1. What makes Indian secularism distinctive? For a start it arose in the context of deep religious diversity that predated the advent of Western modern ideas and nationalism. 2. There was already a culture of inter-religious 'tolerance' in India. 3. However - we must not forget that tolerance is compatible with religious domination. 4. It may allow some space to everyone but such freedom is usually limited. 5. State cannot give financial support to educational institutions run by religious communities.