Page 93 - 9 teachers social book 9 @ 2077 ctp_Neat

After the people’s movement 2062/63 reinstated the dissolved parliament called the
th
House of Representatives on 11 Baishakh 2063. The reinstated parliament made a
th
historical declaration of 4 Jestha 2063 heralding Nepal a Secular State for the first
time in its history. Later it is was legally institutionalized by the Interim Constitution
st
of Nepal 2063, promulgated on 1 Magh 2063. The constitution of Nepal 2072 has also
guaranteed right to religion as a fundamental right. In this way people of Nepal have
experienced a greater social change along with the emergence of secularism to govern
the country in full democratic system secularism was adopted. It is highly beneficial
to all the citizens in a nation. Some benefits of exercise of secularism in Nepal are
given below:

Ideals of democracy can truly be practiced.
Citizens of all religions get equal facilities and services from the state.
Cultures and traditions of various religious groups can be well preserved and
protected.
A sense of brotherhood develops among the citizens.
State can work freely without the influence of any religious group.
Equality and social justice get more priority.

Religious tolerance can be fostered and healthy relationship can be established
between the followers of different religious groups.

Religious Tolerance in Nepal

Religious tolerance is maintained highly in Nepal since the time immemorial. There
has never been religious riots in the name of religion. Hinduism and Buddhism sprang
up together and respect each other. The Buddhist people worship Pashupatinath as
th
Pancha Buddha and Hindu people worship Lord Buddha as the 9 incarnation of
th
Lord Bishnu(Source: Buddha: 9 incarnation, U.C. Vasistha) . In this way, people are
maintaining religious harmony in the country. On the basis of some facts given below
we can justify that there is religious tolerance in Nepal since ancient period.

The kings of the Gopal and the Kirant dynasties used to follow Shaivism whereas
Lichchhavi king Mandev’s family used to follow both Shaivism and Vaishnav.

Lichchhavi king Mandev constructed Man Vihar paying tribute to Buddhism.
King Pratap Malla permitted Christian pastors to live in Kathmandu.
King Prithvi Narayan Shah invited Muslim artisans from India in the palace
for repairing arms and to train the army.
At present too, a daughter of Shakya community, a Buddhism follower, is worshipped
by the Hindus as a living goddess Kumari. These facts show that the strong proof of
religious tolerance is maintained in the country. As per the census BS 2068, more
than 10 religious groups live in Nepal but we 'feeling' is strongly maintained here. The
people of different religions are sharing their culture and festivals with each other.
Therefore, there is no difference and chaos in the country in the name of religion and
there is unique social and religious tolerance in our country Nepal.

93 Dynamic Social Studies - Book IX