meaning of secularism | Secular state | India as a secular state | Indian Secular model compared to other nations

India's Positive Secular Model: Embracing Diversity in a Global Perspective

The concept of secularism, originating in the 14th century, has been a subject of profound philosophical discussions and has found its way into the socio-political fabric of societies around the world. In this regard, eminent philosophers such as Copernicus, Aristotle, Kant, and G.J. Holyok delved into the essence of secularism, and Holyok's definition, embracing neutrality towards religions, a disbelief in an afterlife, a scientific approach, and the coexistence of morality and religions, remains widely acknowledged. This foundation of principles not only defines secular individuals but also forms the bedrock for secular societies and states.

The Pillars of a Secular State

In defining a secular state, four key characteristics are crucial to consider:

1. Absence of a Specific Religious Identity: A secular state refrains from endorsing any particular religion, allowing for a diverse array of beliefs and practices to coexist harmoniously.

2. Guarantee of Religious Freedom: The citizens of a secular state are granted the freedom to practice, profess, and propagate their religious beliefs without fear of discrimination or persecution.

3. Elimination of Religious Discrimination: Secularism vehemently opposes any form of discrimination based on religious beliefs, ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all individuals.

4. Non-interference of Religion in State Affairs, and Vice Versa: A secular state maintains a clear separation between religious institutions and governmental affairs, preventing religious interference in state matters and vice versa.

India's Positive Secularism

India, with its rich history and diverse cultural tapestry, can be characterized as a positively secular state. Its democratic foundation, enshrined in the Constitution, reflects the essence of secularism through various facets.

(i) Context of the Constitution and Laws

The Indian Constitution, a testament to the nation's commitment to secularism, explicitly mentions "secular" in the Preamble and several articles, including 14, 15, 16, 17, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30. Additionally, various laws, such as the Representation of the People Act, 1951, Indian Penal Code, Code of Civil Procedure, Indian Evidence Act, Code of Criminal Procedure, Special Marriage Act, Indian Succession Act, and Juvenile Justice Act, further solidify India's secular nature.

 (ii) Context of Political Thoughts

India's political landscape has witnessed diverse ideologies, ranging from the Marxist perspective to theocratic viewpoints. However, it is the secular ideology that has shaped the nation's destiny. Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru advocated a strict separation of state and religion, advocating for complete neutrality. Mahatma Gandhi, a devout theist, espoused the belief in "सर्व धर्म सम भाव" - equal respect for all religions, while also stressing the importance of non-interference in religious affairs. Sardar Patel, another key architect of independent India, acknowledged the role of religion to some extent in the state's functioning.

(iii) Context of Government and Polity

India's political system has witnessed its share of religious influences, often resulting in complex legal and social challenges. Some noteworthy cases, such as the Shah Bano case, which dealt with the issue of maintenance for divorced Muslim women, the Babri Masjid dispute, and the Mandal Commission's recommendations on reservations, have all demonstrated how religious considerations can affect politics in the country.

(iv) Context of Judiciary

India's judiciary has consistently upheld secularism as a fundamental aspect of the Constitution. The landmark Bommai case established that secularism forms the bedrock of India's constitutional structure and cannot be tampered with by the Parliament. Other cases, like Santosh Kumar's case and Aruna Roy's case, underscored the significance of secularism and constitutional morality. However, in certain cases like Narau Appa Mali and Abhiram Singh, some judgments raised concerns about the complete adherence to secular principles.

Comparison with Other Nations

India's secular model exhibits similarities and differences when compared to other nations' approaches to secularism.

1. Comparison with Western Nations:

(i) France: France follows a negative model of secularism, where public activities related to religion are strictly restricted. This is in stark contrast to India's more accommodating approach.

(ii) USA: The USA adopts a positive secular model, emphasizing individual rights over group rights. However, certain practices, such as incorporating religious elements in dollar bills and constitutional ceremonies, are evident, diverging from India's secular principles.

(iii) England: England also adheres to positive secularism, but religious elements are present in various ceremonial events, like oath-taking and coronations.

2. Comparison with Middle Eastern Nations:

(i) Iran: Iran's state structure is closely intertwined with Islamic principles, making it distinct from India's secular model.

(ii) Turkey: Turkey's secularism, often termed "Laiklik," emphasizes a clear separation between state and religion, sharing some commonalities with India's approach.

Conclusion

India's secular model reflects its dedication to promoting peaceful coexistence among various beliefs and practices. Upholding principles of fairness, religious freedom, equal treatment, and the separation of religion and state, India's positive secularism embodies its diverse and inclusive spirit. Although there are occasional challenges at the crossroads of religion and politics, India remains committed to upholding its secular values and embracing its rich cultural diversity. This distinctive blend of positive and soft secularism sets India apart from other nations, making it a shining example of unity amidst diversity for the world to follow.

-SUNNY SHARMA

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