Understanding Secularism Exercises 1 List the different types

Understanding Secularism ( Exercises ) 1. List the different types of religious practice that you have find in your neighborhood. This could be different forms of prayer, worship of different gods, sacred sites, different kinds of religious music and singing etc. Does this indicate freedom of religious practice ? ANS. The Hindus celebrate Deepavali, Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi etc. They worship gods and goddesses like Krishna, Ram, Shiva, Ganesh, Durga, Kali, Gauri etc. Kashi, Rameshwar, Hrishikesh, Badrinath, Kedarnath etc are the sacred places for them. The Muslims celebrate Id, Ramzan etc. They worship Allah. Makkah ( Mecca ) and Medina are the sacred places for them. Yes, our religious practice indicates our religious freedom. 2. Will the government intervene if some religious group says that their religion allows them to practice infanticide? Give reasons for your answer. ANS. The government intervene if some people says that their religion allows them to practice infanticide. In some of the areas of particular community have practice of killing newborn girl baby by dipping in milk. In such cases the government should not allow to practice this.

• 3. Complete the following table. OBJECTIVE WHY IS THIS IMMPORTANT? One religious community does Because all are equal Not dominate another The State does not enforce any Wearing helmet is not Particular religion nor take away compulsory to Sikh The religious freedom of Individuals That some members do not Discrimination should Dominate other members of not be followed The same religious community EXAMPLE Saudi Arabia, America Delhi Pakistan

4. Look up the annual calendar of holidays of your school. How many holidays pertain to different religions? What does this indicate? ANS. School remains closed on every important religious festivals. This indicates the all the religions are equal. 5. Find out some examples of different views within the same religion. ANS. In Hindus itself e had four categories like – Brahmins (worshipping, teaching, performing rituals as the work), Kshatriyas ( protecting people ), Vaishyas( business persons) and Shudras( serving rest of the community). EXTRA QUESTIONS 1. What is Secularism? Ans. The separation of religion from the state power is called secularism. 2. Why is it important to separate Religion from the State? Ans. It is important to separate Religion from the state that each religion can feel That they are having equal right.

3. What are the objectives of Indian Secularism? Ans. i. One religious community does not dominate another. ii. Some members do not dominate other members of the same religious community. iii. The state does not enforce any particular religion nor take away the religious freedom of individuals.