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Values and Justice - A new Perspective
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Democratic and Socialist Values:
There is a great emphasis on the Democratic & Socialist Values in one form or the other, directly as well as indirectly, in the constitution of almost all the nations of the world-- including the Human Rights Commission, the UNO etc. With reference to India and its constitution the main concern is the “Promotion of the welfare of the people.” The very preamble to the constitution clears its strong emphasis on democratic and socialist - values Equality of opportunities both to men and women equally, right to ownership, freedom of religion, protection of children, youth and old age, right 10 work, to education, to just and humane condition of work and relief. The constitutional objectives and directives for a new social order are pursued: The Values and principles of democracy, Socialism, and Secularism form the guiding forces in this massive endeavor. Secularism and Values:
India, like many countries in the world, has chosen to build itself into a democratic and secular society in which different groups and communities can flourish side by side in confidence or goodwill to grow in freedom and attain personal fulfillment and progress. The concept of secularism, as it is understood, has come to mean different things to different people.
According to Oxford Dictionary Secularism means, “The doctrine that morality should be based solely in regard to the well being of mankind in the present life, to the exclusion of all consideration drawn from belief in God." Chambers Dictionary defines Secularism as, "The belief that the State, Morals, Education etc. should be independent of religion.” Webster's Dictionary says that Secularism is, “The belief that religion and ecclesiastical affairs should not enter into the function of the state. It is said, Secularism is a system of doctrines and practices that rejects any form of religious faith and worship.” The word Secularism was first used in the Nineteenth Century by George Jacob Holydake. He derived it from Latin word 'Saeculum' meaning 'This Present Age' and used it
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