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Are we losing our local identity for the global identity? Discuss. (UPSC GS1 2019)

Introduction
The Globalization and modernization era has resulted in the development of a global identity. This identity is based upon modern, secular ethos of the members of the society where individualism and materialism are primary to the social interactions. The local identity is based upon the traditional structures, institutions, processes and where communitarian, collectivistic ethos and social obligations are primary to the social interactions. 

• Coexistence of Global and Local identities: The Geographical and social mobility has resulted in the movement of the people from one area to another and from one society to another respectively. For example People working in the United Nations work for the humanity and the whole world irrespective of the nations they belong. Although they aim at promotion of national interests (localized) but at the same time form one unified humane identity (Globalized).
• The economic progress has led to the diverse workforce entering into the labour markets. This workforce belongs to the diverse local backgrounds but work for the organization for the public interest. For example in MNCs the workers though show local identity in interpersonal relations but work for the larger public and societal interest ( globalized identity). Hence local identity is kept at a distance from the global identity.
• The scientific progress has led to the development of the inventions, innovations. This has brought about a change to rational outlook and thinking. Thus the aim is the progress of humanity (global identity). At the same time the local identity is kept to personal sphere. For example Chandrayaan 2 mission was for the finding of elements at moon for whole of humanity, however the mission started with the offerings to God.
• Hence although it aimed at global endeavours but localized elements provided it the legitimacy or credibility. The Dependent of the underdeveloped countries on the developed world shows that the global identity (in form of developed) is used for the localized development (underdeveloped). Similarly the Indian Diaspora, Indian companies invest in other countries and aim at betterment of the people (global identity).
• But they make sure that local identity (Indian) is not forgotten while The working for the purpose of humanity and while practicing spiritualism in personal life also shows that global and local identity are kept together. The terrorism, fundamentalism, Radicalization processes often lead to security concerns by developing a global identity (destruction of society) based on religion, state, ideology and forgetting local ones.

Conclusion 
Hence, the economic and scientific progress at a large scale in the world has resulted in the attainment of the global identity at the macro level while keeping, and restricting the local identity to the micro structures such as the individual, family, and the community.

Topics Covered - Globalisation and Indian Diaspora