RBSE Class 8 Social Science Notes Civics Chapter 2 Understanding Secularism

These comprehensive RBSE Class 8 Social Science Notes Civics Chapter 2 Understanding Secularism will give a brief overview of all the concepts.

RBSE Class 8 Social Science Notes Civics Chapter 2 Understanding Secularism

→ Understanding Secularism: The essence of secularism is that all forms of domination related to religion should end. No one should be discriminated against on grounds of their religious practices and beliefs. History provides us with many examples of discrimination, exclusion and persecution on the grounds of religion. These acts of discrimination take place more easily when one religion is given official recognition by the State at the expense of other religions.

→ What is Secularism?
Secularism refers to the separation of religion from the State.

→ Why is it important to separate religion from the State?

• The tyranny of the majority religion and the consequent violation of the fundamental rights of the minorities is one reason why it is important to separate the state and religion iff democratic societies so that religious minorities are not discriminated against and tortured.
• Another reason that it is important to separate religion from the State in democratic societies is because we also need to protect the freedom of individuals to exit from their religion, embrace another religion or have the freedom to interpret religious teachings differently.

→ What is Indian Secularism?
The Indian Constitution mandates that the Indian State to be secular i.e., Firstly, the state will distance itself from religion. The Indian state is not ruled by a religious group nor does it support any one religion. Second, the state will respect the sentiments of alT religions and not interfere with religious practices, the state makes certain exceptions for particular religious comriiunities. Thirdly, the Indian state also intervenes in the field of religion so that one religious community does not suppress another religious community or some people do not suppress other members of their own religion.