“Secularism is not an ideology of some political parties or persons, but it is one of the foundations of our country.” Examine the statement

Communalism was and continues to be one of the major challenges to democracy in our country. The makers of our Constitution were aware of this challenge. That is why they chose the model of a secular state.

• There is no official religion for the Indian state.

• The Constitution provides to all individuals and communities freedom to profess, practice and propagate any religion, or not to follow any.

• The Constitution prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion.

• The Constitution allows the state to intervene in the matters of religion in order to ensure equality within religious communities