(i) Our society has been projected as a traditional society based on spiritualism, giving less importance to materialistic growth. But this has been only the opinion of others. Today things are changing fast and we are marching ahead towards a strong, secular and modern nation. Undoubtedly the Hindu way of life with its tolerance and non-violent attitude shaped the nation to its present form. There have been impacts of many external forces and religions like Islam, Christianity and Western society, but the Indian way of life continues.

(ii) Today if we look at tradition, we find certain features are still continuing. They are ritualized ways of life, i.e. rituals are observed not in a rigid manner but in a flexible manner. It is not only limited to the Hindu rituals but also extended to the rituals of other communities. The secular doctrine can be found from the fact that all major rituals of all religions have been declared as national holidays. Today Holi, Deepawali, Dussehra, Eid, Eid-ul-zuha, Good Friday, Christmas Day, Guru Nanak Jayanti, Mahavir Jayanti and Budh Poornima etc. are all occasions of celebrations for all of us. Even these can be compared to Republic Day celebrations and Independence Day celebrations.

(iii) The point here is that any flexible and modern Indian is not bothered about the rigidity in observance of ritual, but is more interested in enjoying it with the community. 

(iv) Today India finds a place in the world in every aspect including dance, music, movies, sports, philosophy and astrology etc. Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Odissi, Manipuri, Mohini Attam, Kathak and many other folk dances like Bhangra and Garba, etc. have become globalised phenomena.

(v) Yoga and transcendental meditation have a great appeal in the western countries. In fact, Maharishi Yogi built the first Vedic city in New York. Ayurveda, the science of life and other types of herbal and aromatherapy has influenced the world widely. Thus retaining our Indianess we are marching ahead with a modern outlook.

(vi) Our modernity is not simply the imitation of the west but is an integration between the indigenous tradition (like the emotional family bond, spiritualism, alternative medicine) with the modern goal-oriented and rational outlook. As many as six Indians have received the Nobel Prize. They are Rabindra Nath Tagore, Sir C. V. Raman, S. Chandrashekhar, Mother Teresa, H. G. Khurana and Amartya Sen. Besides this, several Indians have won Booker's Prize and other International Awards.