Lokayukta Y. Bhaskar Rao said the principle of secularism that is practiced is well enshrined in ancient texts such as Ramayana and Mahabharata.
Inaugurating a seminar on ‘Ancient Indian Political Thought’ here in St. Agnes College here on Friday, the country has always believed in the Sanskrit saying ‘God is one, but He is called in different names’. “India is a great secular country. We do not understand that,” he said.
In this context, Mr. Rao commended the work of Christian Missionaries and said, “They choose two important fields – the education and the hospital – to serve people. Whenever we did not have school nearby we went to convent school, when we did not have hospital nearby we went to Missionary hospital.”
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Mr. Rao said epics such as Ramayana, Mahabharata are rich resource of our political thought and philosophy. The concepts of secularism, diplomatic immunity, taxation and many other practices of Dharma are clearly mentioned in the epics namely Ramayana and Mahabharata.
The Shanti Parva in Mahabharata spoke about the way the State should be administered. Sukracharya, he said, was a great exponent of Labour jurisprudence and mentioned concepts such as eight hours of work, compassionate appointment and bonus payment.