Hinduism -Binding Force of India.

Vedanta speaks of the highest Truth which needs special effort to realise the Self. As all human dispositions are not the same, different paths to realise the Self have been shown by the Vedas, Raja, Karma, Gnana and Bhakthi Yogas. Based on Sathva (serene), Rajas (active, aggressive) and Tamas (inert,indolent) are human beings differentiated. A single path will not suit various dispositions. So many paths have been identified. Reality expresses itself in many ways in the form of Gods, man and all Beings both sentient and non-sentient. But to perceive the Reality one needs the particular mental make up or disposition.So you find many Gods in Hinduism. As Krishna declares, "I grant prayers, through the Devatas in the form they are worshipped".(Bhagavad Gita).
Hinduism does not believe in a redeemer but your own self. In Gita, Krishna says: "Atman is your best friend as well as your enemy."
You are responsible for your actions and therefore their consequences. Individual and social responsibility are highlighted. You act and face the consequences. Period.
Vedanta does not believe in Heaven and Hell either. That concept is considered as Apara (empirical) and hence not considered higher (Para) Knowledge. Anything to do with worldly affairs is knowledge of lower status. That which makes you realise Self is Higher Knowledge.
Nor does Vedas believe in simple atonement (Prayachiththa). As you sow, so you reap. Better you reap good. Vedas not only abhors proselytisation but even group prayer. There is not a single sentence in Vedas that says you should build temples and worship collectively. Religion is not institutionalised; it is intensely personal. Nor does Hinduism declare that one can realise Reality or God only through Hinduism. It allows you to act as you think best. After preaching nearly the entire Gita, Krishna exhorts Arjuna to consider what he (Krishna) said and tells Arjuna to act as he deems fit.
To conclude,look at some of our Highest Prayers.
"Let four-legged animals be Happy; let the two legged animals (man) be Happy (see the priority); let water reach the roots of all plants, Let there be peace, peace, peace"
"May the ruler rule Righteously- May the animals and the learned be happy"
These tenets of tolerance and freedom are what is binding India together.