Former Education Minister Sri  M.A. Baby emphasised the need for political and cultural vigilance to safeguard freedom of religion and belief in India. He made this remark while delivering the keynote address at a colloquium titled ‘ The State of Religious Freedom in India,’ a joint initiative by the Inter University Centre for Social Science Research and Extension (IUCSSRE) and Mar Chrysostom Chair at Mahatma Gandhi University.

Ensuring the freedom of religion and belief, as guaranteed by the Constitution, requires a continuous effort that goes beyond election cycles. This fundamental right must remain a constant concern for the people. It is equally crucial that we protect innocent individuals from manipulation by those with ulterior motives and to confront religious-based violence with unwavering vigilance, he said.

Irfan Engineer, Director of the Centre for Study of Society and Secularism (CSSS), stressed the importance of protecting secularism from communal polarisation. To foster harmony, Dr. Valson Thampu, former member of the National Minorities Commission, suggested that religious leaders and believers in Delhi should be encouraged to appreciate and respect diverse faiths.

Sri Rajagopal, Editor-at-Large of The Telegraph, pointed out that exposing the plight of those discriminated against on the basis of religion fosters social responsibility and protects democracy. The programme organised in collaboration with CSS was inaugurated by Vice Chancellor Dr. C.T Aravindakumar . IUCSSRE Director, Dr. K.M Seethi and CSSS Deputy Director Neha Dabhade also addressed the gathering.