Answer:

Let us first see briefly the similarities and differences between pluralism and multiculturalism:

Pluralism		Multiculturalism
Public Sphere	Individuals are treated as equals in a common (neutral) public sphere.	The public sphere is not culturally neutral. Public sphere is an arena for cultural negotiation. No group should dominate in a way that excludes other cultural forms.
Cultural Diversity	Different cultures allowed in a separate cultural sphere, but society has no obligation to acknowledge or support alternative cultural forms. Thus, pluralism also allows for the dissolution of cultural formations.	Different cultures are encouraged. Individuals are considered part of collectivities that provide meaning to their lives. Multiculturalism seeks ways to support these collectivities.
Dominant Principals	1. equality of opportunity 2. freedom of association	1. affiliation 2. cultural recognition

A lot has been said about the success of multiculturalism in India. We have vibrant communities of Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis etc. that have blended well and enhanced the progress of India. We are one of the most diverse countries in the world in terms of cultural, religious and linguistic diversity. And this diversity owes mainly to our vast geographical extent and successive waves of migration from all over the world.

Striking a balance between unity and diversity or managing unity in such diverse socio- cultural situations, is always a challenge for a nation. Pluralism and multiculturalism are two ways to manage this conundrum simultaneously.

In India, pluralism describes the reality of cultural diversity. It attempts to create a society in which the best of all inputs continue to integrate. It allows for many different groupings but does not try to impose a uniform status on all of them.

Our multiculturalism, on the other hand, means showing respect and tolerance to other cultures and faith. It holds that all minority values must have equal status to those of the majority. It also allows assertion of different identities in every sphere of life. The Indian constitution also provides fundamental rights for the preservation of this variety.

This assertion of variety can be seen in linguistic reorganization of states, political representation, rise in demand for minority rights, indigenous rights, anti-hindi movements etc. These assertions present a new way of assimilation where all communities find their respective place in making of nation-state. No community is left out in creating a rainbow nation. Multiculturalism and pluralism provides a new paradigm for stability which increases cohesiveness and integrity of nation.

Thus from the above discussion we can say that pluralism is the more general term for any kind of plurality while the multiculturalism is the proactive application of plurality to maintain and harmonize the diversity and heterogeneity in society in general and nation-state in particular.