Doyou agree with the following statements? Give reasons for supportingor opposing any of them.

(a) Secularism does not allowus to have a religious identity.

(b) Secularism is against inequalitywithin a religious group or between different religious groups.

(c) Secularism has a western-Christian origin. It is notsuitable for India.

Anyanswer supported with argument or explanation would solve thepurpose. It is strongly recommended that you prepare the solution onyour own. However, a sample solution has been provided for yourreference:

(a)Secularism allows us to have a religious identity. In India, acitizen can have a religious identity, so that he/she can representhis/her religious institution whenever required in order to preserveand develop it.

(b)Secularism is against inequality both within a religious group andbetween different religious groups. The Indian government tries tomaintain equality within religious groups to prevent discriminationand eradicate practices that are derogatory to human dignity.

(c)Secularism may have a western-Christian origin but it is suitable forIndia. This is due to the fact that India is a multi-cultural andreligious society. Thus, it is necessary to ensure equal treatment toall groups both within and between different religions to maintainharmony and integrate the country.