.
10. National Integration: It is process of uniting the people emotionally, psychologically and politically. SardarVallabhaBai Patel, Vinoba Bhave, Lai Bahadhur Shastri. J.B. Kriplani and Acharya Narendra Dev have played a key role in the National Integration. November 19th is being observed as National integration day.
