Secularism Conundrum

While criticism of secularism is valid, it is essential to recognize the importance of secularism in protecting minority rights, promoting diversity, pluralism, and addressing communalism, says Prof. Promod Das

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THE controversy over secularism in India is a complex and multi-faceted issue. India's secularism is unique. The Preamble of the Indian Constitution was amended in 1976 to include the word "secular."

It reflects a unique approach to secularism. While the Constitution does not establish a state religion, it also does not explicitly separate religion from the state. Instead, it seeks to promote a spirit of tolerance, mutual respect, and cooperation among people of different faiths. Indian secularism is based on three principles - first, the state treats all citizens equally regardless of their religion; second, the state remains neutral in matters of religion; and third, all citizens enjoy the freedom to practice and propagate their religion. Article 14 of the Constitution guarantees equality before the law for all citizens, with no discrimination on the grounds of religion. It promotes harmony among people of different faiths. Even in the Constituent Assembly, there were three types of arguments on secularism - one, that the state should not interfere in religious matters; two, that state and religion should be separate because religion is higher than the state; and three, that the state should pay equal respect to all religions.