THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that secularism is the soul of democratic India. "It is the symbol of our country. Believers of different religions and non-believers participated in the freedom struggle. This country belongs to everyone, it is for all sections of society", the Chief Minister said.

"Religion is a personal matter. The Constitution of India gives the right to believe in and practice any religion. Those committed to upholding the Constitution of India pledge to ensure that all persons enjoy this right equally. It is not right to promote and promote only one religion.

Jawaharlal Nehru, the country's first Prime Minister, used to remind us that Indian secularism means separation of the nation and religion. We also have a tradition of maintaining this distinction but the line separating the two seems to be getting thin. We have to be careful when participating in religious affairs. We are at a time when the inauguration of a religious centre in the country is celebrated as a national event.

Many of us were invited to the function. As those who have pledged to protect the Constitution, they may refrain from participating in such events and remain committed to its secular character. Constitutional responsibilities can be highlighted in this way' - the Chief Minister clarified.