Question

Explain the concept of Regionalism, in detail.

Answer 1

Regionalism is defined as a feeling of loyalty to a particular part of a country and a wish for it to be more politically independent.

It is not just a territorial unit but a culmination of socio-economic and political factors. Regionalism can be defined in connotations both positive and negative.

Positive regionalism means love towards one’s culture, region, language etc whereas negative regionalism is an excessive attachment to one’s regions in preference to the country of the state. Positive regionalism helps to build Brotherhood and commonness on the basis of common language, religion or historical background and it helps a particular regional group to maintain their independent identity. It gives self-determination to people and empowers them to feel happy. Negative regionalism may pose a threat to the unity and integrity of the country. in the Indian context generally the term regionalism has been used in the negative sense.

Answer 2

The concept of Regionalism is as follows:

• Regionalism focuses on national interest of particular region. This is also applicable for other sub-national entity.
• In India, social and economic diversity are the reason behind the rise of regionalism.
• This actually a political notion by which a political entity gets divided into small region and from government political power transfers to hand of region.