1. While discussing cultural pluralism, we should first understand the term 'pluralism' which means many. Cultural pluralism originates when two or more culture groups occupy a single geographical area, and participate in some common activity/activities, borrow elements of culture from each other, but continue to maintain their respective cultural autonomy. It is the co-existence of many dissimilar things or patterns of activity.
2. In other words we can say cultural pluralism is a system where different culture-groups co-exist and share a common cultural platform without losing their respective identity. Some aspects of cultural pluralism can be underwood when we look at our country as a whole. Our country has been divided into 28 states and 7 union territories. It extends from Kashmir in the North to Kanya Kumari in the South and from Kutch in Gujarat in the West to Kamrup in Arunachal Pradesh in the East.
3. We speak different languages. We dress differently. But, irrespective of these differences we subscribe to a common national ethos, subscribe to a common political ideology, and pay our homage to the same gods and goddesses. We visit the same places of pilgrimage, and respect a common body of heritage.
4. Thus, we present a seemingly multicultural situation within the framework of a single integrated cultural whole; what Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in his "Discovery of India" terms as "Unity in Diversity". In India, past traditions as well as present circumstances favour the growth of a novel type of nationhood which promotes a common national culture, but at the same time ensures various communities freedom to maintain and develop their own cultural and religious traditions, so long as they are not detrimental to the unity and general welfare of the nation. This is cultural pluralism.
