Solution:

Different Types of Religious Practice in My Neighbourhood

• Prayer: Different forms of prayer such as morning and evening prayers, special prayers during religious festivals, and group prayers in mosques, temples, and churches.
• Worship of Different Gods: People in the neighbourhood worship a variety of gods such as Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Allah, and Jesus Christ, each according to their religious beliefs.
• Sacred Sites: The presence of different sacred sites like temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras, and prayer halls where individuals gather to pray and practice their faith.
• Religious Music and Singing: Music plays a key role in religious practices, such as bhajans in temples, qawwalis in mosques, hymns in churches, and kirtans in gurudwaras.
• Festivals and Celebrations: Celebrations like Diwali, Eid, Christmas, and Guru Nanak Jayanti are observed with specific rituals, music, and community gatherings in the neighbourhood.

Does This Indicate Freedom of Religious Practice?

Yes, the variety of religious practices observed in the neighbourhood indicates the freedom of religious practice, as people are free to follow and express their beliefs without any restrictions or interference.

Solution:

Will the government intervene if some religious group says that their religion allows them to practise infanticide? Give reasons for your answer.

Yes, the government will intervene if any religious group claims that their religion allows them to practise infanticide. This is because the government is responsible for ensuring the protection of human rights and maintaining law and order in the country. Infanticide, which involves the killing of infants, is a violation of the fundamental right to life, guaranteed by the Constitution of India under Article 21. The Constitution also promotes equality and prohibits discrimination based on religion. Therefore, no religious practice can justify acts that harm others or violate their rights. Even if a particular religious group claims that infanticide is a part of their beliefs, it cannot override the laws of the country, especially laws that protect the right to life and prohibit murder. The government has the duty to safeguard the welfare of all citizens, and practices such as infanticide are illegal under Indian law, specifically under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which criminalizes murder and other harmful acts. The government would take action to prevent such practices and ensure that the laws are followed, regardless of religious beliefs.

Solution:

Objective

Solution:

Annual Calendar of Holidays

To determine how many holidays in the annual calendar of your school pertain to different religions, you need to look at the specific holidays listed in the calendar. These may include religious festivals and national holidays that are observed by various religious communities in India. For example, holidays like Eid, Diwali, Christmas, Gurpurab, and others are observed by different religious groups.

This indicates the recognition and respect for the diversity of religious beliefs in the country. India is a multi-religious society, and the inclusion of holidays for various religions reflects the principles of secularism and equal respect for all religions, as outlined in the Constitution of India.

Solution:

Examples of Different Views Within the Same Religion

Religions, even within the same tradition, can have diverse interpretations and practices. Here are some examples:

• Hinduism: Hinduism has various schools of thought and practices. For instance, the Advaita Vedanta school believes in non-duality, where there is no distinction between the individual soul and the supreme reality (Brahman). In contrast, the Vishishtadvaita school believes in qualified non-duality, where the individual soul is distinct yet closely connected to Brahman.
• Islam: In Islam, there are different sects, such as Sunni and Shia. Sunnis believe in the community's consensus to select the leader (Caliph), while Shias believe leadership should stay within the Prophet Muhammad's family, specifically the line of Ali.
• Christianity: Within Christianity, there are various denominations such as Catholics, Protestants, and Orthodox Christians. For example, Catholics believe in the authority of the Pope and the sacraments, while Protestants reject papal authority and emphasize direct personal faith and the Bible as the ultimate authority.
• Buddhism: In Buddhism, there are different traditions such as Theravada and Mahayana. Theravada Buddhism focuses on the teachings of the historical Buddha and emphasizes individual enlightenment, while Mahayana Buddhism promotes the ideal of the Bodhisattva, a being who delays their own enlightenment to help others achieve it.
• Judaism: Within Judaism, there are branches like Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Judaism. Orthodox Jews adhere strictly to traditional laws and practices, while Reform Jews have adapted the religion to fit modern values and social contexts. Conservative Judaism falls somewhere in between, combining tradition with some modernization.

Solution:

The Indian State and Religion

The Indian State follows a principle called "Secularism," which means that the state is neutral in religious matters. However, this neutrality does not mean complete separation from religion. In some cases, the state intervenes in religious practices to ensure that all citizens are treated equally, without any discrimination based on religion. Let's understand this with a few examples.

State Keeps Away from Religion

The Indian State ensures that no religion gets preferential treatment. For example, the government does not fund religious activities, and religious leaders cannot hold political office or influence government decisions directly. The Constitution of India guarantees freedom of religion under Article 25, which allows every individual the right to freely practice, profess, and propagate their religion. The state does not endorse any particular religion and tries to maintain equality and fairness among all religious communities.

State Intervenes in Religion

On the other hand, the Indian State may intervene in religious practices when it violates constitutional principles or human rights. For instance, the state intervened to ban practices like 'Sati' (the custom where a widow was forced to commit suicide on her husband's funeral pyre) through laws like the Sati Prevention Act of 1987. Similarly, child marriage was prohibited by the government through the Child Marriage Restraint Act of 1929, even though these practices had religious or cultural significance in some communities.

Examples from the Chapter

In the chapter, we learn that the Indian State sometimes has to step in to ensure that the rights of individuals are protected, even if it means intervening in certain religious customs. The example of the government protecting religious minorities and their rights, such as providing equal treatment to all, regardless of their religion, reflects this balance.

Solution:

Message on Peace and Religious Tolerance

The sentence "Peace is a never-ending process....It cannot ignore our differences or overlook our common interests" is conveying the idea that peace is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing effort. It suggests that in order to maintain peace, we must acknowledge and respect the differences among individuals or groups, while also focusing on the common values that unite us. It emphasizes that peace is built on understanding, acceptance, and cooperation despite our diverse backgrounds.

This message is closely related to the need for religious tolerance because in a multi-religious society, people follow different faiths and practices. To maintain peace, it is essential to respect these differences and avoid discrimination or conflict based on religious beliefs. Religious tolerance encourages acceptance of diverse religions, and by recognizing both the differences and common values, we can work together to create a peaceful society where everyone feels valued and respected.