Introduction

“The lost message” highlights the growing gap between symbolic political assurances and the constitutional obligation of the State to protect minorities in practice. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Christmas greetings and participation in Christian festivities project inclusiveness, the article argues that such gestures ring hollow when episodes of vandalism, intimidation, and selective policing against minorities continue without visible accountability.

Key Issues Highlighted

1. Symbolism Without Enforcement
• Public messages of harmony contrast with weak ground-level action.
• Example: Festive greetings coexist with vandalism of churches.
2. Selective Policing and Impunity
• Delayed FIRs and low conviction rates embolden offenders.
• Example: Recurrent attacks by fringe groups without deterrence.
3. Erosion of Constitutional Secularism
• Neutrality of the State appears compromised in perception.
• Example: Silence or ambiguity from authorities after attacks.
4. Federal Gaps in Minority Protection
• 1. Centre issues assurances, but States control policing.
• 2. Example: Uneven responses across States to similar incidents.
5. Chilling Effect on Freedom of Religion
• 1. Fear discourages minorities from exercising religious rights.
• 2. Example: Disruption of prayers and religious gatherings.

Key Facts from the Article

Repeated incidents of vandalism of Christian places of worship reported in States like Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Assam.

1. Attacks are often carried out by fringe groups, with limited convictions.
2. India’s Constitution guarantees:
•  Article 25 – Freedom of conscience and religion
•  Article 14 – Equality before law
•  Article 21 – Protection of life and personal liberty
3. Law & order is a State subject, but constitutional responsibility is shared.
4. Symbolic outreach is not matched by administrative deterrence.

Lesson: Symbolism works only when backed by law enforcement and accountability.

Indian Committees / Policy References

Sachar Committee (2006)	Minority inclusion and protection.
Ranganath Misra Commission	Equal protection irrespective of religion.
National Commission for Minorities (NCM)	Monitoring minority rights.
Supreme Court jurisprudence	State’s positive duty to protect life and liberty.
Police Reforms (Prakash Singh Case)	Insulating policing from political bias.

Way Forward

1. Ensure strict enforcement of law against hate crimes without delay.
2. Fix accountability of police and district administration for inaction.
3. Strengthen minority protection mechanisms at State and district levels.
4. Implement police reforms to reduce political and ideological bias.
5. Institutionalise interfaith dialogue beyond symbolic occasions.
6. Reinforce constitutional values through public leadership and governance.

Conclusion

India’s strength lies not in symbolic affirmations of pluralism but in the lived security of its minorities. When assurances of harmony are not reinforced by visible protection and accountability, the message of inclusion is lost. Upholding constitutional secularism requires governance that protects, not merely performs.

Prelims MCQ

Q1. With reference to minority protection in India, consider the following statements:

1. Freedom of religion is subject to public order, morality and health.

2. Law and order is a State subject under the Indian Constitution.

3. The State has a positive obligation to protect citizens’ fundamental rights.

4. Symbolic gestures by political executives are sufficient to meet constitutional duties.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 2 and 3 only

b) 1 and 3 only

c) 1 and 2 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D) 1, 2 and 3 only

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q1. India’s ambition to become a developed nation is constrained by its research and innovation deficit.

Analyse the causes of this deficit and suggest measures to strengthen India’s R&D ecosystem. (250 words)