What is secularism?
Secularism means separation of a state or government from religion and having an equal attitude towards all religions.
The aim of secularism is that no individual or group should be given special rights or discriminated against on the basis of their religion.
It is a system where the state does not interfere in religious matters and gives all citizens the freedom to practice their religion.
- Jews had to face discrimination throughout Europe for centuries
- But in the current state of Israel, both Christians and Muslims are minorities. They are deprived of the political and economic benefits that Jewish citizens enjoy.
- Subtle forms of discrimination against non-Christians still persist in many parts of Europe.
- The situation of religious minorities in neighbouring countries, Pakistan and Bangladesh, has also attracted people's attention.
- Such examples remind us of the importance of secularism in the contemporary world.
Dominance among religions
In our own country, the Constitution declares that every Indian citizen has the right to live with freedom and dignity in any part of the country. But in reality many forms of discrimination still persist.
- In 1984, more than 2,700 Sikhs were killed in Delhi and the rest of the country.
- The families of the victims believe that the culprits have not been punished till date.
- Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits were forced to leave their homes in the valley.
- He has not been able to return to his home even after two decades.
- In 2002, more than 1,000 people were killed following the Godhra riots in Gujarat.
- Many surviving members of these families could not return to their villages from where they were displaced.
- All of these examples involve discrimination in some form or the other.
- In each case, people belonging to a particular religious community were targeted and persecuted because of their religious identity.
dominance within religion
Some people believe that religion is merely 'opium of the masses' and that the day all people's basic needs are fulfilled and they start leading happy and contented lives, religion will disappear. Such a view arises from an exaggerated perception of human potential.
It is beyond possibility that man will ever be able to completely understand and control nature.
However, religion has some contribution to the deep-rooted problems. For example, it is difficult to think of any religion that views men and women as equals.
Some sections of Hinduism have always suffered from discrimination. Dalits have always been barred from entering Hindu temples. When a religion transforms into an organisation, it is usually dominated by its most conservative sections, which do not tolerate any kind of dissent.
Religious conservatism has become a big problem in some parts of America which is posing threat to peace both inside the country and outside.
Many religions break up into sects and engage in constant mutual violence and persecution of minorities that hold different views.
secular state
What type of state is necessary to prevent religious conflict and promote religious equality?
This could be a way to stop religious discrimination
1. Awareness
2. Education
3. Use of power
A nation should adopt the following measures to prevent the domination of any religious group:
Separation of state and religion: -
- The state power should not be influenced or controlled by any particular religion.
- It is necessary to ensure a clear separation between religious institutions and state institutions so that religion does not influence politics.
Opposition to the theological system:-
- Theocratic governance lacks religious freedom and leads to oppression and inequality.
- The rule of the Pope in medieval Europe and the recent Taliban rule are examples of this.
Adherence to secularism:-
- A secular state must not only avoid theocratic rule but also refrain from legal or formal alliances with any religion.
- It must be ensured that no religion receives exclusive state support.
Religious equality and freedom:-
- The state must work to maintain peace, religious freedom, and against discrimination.
- It should be the duty of the State to promote inter-religious and intra-religious equality.
Promoting non-religious principles:-
- The state must have principles and goals that are independent of religion.
- Such as peace, liberty, equality, and freedom from religious persecution.
Various forms of political secularism: -
- The relationship between religion and state can be defined in different ways.
- In countries like America, the model is of complete separation, whereas in countries like India, the model is based on pluralism and tolerance.
European model of secularism
The European model of secularism is based on a clear and strict separation between state and religion. This can be understood through the following characteristics:
Mutual prohibition of religion and state power –
- Both religion and state power are independent in their respective spheres.
- The state does not interfere in religious affairs, and religion cannot influence state policies.
- No public policy can be made on the basis of religious arguments.
No state support for religious institutions –
- The state does not provide financial aid to any religious institution or community.
- Schools and other institutions run by religious communities are also not given financial assistance.
Autonomy of religious communities –
- Religious institutions are free to set their own rules and traditions, as long as they are within the laws of the country.
Example:-
- If a religious institution prevents women from becoming priests, the state does not interfere.
- If a religion prohibits its followers from entering certain areas (such as the sanctum sanctorum of a temple), the state allows it to remain as it is.
treating religion as a private matter
- Religion is considered a part of a person's personal freedom.
- This cannot be a subject of state policies or laws.
Liberty and equality based on individualistic approach
- Freedom: It gives priority to the personal religious freedom of individuals.
- Equality: Emphasises on providing equal rights and opportunities to all individuals and not on privileges for religious communities.
Indian model of secularism
Indian secularism differs fundamentally from the Western model and has developed in the context of India's religious diversity and historical traditions.
Features of Indian Secularism
Emphasis on inter-religious equality
- Indian secularism is not based only on the separation of religion and state.
- It focuses on issues such as caste discrimination within Hindus and oppression of women, as well as protests against the violation of rights of minority communities by the majority community.
Freedom of religious minorities
- Minority communities have the right to establish their own cultural and educational institutions, which may receive aid from the state.
- It also opposes the violation of the rights of minority communities by the majority community.
State-supported religious reform
- Indian secularism allows the state to initiate religious reforms.
- Reforms such as ban on untouchability, abolition of child marriage, and removal of ban on inter-caste marriages are part of this.
Differences from the Western model
No complete separation of religion -
- The Western model (such as the American model) is based on a complete separation between state and religion.
- In the Indian model, the state can intervene in matters of religion, such as to bring about social reform.
Equality beyond tolerance
- The Western model emphasizes tolerance, while the Indian model emphasizes equality and protection of religious diversity.
- It not only encourages tolerance but also takes steps towards social equality.
Strategies of Indian Secularism -
(a) Negative and positive association
- The state opposes religious persecution and discrimination.
- Besides, it gives the right to establish educational institutions and provides assistance to religious minorities.
(b) Limitations of "Sarva Dharma Sambhav"
- “Samabhava” (equality of all religions) does not mean just peace and tolerance.
- It allows the state to interfere with aspects of organised religion that are contrary to the values of equality and liberty.
The complexity of the Indian model
scope of religious reforms
- Indian secularism allows criticism and reform of some aspects of every religion.
- Rejection of caste divisions or religious dogmas is an example of this.
Balance of religion and state
- In the Indian model, the state can distance itself from religion as well as engage with it when needed.
- It aims to promote values such as peace, equality, and freedom.
Criticism of Indian secularism
- Anti-religion
- Minority Disputes
- Imported from the West
- interference with religious freedom
- Vote bank politics
- An impossible project
Anti-religion
- Some people think that secularism is anti-religion
- It opposes only religious domination and its institutional forms
- The aim of secularism is to promote religious freedom and equality. It does not threaten religious identity, but rather protects it.
Imported from the West
Some scholars say that it is a "Western concept" and is inappropriate for Indian conditions,
The question of acceptance of Western roots:
