Discrimination Based on Religion Violation of Constitution: Vice President Venkaih Naidu

Hyderabad, June 29: “Any discrimination based on religion is a violation of our Constitution. We have a robust mechanism for correcting such deviations, if any. Because of the sturdy constitutional provisions and robust institutional mechanisms in the country, religious freedom can never be vitiated”, said the Vice President of India Mr. Venkaih Naidu.

Delivering the convocation address at Muffakham Jah College of Engineering and Technology (MJCET), the Vice President Mr. Venkaih Naidu said “Isolated incidents of unacceptable acts of assaulting citizens of other religions cannot certainly be presented as an evidence of religious freedoms being given a go by.” Without referring mob lynching incidents, he said “such acts shall be condemned as strongly as possible and the guilty shall be given the maximum punishment under the due process of law in the quickest possible time.”
Making a passing reference to accountability of different crimes, he said “new bills are not required but “political will, administrative skill” can help the law “go for the kill of the social evil”.

The motto of ‘Sabka Sath Sabka Vikas Sabka Vishwas’ has its roots in the core principles of Indian civilisation. We believe in an inclusive India wherein every citizen has the same entitlements irrespective of his or her religious leanings.

“There is no justification for any institution or individual to have any doubts about religious freedom in our country. I don’t think we need a certificate from anybody to prove our commitment towards religious freedom”, he said.

Presenting anecdotes from history, “all through the ages, Indian philosophers and rulers and the modern political leadership have expounded and upheld the principles of equality and tolerance. The world can be rest assured that India celebrates its religious diversity by upholding religious freedoms. No other country matches India in respect of such diversity and the commitment to preserve such a colourful mosaic.”

He stressed upon the students to “remember that Culture is a way of life and Religion is a way of worship.” He said “India is a country built on the foundations of a civilization that is fundamentally tolerant. In India, religious freedom is a Fundamental Right guaranteed under Articles 25 to 28 of our Constitution.” “India is the most secular country in the world”, he fervently emphasized.

“The preamble of our Constitution declares our country as Secular so as to guarantee equality to every citizen without any discrimination based on religion, though our country is predominantly Hindu. This Constitutional prescription is nothing but a natural culmination of the core values of Indian civilization that has evolved over the last 5000 years, said Mr. Naidu.

“India is the birth place of four major religions of the world– namely, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. Significant population of three other religions of the world namely Islam, Christianity and Zoroastrianism live in India. In fact, Indian Muslims constitute the third largest Muslim population in the world.”

“Such cohabitation of the people of seven major religions of the world in India is testimony to the values of fraternity, equality, assimilation and accommodation that are integral to Indian way of thought and living.”

“Equality of religions as observed in all walks of public life have enabled leaders from minority religions rise to hold the offices of President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Governors, Chief Ministers, Chief Justices, Chief Election Commissioners, Attorney Generals and Ministers besides making major contributions in other walks of public life like music, culture, sports, films etc.”

“Certain aberrations like looking at minorities as vote banks may have had some undesirable socio-political ramifications but the situation is changing as a new, young and aspirational India is emerging fast.”