QUESTION 10
GS1
10 marks
What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of secularism?
WRITE IN
7 min
150 words
What the examiner wants
Discuss the challenges cultural practices face because of how secularism is interpreted and applied.
DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.
Demand-wise check
- 1Indian secularism: equal respect, principled distance; state can reform religion (Article 25(2))≈30 words
- 2Challenges: debates on festivals, food, dress (hijab), temple entry, Uniform Civil Code, essential religious practice test≈30 words
- 3Tension between reform and freedom, majority and minority sensitivities≈30 words
- 4Way forward: dialogue, constitutional morality≈30 words
Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.
Answer plan
Meaning of Indian secularismChallenges with examplesWay forwardConclusion
Where marks usually go
- Western secularism only
- No example, e.g. Sabarimala entry, Karnataka hijab row, triple talaq, UCC debate
Draw this
- Venn: secular state ∩ cultural practice
Value addition
- CaseSabarimala (2018) and its referral to a larger bench (2019) show the clash between religious practice and equality.Supreme Court
- ThinkerRajeev Bhargava's 'principled distance' explains the Indian model of secularism.Rajeev Bhargava
Mapped topper copies
Reviewed public-source references related to this PYQ. Same-syllabus references are labelled separately.
- Shakti Dubey · AIR 1 · Page 35 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Ajay R Raj · AIR 109 · Page 11 ↗Same syllabus reference
- Akansh Dhull · AIR 3 · Page 41 ↗Same syllabus reference
Links open original public sources. MainsBuddy does not host these answer sheets.
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 7 minutes, then get it checked.