paragraph on communal harmony in India
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India is a land of diverse religions. It has set an example of unity in diversity as people of different castes and religions live in harmony in the country. However, this harmony is disturbed many a times by different religious groups and communities.
People belonging to different religions live here in harmony. Different festivals, be it Holi, Diwali, Eid or Christmas, are celebrated with equal zeal. However, communal harmony is disrupted at times due to differences between certain religious groups.
India is a secular state. The Constitution of our country gives its citizens the freedom to practise any religion of their choice. They also have the liberty to change their religion, if they wish. The state does not have any official religion. Every religion is treated and respected equally in India and this goes a long way in maintaining the communal harmony in the country.
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Answer:
India is a vast country, with people belonging to different religions living amicably for centuries together. The rich traditions of tolerance, perseverance, plurality and assimilation have kept the identity of the country intact, and civilization thriving.
Declared a secular country in the constitution, India has several provisions for protection of minority communities. The State does not discriminate on the basis of any particular religion. There are constitutional provisions for equality of opportunities for all. Despite precautionary, preventive and positive measures having been envisaged in the constitution, to rule out any feeling of being left-out, communal disturbances keep recurring. The Government had, often expressed its commitment toward maintaining communal harmony in the country, and has been taking steps- statutory, legal, administrative, economic, and so on.
The Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, while speaking at the Communal Harmony award ceremony, 2009 reiterated the need for communal harmony and national integration. He said “India has been home to all the great religions of the world. While some were born here, others took root in this ancient land of ours. The sub-continent has for centuries provided a unique social and intellectual environment in which many distinct religions have not only co-existed peacefully but have also enriched each other. It is the sacred duty of each one of us to carry forward this great tradition. I believe that both the government and civil society groups must continuously watch and raise our voice against groups and individuals who use violence in the name of religion. No religion sanctions violence. No religion preaches hatred. No religion endorses animosity towards another human being. Those who use religious symbols and forums to talk of violence, sectarianism and discord cannot be said to be true spokesperson of their respective religion. However, we also know that all societies, including ours, have to contend with such preachers of disharmony and disagreement. That is why it is all the more important to recognize and applaud those - like today's distinguished award winners - who work selflessly for communal harmony and national integration. It is our obligation to nurture such voices of sanity”.
Gandhiji, the father of the nation, commented “Communalism of the virulent type is a recent growth. The lawlessness is a monster with many faces. It hurts all, in the end, including those who are primarily responsible for it”.
medical examination/ assistance, etc. Wherever required, on account of damage to residential and commercial property, an appropriate mechanism may be established for speedy disposal of insurance claim and assistance from financial institutions by way of loans/ rescheduling of loans, etc.
The Central Government has launched a Central Scheme for assistance to victims of terrorist and communal violence, whereunder there is provision for one time payment of Rs.3 lakh to the affected families in addition to any ex-gratia relief that may be provided.
The Government has enacted “The Religious Institutions (Prevention of Misuse) Act, 1988”, with a view to maintaining sanctity of religious places and to prevent their misuse for political, criminal, subversive or communal purposes. It casts responsibility on the manager to inform the police in the event of misuse of the place of worship. The Act also prohibits storage of arms and ammunition inside any place of worship.
The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act 1991, is the law to prohibit conversion of any place of worship and to provide for the maintenance of the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on the 15th day of August, 1947. According to it, no religious institution or manager thereof shall use or allow the use of any premises belonging to the institution for the promotion or propagation of any political activity, or for the harbouring of any person accused or convicted of an offence under any law for the time being in force. No arms or ammunition can be stored, nor can it erect or put up any construction or fortification, including basements, bunkers, towers or walls without a valid licence or permission. Such premises can’t be used for the carrying on of any unlawful or subversive act prohibited under any law, or for the doing of any act which promotes or attempts to promote disharmony or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will between different religious, racial, language or regional groups or castes or communities.