Are tolerance, assimilation, and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer. (Answer in 250 words) 15 Marks

Key elements of Indian secularism:

(a) Tolerance => positive acceptance of diversity, manifested through:

(i) Non-interference of state in religious matters, but makes provision for humanitarian development (Art. 27)

(b) Societies => cohabitation peacefully

e.g: Hindus (80%), Muslims (14%), Christians (2%), Sikhs (2%), Parsis, Buddhists, Jains etc (Census 2011)

(c) Individual-respect for inherent differences => e.g: Freedom of speech and expression (Article 19(c)(a))

(d) Assimilation => assimilation means inclusion into mainstream, to the extent that individual units are non-distinguishable => while Indian secularism has embraced inclusion of diverse streams of in-migration, there is still adequate scope to maintain individual autonomy to profess, practice and propagate one's religion (Art 25).

(c) Pluralism => co-existence of multiple religions together => pluralistic but multi-culturalism in a unity of mosaic assembly.

Indian secularism has provided scope for expression of one's religious identity unlike the western states => creation of pluralistic society.

Indian secularism has provided scope for expression of one's religious identity unlike the western states => creation of pluralistic society.

Other key elements of ending secularism:

Therefore, Indian secularism is unique and needs to be protected from forces of communalism, to ensure unity in diversity of India.