Constitution has provided for freedom to follow faith and propagate the same. Also it provides for secular nature to be built. India is home to numerous religions and sects. Indian society has deep emotional connection with religion. Western secularism means indifference towards religion in matters of public discourse. Citing emotional attachments with religion application of western context of secularism in Indian society would have not been possible. Secularism has been modified into form of religious tolerance and respect of other religions.
Sanatan dharma or Hinduism is one of the oldest surviving religion on this earth. In fact it has been way of life, an integral component of social and cultural heritage. With spread of Buddhism and Jainism, invasion by various foreign rulers, establishment of mughal rule and British rule, people started converting to other religions due to distorted interpretation of vedic scriptures, karmakand, caste discrimination etc. Thus conversions have been ongoing process in our nation since centuries.
Religion of a person is determined by birth. Thus there is no freedom to choose primary religion. Therefore blindly forcing a particular religion doesn't go along spirit of freedom of religion. People by and large follow religion of parents. During conversions too minor children of family are forced upon a particular religion.
A complete freedom to follow religion should start with freedom to choose the faith one wishes to follow. Before such selection one needs to know about all religions for making well informed choice. Therefore everyone should be allowed to change his or her religion during lifetime. Blanket ban of conversions would hamper right to religion which is fundamental right as well as natural right.
However, no one should be preeched to convert by some offer, force or any other benefit. All conversions should be under free and fair environment. Conversion is also part of fundamental freedom to follow one's faith.
No comments:
Post a Comment