Context:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a Christmas morning service at the Cathedral Church of the Redemption, New Delhi, on December 25, marking a symbolic outreach to India’s Christian community amid increasing reports of violence and intimidation against religious minorities.
Key Highlights:
Government Gesture and Symbolism:
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First instance of the Prime Minister participating in a full Christian worship service.
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PM shared Christmas greetings highlighting peace, compassion, and harmony.
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The visit is interpreted as a symbolic reassurance to Christians facing insecurity.
Situation of Christians in India:
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Reports of vandalism, disruptions of worship, and violence against churches and clergy.
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Affected States include Assam, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh.
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Allegations of forced religious conversions often cited to justify violence.
Role of Ideological Organisations:
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RSS historically viewed Christianity and Islam as ‘foreign religions’.
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Recent attempts to incorporate these faiths within a broader idea of national identity, though contradictions remain.
Governance Concerns:
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Inadequate police action against perpetrators of religious violence.
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Growing perception of a gap between symbolic gestures and administrative response.
Key Concepts Involved:
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Syncretism – blending of religious and cultural traditions.
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Religious Freedom – constitutional right to practice faith without fear.
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Pluralism – peaceful coexistence of diverse communities with mutual respect.
Relevant Prelims Points:
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Issue: Rising incidents of religious intolerance and violence against Christians.
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Causes:
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Misuse of anti-conversion narratives
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Weak enforcement of law and order
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Ideological polarization
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Government Initiatives:
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Constitutional guarantees under Articles 25–28
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Statements promoting unity and harmony
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Benefits of Religious Harmony:
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Social cohesion
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Democratic stability
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Global credibility
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Challenges:
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Selective policing
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Political polarization
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Fear among minority communities
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Impact:
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Erosion of trust in governance
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Damage to India’s pluralistic image
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Relevant Mains Points:
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Facts & Provisions:
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Article 25: Freedom of conscience and religion
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Article 14 & 15: Equality before law and non-discrimination
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Conceptual Clarity:
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Secularism in India implies equal respect for all religions.
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Pluralism strengthens national unity.
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Keywords:
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Religious tolerance, minority rights, secularism, rule of law
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Way Forward:
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Strengthen police accountability
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Ensure swift prosecution of communal violence cases
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Promote inter-faith dialogue beyond symbolic gestures
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Uphold constitutional morality through consistent governance action
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UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS 1: Indian Society – diversity, communal harmony
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GS 2: Polity – Fundamental Rights, secularism
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GS 2: Governance – rule of law, state accountability