Discuss the Social Tensions in India

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15. Discuss the Social Tensions in India

Introduction

Social tensions in India as of August 2025 continue to pose significant challenges to the nation's secular and democratic ethos. These conflicts stem from deep-rooted historical inequalities, exacerbated by rapid urbanization, economic shifts, and political polarization. Key issues include communalism, casteism, regionalism, ethnic strife, geopolitical disputes, economic disparities, gender-based violence, and environmental degradation. From a Master of Social Work (MSW) perspective, these tensions intersect, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities and requiring holistic, intersectional interventions. Social workers play a crucial role in empowering vulnerable groups through advocacy, trauma counseling, and community-building initiatives to foster dialogue and resilience. This discussion elaborates on these tensions, drawing on recent developments to highlight their interconnected impacts on social cohesion and development.

Communalism and Religious Tensions

Communalism remains a core driver of social unrest, manifesting in escalating Hindu-Muslim clashes fueled by religious nationalism. In March 2025, Nagpur erupted in violent riots over demands by Hindu nationalist groups to demolish the tomb of the 17th-century Muslim ruler Aurangzeb, resulting in deaths, property destruction, and a imposed curfew. This incident reflects broader polarization under policies perceived as majoritarian, leading to minority alienation, hate crimes, and ghettoization. Similar violence occurred during Muharram in July 2025, with 25 reported incidents of Islamist mob attacks and temple desecrations across states. In Manipur, ethnic clashes between Kuki-Zo (Christian) and Meitei (Hindu) communities renewed in September, causing deaths and displacement. These events erode trust, heighten mental health crises, and strain community bonds. MSW interventions focus on trauma-informed counseling and interfaith programs to promote tolerance, addressing root causes like disinformation and historical grievances.

Caste-Based Tensions

Despite constitutional safeguards, caste discrimination persists, sparking protests and violence against Dalits, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and Adivasis. Atrocities such as honor killings, workplace bias, and land disputes exacerbate poverty and exclusion, intersecting with class to widen inequalities. In 2025, incidents include a Dalit boy in Uttar Pradesh forced to drink urine in July, and caste-based harassment of a Dalit professor in Andhra Pradesh in June. The government's decision to include caste in the 2025 census has ignited debates, aiming to address disparities but risking heightened identity politics. Rural areas see violent land conflicts contributing to farmer suicides and urban migration stresses. Sanitation work remains caste-bound, with Dalits dominating hazardous manual scavenging despite schemes like NAMASTE, which critics call repackaged discrimination. MSW approaches emphasize anti-caste education, legal advocacy, and economic empowerment to break cycles of intergenerational trauma and exclusion.

Regionalism and Ethnic Conflicts

Regionalism fuels separatism in areas like the Northeast and Kashmir, where ethnic identities clash with national integration efforts. In Manipur, ongoing violence between communities has displaced thousands, highlighting failures in addressing ethnic grievances. The Naxal-Maoist insurgency in central India intensified in 2025, with 255 deaths recorded, driven by resource exploitation and tribal marginalization. These conflicts disrupt development, increase poverty, and foster distrust in governance. Social workers intervene through peace-building dialogues and rehabilitation programs for affected populations, promoting inclusive policies to mitigate alienation.

Geopolitical Tensions

The 2025 India-Pakistan conflict has amplified internal tensions, particularly in Kashmir. A terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 killed 25 Indian tourists and one Nepalese, escalating into cross-border missile strikes on May 7. The brief war displaced thousands, risked nuclear escalation, and diverted resources from social welfare. Internally, it heightened Islamophobia and communal divides, straining social bonds. Broader neighborhood challenges, including tensions with China, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, compound insecurities. MSW strategies include refugee support and conflict resolution to address humanitarian fallout.

Economic Disparities and Unemployment

Economic tensions, marked by unemployment and inequality, breed widespread discontent. India's overall unemployment rate dropped to 5.2% in July 2025, driven by rural hiring, but youth unemployment (15-29 years) remains high at around 15-17% in urban areas, leading to protests and crime. Corruption and urban-rural divides exacerbate skill gaps and mental health issues among the youth. Persistent problems like farmer distress and informal sector vulnerabilities fuel migration and social unrest. Social workers advocate for job training and equitable resource distribution to prevent escalation into broader instability.

Gender and LGBTQ+ Issues

Gender-based violence continues unabated, with laws failing to curb sexual harassment and domestic abuse. In 2025, 23% of girls face child marriage, and one-third report physical or sexual violence. Online gender-based violence affects 60% of women MPs, including hate speech and disinformation. LGBTQ+ communities encounter resistance, with family rifts and societal exclusion. Internet shutdowns, the highest globally, suppress dissent but isolate victims further. MSW efforts prioritize survivor support, awareness campaigns, and policy advocacy for inclusive rights.

Environmental Challenges

Environmental degradation adds layers to social tensions, with pollution and water scarcity fueling conflicts. Air pollution reduces life expectancy in 18 state capitals, while untreated sewage pollutes rivers. Climate change intensifies monsoons, floods, and heatwaves, displacing communities and straining resources. The 2025 suspension of the Indus Water Treaty amid Pakistan tensions highlights water as a flashpoint. Deforestation and urban crises disproportionately affect the poor, intersecting with caste and gender vulnerabilities. MSW interventions include community-led sustainability projects and advocacy for environmental justice.

Conclusion

India's social tensions in 2025 are interconnected, demanding urgent, multifaceted responses. From communal riots to economic woes, these issues undermine development and equity. MSW professionals must adopt holistic strategies, including advocacy, empowerment, and cross-sector collaboration, to build a resilient, inclusive society. By addressing root causes and promoting dialogue, India can navigate these challenges toward greater harmony.