Secularism is the foundation of our country –
(i) There is no official religion of India.
(ii) Our constitution does not give a special status to any religion.
(iii) The constitution prohibits discrimination on ground of religion.
(iv) The constitution provides all individuals and communities freedom to profess, practice and propagate any religion or not to follow any religion.
(v) The constitution allows the state to intervene in the matters of religion in order to ensure equality.
(vi) Any other relevant point.
Any three points to be examined.
Detailed Answer :
Secularism is not an ideology of political parties but is the foundation of our country because –
(i) There is no official religion for the Indian state, unlike the status of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Islam in Pakistan. the Constitution of India prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion.
(ii) The separation of religion and state is the foundation of secularism. It ensures religious groups don’t interfere in affairs of state, and the state doesn’t interfere in religious affairs.
(iii) Secularism seeks to ensure and protect freedom of religious belief and practice for all citizens.
(iv) The Constitution provides to all individuals and communities the freedom to practice, profess and propagate any religion.
