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The Idea of a Secular India
The term ‘secular’ was added in the 42nd Amendment in the year 1976
(India is a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, republic). Secularism in
the Preamble of the Constitution of India is described as all the religions i.e.
Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Jainism, Islam Christianity, Buddhism, etc. are
all equal in this state. India is not a state with only one religion. A person is
said to be secular when his thinking is rational and based on science.
Secularism simply means that the separation of state from religion i.e. a
secular state should not be based only on one religion. This concept,
embraced and promoted by personalities like Vivekananda and Mahatma
Gandhi is called ‘Positive secularism’ that reflects the dominant ethos of
Indian culture. India does not have an official state religion. However,
different personal laws - on matters such as marriage, divorce, inheritance,
alimony varies with an individual's religion.
Secularism in India
For a country like India secularism is extremely important as it has more
than 5 religions as a safeguard. There are some basic rights provided by the
preamble of the Indian Constitution based on secularism in India, these are –
Right to profess, Freedom of conscience, and the Right to practice. If these
rights are hampered by someone, it will be granted as a criminal offense and
the person can be punished by the law. But the government of India provides
reservations for the religious minorities to make them feel that they are not
discriminated against.
Here a question arises about whether India is a truly secular country or
not? The answer is absolutely yes, India is a secular country. But provides
reservations to the religious minorities, and here the conflict arises. It is
important to take care of religious minorities because it is generally seen
that the majority tries to suppress the minorities. So, the government must
stay neutral and to some extent help minorities so that they do not feel
discriminated against. Sometimes it is seen that some political parties head
towards some particular religion. This is very shameful for a secular country
like India. Secularism in India is important not only to provide peace and
harmony within the country but also to provide a better and safer society for
all. So, it can be said that secularism in India is perfectly performed and the
Indian government tries to keep religion separate from government.
Challenges faced by secularism in India during post Independence
India consists of various cultures i.e. India is a culturally heterogeneous
country. The separation or enmity between Muslims and Hindus was created
by the British, they used the policy of divide and rule. Making this situation
normal and abolishing riots among Hindus and Muslims was the main
challenge faced by secularism in India during post-independence. Sometimes
the political party leans toward a particular religion, they want to earn a vote
from that community which is shameful and against the law because the
government that will be formed by the majority should be neutral and not
based on a particular religion, then only the nation will be called as a secular
nation; sometimes it is seen that a party is based on a particular caste, this
is as shameful as a party leaning towards religion. The heading of a political
party toward a particular religion and a particular caste is another challenge
for India to keep its secular identity.
Importance of secularism in India
These are the reasons why secularism is important in India –
As people in India are of different religions, secularism is highly important
here to maintain peace and harmony
To maintain the power of the majority in India, secularism safeguards
democracy for all citizens
Secularism provides equal fundamental rights to every citizen of India
without discriminating based on religion
Secularism explains that every region should be respected equally and no
people should be harmed based on religion
Secularism is also important to take fair decisions by the country’s head in
a democratic country so that any religion is not hurt by the act or decision
Conclusion
In a democracy, secularism is the main pillar that maintains the country’s
democratic values. Secularism in a country like India is very important
because India consists of several religions. To keep peace within the country
and develop society, secularism plays a vital role. During post-independence
several challenges were faced by India to maintain a secular country, even
still the challenges persist or a new one is formed or may form. It is
incumbent on us to ensure value-education that makes the younger
generation understands and appreciates not only its own religious traditions
but also those of the other religions in the country. There is also a need to
identify a common framework or a shared set of values which allows the
diverse groups to live together.
EXCERPTS OF SECULARISM IN INDIA: CONCEPT AND PRACTICE BY
RAM PUNIYANI
"Secularism in India: Concept and Practice," edited by Ram Puniyani and
Uday Mehta, is a comprehensive examination of secularism within the Indian
context. The book is a collection of essays that delve into the historical and
contemporary debates surrounding secularism in India, highlighting its
inseparability from the principles of democracy, liberty, equality, and
fraternity as enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
The essays in the book argue that democracy and secularism are
inextricable parts of the Indian Constitution, forming the foundation of the
values of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. They emphasize the importance of
maintaining secularism to uphold these constitutional values. The essays
provide historical and contemporary perspectives, aiming to foster
discussions on preserving secularism in India.
Puniyani and Mehta argue that secularism has been a critical aspect of
Indian society for the past few decades, especially in light of the increasing
politicization of religion. The book responds to criticisms of secularism by
emphasizing its foundational role in maintaining India's democratic values
and social harmony. It provides a thorough analysis of how secularism has
been challenged by political forces and explores the implications of these
challenges for India's future.
The contributors to this volume include notable scholars and activists who
offer diverse perspectives on the importance of maintaining secular values in
a pluralistic society. The essays aim not only to defend the concept of
secularism but also to promote a broader understanding of its significance in
the Indian political and social landscape.
Overall, the book is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the
intersection of politics, religion, and society in India, and it underscores the
need for ongoing dialogue and vigilance to uphold secular principles in the
face of rising religious nationalism
