MEDIA AND THE CHALLENGES OF RELIGIOUS PLURALISM IN INDIA

Abstract

The Indian subcontinent has a long history of multi-religious, multi-cultural and multi-philosophical traditions. Hence, it could well be stated that India's destiny lies in its religio-cultural pluralism. The Founding Fathers of our nation have rightly adopted a Constitution with freedom of religion as one of its fundamental rights (secular democracy). It underlines the principle of 'unity in diversity'. India has come a long way proving to the world the idea of a successful functional democracy. Still, more needs to be done to make India a strong, prosperous and secular democracy. All stakeholders such as the state, religious communities, the civil society and the media need to work in tandem to evolve values that are required for the creation of such an enlightened polity.