Q. What is secularism?
Ans: Secularism means freedom of religion and non interference policy of State in religious activity.It is a doctrine that opposes all forms of inter religious domination.
According to B.R.Ambedkar ,”Secularism does not mean that we shall not take into consideration the religious sentiments of the people.All that what a secular state means is that Parliament shall not be competent to impose any particular religion on the rest of the people”.
Q. Can Secularism be equated with religious tolerance?
Ans: Secularism cannot be equated with religious tolerance because Secularism is much more than mere peaceful co- existence or toleration.Religious tolerance is one of the components of secularism.
Q. What do you mean by Secular?
Ans: The word secular means having no concern with religions or spiritual matters. It means anything which is distinct,opposed or not connected with any religion.
Q. What is a Secular State?
Ans: Secular state is a state which deals with the individual as a citizen irrespective of his religion.The secular state is not constitutionally connected to a particular religion nor does it seek to promote or interfere with religion.
Q. What are the features of Indian Secularism?
Ans: The features of Indian Secularism are as under:
1. There is no State religion in India.The State does not propagate any religion.
2. The State does not interfere in the religious affairs of the people.The State remains aloof from all religious activities.
3.All religions are equal in the eyes of the State.The people of all religions enjoy equal rights.
4. The constitution allows religious freedom to all the people.Every person is free to keep faith or not in any religion.
5. All the people enjoy equal rights and opportunities for spreading their religion.
6.No religious education in any educational institution wholly or partly maintained by the State.
7. No person shall be compelled to pay any tax for the promotion of any particular religion.
Q. Why do we need a secular state in modern times?
Ans: We are aware of the fact that the modern states are multi- religious.It is not desirable to accept one religion as the religion of the State.We need a secular state in modern times to maintain peace and harmony between people of various religions. Freedom of religion and equality of all religions are the fundamental characteristics of democracy. That is why secular state is best suited in modern times.
Q. Draw a comparison between Indian and Western concept of Secularism?
Ans:
Western Secularism:
1. Strict non interference of religion and State in each other’s affairs.
2. Equality between different sects of a religion is emphasized.
3. Less attention to community based rights.
4. Individual and his rights at the centre.
Indian Secularism:
1.State supported religious reforms allowed.
2.Equality between different religious groups is a key concern.
3. Attention to minority rights.
4. Rights of both individual and religious community protected.
Q. Mention the forces that threaten the growth of Secular State in India?
Ans: The following factors threaten the growth of Secular State in India.
1. Communalism is the main threat in the growth of secularism in India.
2. Casteism in India is also a threat to secularism.Almost all political parties contest elections on the basis of caste.
3. Misuse of religion by political parties for their political end.
4. Lack of toleration among the people sometimes assumes the form of communal riots.
5. Social inequalities also create hindrances in the growth of secularism in India.
Q. Indian Secularism focuses on more than the religion – state separation. Explain.
( Explain the Indian model of Secularism)
Ans: India is a secular state. Secularism is the basic feature of Indian constitution.Indian secularism focuses on more than religion – state separation. Indian secularism is concerned with maintaining peace and harmony between different religions.It is concerned with reforming religious practices so as to protect the rights of the citizens. For example, the practice of Untouchability is abolished by the Indian constitution.Many religious reform acts have been passed by the Indian Parliament.Indian secularism permits every religion to flourish and develop. It doesn’t interfere in religious matters but checks the influence of religion in public life.
Q. What is the concept of principled distance?
Ans: The concept of principled distance means that the State should not intervene much in the religious matters of the people. The State should remain aloof from religious dogmas and activities.
Q. Give some suggestions to strengthen Secularism in India?
Ans:
1. Religion and politics should be kept separate.
2.Communal based political parties should be banned.
3. Candidates and political parties compaigning on the basis of religious sentiments should be punished and banned.
4. Education to be imparted to the students from the very first stage so that they can embrace the principles of secularism.