Social Science (087) — CBSE Class 10 board question

India is a diverse country with people following many religions. To manage this diversity and prevent communalism, the makers of our Constitution chose the model of a secular state. The following provisions justify that secularism is the very idea of the Indian Constitution:

1. No official religion: Unlike Pakistan (Islam) or England (Christianity), India gives no special status to any religion.
2. Freedom of religion: The Constitution gives all individuals and communities the freedom to profess, practice and propagate any religion, or not to follow any.
3. No discrimination: The Constitution prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion.
4. State intervention for equality: The state can intervene in religious matters to ensure equality within communities — for example, it bans untouchability.
5. Combating communalism: Secularism forms one of the foundations of our country. Communalism threatens the very idea of India, and only a secular Constitution can counter it.

Thus, secularism is not just an ideology of some parties; it constitutes the very foundation of India.

Source: Religion, Communalism and Politics, Chapter 3 (Secular State section)

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• Examiners expect 4–5 constitutional provisions clearly listed, with brief explanation of each.
• Mention that India has NO official religion and contrast with Sri Lanka, Pakistan, England — this shows you have read the text.
• The closing line about secularism being a "foundation" (not just an ideology) is directly from the textbook — include it.
• Do not write lengthy introductions; go straight to the points.