Religion has always played an important role in the affairs of all humans, worldwide, whether man-made or divinely revealed. Even atheists have come to realise that there is a hidden force behind the creation of the universe, on which we are often dependent, even though science has failed to identify the creator - Call it God or whatever. India being the cradle of many religions, it becomes almost impossible to do away with religion in our day to day affairs and even in politics.
We are fortunate though, to have a Constitution that is secular in character, in as much as it holds every religion with equal respect and gives one the right to practise and propagate one’s faith in public. Unfortunately, this is very often not the case, as religion is often used by politicians and political parties to divide the people by denigrating the faith and beliefs of other religions, leading to hatred, and violence, as we have been experiencing of late.
Only recently, there was a misunderstanding and flare up after the controversial remarks made by a Tamil Nadu Minister on the much cherished ‘Sanatan dharma’, that hurt the religious sentiments of Hindus leading to a few arrests. Very sad, as we see such things happening more often as elections keep approaching. It is time we learn to respect the faith and beliefs of one and all, if we wish to live in communal peace and harmony.
