Secularism

Secularism is a philosophy of equal treatment for all religions and freedom for all people to practice, profess and propagate the religion of their choice. Secularism means that the government does not favor any one religion and that the government does not make laws based on religion. The Indian Constitution, which is the rule book for the country, says that India is a secular state. This means that the government cannot favor any one religion and that all religions are treated equally.

India is a diverse society where people from all religion have existed since time immemorial. Rulers of different religion have ruled this vast country which is made up of people from different religions and sects. It is the tolerance among these people of different faith which has allowed India as a country to prosper. This spirit was seen in our Indian Freedom Struggle where Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Jains were united to overthrow the British Rule. However, Pakistan wanted to be a Sunni Muslim state and that is why it was partitioned from India. India decided that it would be a secular country treating everyone the same no matter their religion.

Secularism is important in India because it helps to keep peace between people of different religions. It also helps to ensure that everyone is treated fairly, regardless of their religion. Secularism is not perfect, and there are sometimes challenges to it in India. However, it is an important principle that helps to keep India a peaceful and diversecountry

India is the birthplace of Hindusim, Jainism and Buddhism and has hosted rulers who have professed Islam (Slave Dynasty and Mughals) and Christianity (Britishers).

• Emperor Ashoka in the third century BC encouraged people to respect all religions and be tolerant of all. Emperor Akbar treated all religions equally and forbade religious conversions. Under these two great rulers, large parts of India were united under one ruler and this could only happen because people of all faiths could prosper and hence showed allegiance to one King.
• Later, Sufi and Bhakti movements were about spreading love and peace, irrespective of religion and championed by leaders from many faiths like Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti, Saint Kabir Das, Guru Nanak Dev, Saint Tukaram, and Mira Bai. This message of harmony, peace and brotherhood is central to Secularism.
• While the British Rulers propagated Divide and Rule policy to create in-fighting among Hindu’s and Muslims, the Indian freedom struggle was a secular movement to secure independence for all.

Western v. Indian Secularism: Secularism in India was chosen as opposed to a ‘religious’ or ‘theocratic’ state like Pakistan. But Indian secularism is different from the Western idea of an ‘irreligious’ state.

• Individuals are free to choose religion of their choice. (Individual Rights)
• Groups are allowed to manage and run their religious institutions. (Collective Rights)
• State treats all religions equally but there is no State religion.
• The Supreme Court in St. Xavier’s College case held that India’s secularism is not ‘anti-god’.
• Allows state-sponsored religious reform,thus the Indian constitution bans untouchability. The Indian state has enacted several laws abolishing child marriage and allowing inter-caste marriage.

• Western Secularism is reflected in secularism of Mustafa Kamal Ataturk practised in Turkey after the First World War. Ataturk believed that there was no place for religion in public life and even banned the Fez cap traditionally worn by Muslims.
• The French banned government’s involvement in religious affairs. They believe in separating the State and the Church. No one can wear religious symbols in public so the burqa is banned. However, such a strong stance against religion has led to violence in France in retaliation.

India is a Secular State as is given in the Preamble and this theme runs throughout the Constitution. It is also a part of the Basic Structure of the Constitution which means that no amendment can remove the secular nature of the Constitution.

• Article 15 and 16: discrimination on grounds of religion is prohibited.
• Article 25 provides freedom of conscience which means that all people can practice a faith of their choice and spread the message of their faith.
• Article 26 provides collective rights. These are right to establish institutions through which they can propagate their religion.
• Article 27 says that no taxes will be used by the State to promote a religion.
• Article 28 allows religious institutions to establish schools/ educational institutions and spread the message of their religion.
• Preamble: India is a secular state. This was added in the Preamble by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976.

Virtues of secularism are many. It helps unite peoplein face of diversity and hence reduces conflict ensuring prosperity for all.

• In theocratic societies, on the contrary, there is oppression of the minority communities. Such an approach leads to cycles of never-ending violence.
• Such intolerance also spills over in inter-state relations like in India-Paksitan and the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel.
• The terrorism and violence that ensues lead to complete destruction of all. This causesloss of lives, and also loss of economic development and olitical instability.

To truly achieve harmony and unity in a diverse society, we must embrace the principles of love, compassion, and non-violence, as exemplified by Mahatma Gandhi. By following his teachings andworking together to bridge the divides between different religious communities, we can create a world where everyone feels respected, valued, and included.

India's rich history of tolerance and secularism has set an example for the world.As globalization increases and people from diverse cultures move to Europe and America, they will start to mirror the diversity that India has always embraced. India's secularism serves as a model for other nations and help establish India as a global leader in promoting tolerance and understanding.

The G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration’s condemnation of religious hatred and its call for an end to the trust deficit and the beginning of an era of cooperation are a positive step in this direction.