The spirit of tolerance and love is not only an interesting feature of Indian society from very early times, but it is also playing an important part at the present. Elaborate. (UPSC 2017)

The spirit of tolerance and love is woven into India’s civilisational fabric. It has helped different faiths, languages and customs coexist for centuries, and today it remains essential for social peace, democratic life and national unity.

• Early civilisational roots: Ancient thought upheld Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and the idea that truth is one, though expressed in many ways. This encouraged respect for different paths of belief.
• Historical practice: Ashoka’s edicts urged restraint in speech and respect for other sects. Buddhism, Jainism and Vedic traditions grew side by side, showing intellectual openness. India also sheltered Parsis, Jews and Syrian Christians.
• Medieval synthesis: Bhakti and Sufi saints such as Kabir, Guru Nanak and Nizamuddin Auliya preached love, equality and devotion beyond ritual barriers. Akbar’s policy of Sulh-i-Kul promoted universal peace and dialogue.
• Freedom struggle: Gandhi made ahimsa and love into tools of mass politics. Tagore stressed universal humanism over narrow identities.

• Present constitutional role: Secularism, fraternity and dignity in the Preamble, along with Articles 14, 15, 25-30 and 51A(e), give legal support to harmony and mutual respect.
• Protecting diversity: Courts have treated secularism as part of the basic structure. Laws against hate speech and communal enmity seek to preserve public order and fraternity.
• Nation-building today: In a diverse and connected society, tolerance reduces conflict, supports inclusive growth and strengthens India’s soft power abroad.

Thus, tolerance in India is not passive acceptance but active respect and affection for difference. From ancient philosophy to constitutional democracy, it remains a living principle that sustains unity in diversity.