Secularism in India refers to the equal status and treatment
of all religions.
The dictionary meaning of the word ‘secularism’ is
skepticism in matters of religion. But we, in India, use the work in a broader
sense. We use the word to mean impartiality or non-interference by the
Government of the country in matters of religion. Independent India is one of
the largest states in the world of today with a population of nearly 120
crores. This vast population is made up of people professing different religions
like Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Jainism, Christianity etc. and practicing
different religious rites.
One of India’s guiding principles in impartiality in
religious matters. India wants her citizens to cling to any religion they like
without any government interference. And this noble decision of the Indian
Government is unequivocally proclaimed in the amended Preamble to the
Constitution of our country. It reads as follow:
“We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to
constitute India into a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic”,
etc.
Importance of
Secularism in India:
Secularism and
Democracy are two remarkable achievements of independent India. These two
achievements have stood the test of time and set the goal of the nation on
religious and political fronts. The State, remaining free from religious
obligations, can take a tolerant attitude towards every religion and can pursue
the ideal of achieving the well-being of the people, irrespective of caste,
creed, religion etc.
Challenges and Threats to Secularism in India:
Secularism is, no doubt, an ideal principle. But in practice
it is not so easy to follow. The vulnerable point in India is the deep
religious sentiment prevailing among its different religious communities.
Both Hindu and Muslim fundamentalists in India are whipping
up this sentiment of the staunch adherents of these religions, most of whom are
either illiterate or semi-literate. This is a threat to the Secular principles
of India.
India, moreover, has failed to fulfill some of the important
conditions laid in the Constitution. Education has not been given the priority
that it deserves. The condition of backwardness – poverty, population explosion
and environmental pollution – prevails in the country in alarming proportions.
The fundamentalists fish in this troubled water.
The secular parties, too, cannot exonerate themselves from
their share of blame. They cannot ignore the existence of fanaticism in the
body politic. It is very often seen that in the time of elections most of the
political parties completely forget this noble ideal of secularism and woo the
voters even on communal or cast lines. These acts are not done out of
ignorance, but are due to compromise of convenience. It is the duty of the
secular and democratic forces to rally behind those political forces that
really profess and practice secularism.
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