Why is India called a secular country?
According to the Constitution of India, Secularism Means ‘Equality and respect for all religions as well as protecting them equally’. Secularism is a concept which treats all religions equally.
A secular state is a state which is not based on any religion. A secular state does not encourage or discourage any particular religion. The state treats all religions equally and grants religious freedom to every individual.
In 1976, With the 42 Amendment of the Constitution, India became a secular state.
There are many provisions in Indian constitution that make India a secular State.
- India does not have any state religion, unlike Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Sri Lanka has Buddhism as a state religion, and Pakistan has declared Islam as a state religion but There is no official religion in India, people are free to practice any religion of their choice.
2. All individuals and communities in India are free to profess, practice and propagate any religion, or or not to follow any. Every citizen of India has a right to practice and promote their religion peacefully. Every one is allowed to change his religion, If they want.
3. According to Article 15 of the Indian constitution does not allow any discrimination on grounds of religion race caste or place of birth. People are free to access any Public place.
4. If there is any conflict between religious communities, the communal violence or other forms of violence between communities, the states are allowed to intervene in the religious matters to ensure equality within religious communities.
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