Understanding Secularism

Q15. When was law passed by French government banning religious symbols in school? What was its impact?

Ans. In February 2004, France passed a law banning students from wearing any conspicuous religious or political signs or symbols such as the Islamic headscarf, the Jewish skullcap, or large Christian crosses. This law has encountered a lot of resistance from immigrants who are mainly from the former French colonies of Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco.

Q16. What are the three objectives of a secular State?
Or
State the three objectives of a secular State.

Ans. The three objectives of a secular State are:

                          i.        One religious community does not dominate another;

                         ii.        Some members do not dominate other members of the same religious community;

                        iii.        State does not enforce any particular religion nor take away the religious freedom of individuals.

Q17. Why is it important to separate religion from the State?
Or
Why does state not interfere in religious matter?

Ans. It is important to separate religion from the State because of the following reasons:

                         i.        To prevent the domination of one religion over another.

                        ii.        To protect the freedom of individuals to exit from their religion, embrace another religion or have the freedom to interpret religious teachings differently.

Q18. Site some historical examples of discrimination.

Ans. Historical examples of discrimination are:

                         i.        Jews were persecuted in Hitler’s Germany.

                        ii.        Jewish State of Israel treats its own Muslim and Christian minorities quite badly.

                       iii.        In Saudi Arabia, non-Muslims are not allowed to build a temple, church etc., and nor can they gather in a public place for prayers.

Q19. Will the government intervene if some religious group says that their religion allows them to practise infanticide? Give reasons for your answer.

Ans. The government will surely intervene if some religious group says that their religion allows them to practice infanticide because it involves killing of innocent child, which is against fundamental right – The Right to Life. No one is allowed to go against fundamental rights. Everyone's right to life shall be protected by law.

Q20. Find out some examples of different views within the same religion.

Ans. Different views are found within the same religion. For example:

                          i.        In Hinduism, there are Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism and Smartism.

                         ii.        In Muslim community, there are Sunni, Shia, Ahmadiyya and Quranists.

                        iii.        In Jainas, there are Shwetambar and Digambar sects.

                        iv.        In Buddhism, there are Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana.

Q21. How does the Indian constitution ensure its objectives of secular state?

Ans. The Indian Constitution ensures its objectives of a secular state in the following manner:

                         i.        One religious community does not dominate another;

                        ii.        Some members do not dominate other members of the same religious community;

                       iii.        State does not enforce any particular religion nor take away the religious freedom of individuals.

Q22. Look up the annual calendar of holidays of your school. How many of them pertain to different religions? What does this indicate?

Ans. Holidays in school calendar

This indicates that India is secular country where religious freedom is granted to its citizens and all religions are equally respected.