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Better Secularism

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Better Secularism
Secularism - myth OR reality?
Secularism means indifference towards religion. A pluralist country like India needs secularism like life-blood. In democracy, all citizens are equal though they may not follow same religion or may not even follow any religion at all. India is multi-religious country. A multi-religious society cannot function democratically without secularism. It is a great need for democratic pluralism. However, since very early times, secularism has evoked controversy in India as to whether it is more a policy of political practice than a philosophy in itself.

Secularism, in philosophy, is the belief that one's own life can be best lived, and the universe best understood, with little or no reference to a god or gods or other supernatural concepts. For building a vibrant civil society there is the need of secularism. The political parties should help build a new political culture, which is based on tolerance and respect for human values. Today, our political culture is thoroughly infected with casteism and communalism. Religion plays a great role in Indian society. Religion has mixed in the blood of people. As India is a country having so many diversities then it is a good policy to adopt secularism. Let us take a look at the provisions provided by the Constitution of India regarding secularism. Article 15.1 of the Constitution lays down that the State shall not discriminate against any citizen on grounds only of religion. Article 16 provides equal opportunity for all citizens in matters of employment under the State. Further it prohibits in this matter discrimination or ineligibility on grounds of religion. Article 25 gives all persons freedom of conscience and right to profess, practice and propagate religion. All religious denominations have a right to establish, maintain institutions and to own and manage property for religious purposes. The state cannot compel anyone to pay taxes to promote or support a particular religion. Government

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