What was the meaning of secularism according to Nehru ?

Question

Read the following passage and answer the questions below :-

Nehru did not practice any religion , nor did he believe in God. But for him secularism did not mean hostility to religion . In that sense Nehru was very different from Ataturk in Turkey. At the same time Nehru was not in favour of a complete separation between religion and state . A secular state can interfere in matters of religion to bring about social reform. Nehru himself played a key role in enacting laws abolishing caste discrimination, dowry and sati and extending legal rights and social freedom to Indian women. 

 (a) What was the meaning of secularism according to Nehru ? 

 (b) What was the attitude of Nehru towards religion ? 

 (c) What work did he do for the welfare of society ?

Answer 1

(a) Nehru did not believe in God and did not practise any religion. For him secularism did not mean hostility to religion. Nehru was not in favour of complete separation between religion and state. 

(b) Nehru was not hostile to religion. A secular state can interface in matters of religion for social reforms. 

(c) Nehru played a key role in enacting laws, abolishing caste discrimination, dowry and sati and extending legal right and social freedom to Indian women.