Secularism

Introduction

In sociological terms Secularism stands for an ideology and has ideological connotations but the
usage of term in India does not conform to this ideological positions. Theoretically, all that is there in
the world: beliefs, dogma, myths etc. are either Sacred or Secular.

Sacred, which is dealing with religion hence all traditional societies

are sacred as they are based on religion. Secular, on the other hand carries three properties:

1. Separation between State and Church.

2. Emphasis on “Earthly” rather on “Divinity”.
3. Rational Outlook.

However, Secularism evolves into a very varied outlook. Some consider it to be separation between
Church and State while some consider it to be value neutral and “Multi Religious” i.e. mutual respect
towards all religion. Some consider it to be anti-religion while some consider it to be non-religious
( Nehruvian Concept). Some consider it to a prerequisite for a modern State while some raised
question on its very existence. Few regard it as anti-majoritism while few consider it to be an
appeasement policy for Minorities.

But in all this vague meaning, one version came out separate and in fact suitability matches with the
very multi-ethnic India’s definition of Secularism, i.e. the “ Sarvo Dharma Sambhava”, or the
Gandhian concept of Secularism which meant EQUAL REPSECT TO ALL RELIGION AS WELL NON-
RELIGIOUS.

In simple words it connotes that public life and matter of governance, religion should not dictate the
Socio-Political Decisions. In these backgrounds, it encompasses two specific features:

1. Differentiation: Economy and State are separated from Religion.

2. Privatisation: It includes the very rational and scientific outlook where religion entirely
becomes part of Private domain of an Individual.

Origin
Societies are not born secular rather it undergo transformation from traditional society to secular
one. This transformation is brought by a process called Secularization.

Secularization could be defined as a process of social change in which public influence of religion
declines and it is replaced by rational outlook with private orientation. Hence, citing Western
Societies example, one can understand that Religion still exist but get confined to private domain.
Indian Secularism and Provisions

The very concept is enshrined in the PREAMBLE, connotes the normative order. Indian Union seeks
to promote secularization process by:

1. Abolishing ritual inequality, untouchability.

2. Throwing open all institution and religious places to all classes and sections.
3. Reform of Hindu Personal Laws.
4. Abolishing any kind discrimination on religious lines.
5. Secularising the content of text books, materials thereby promoting scientific outlook.
6. Bringing in socio-economic development.

Indian Secularism: Limitations and Progress

The process of secularization operates through 3 factors:

1. Education
2. Legislation
3. Social Reform

Education: If imparted on scientific and rational lines, it gives rose to rational thinking process.
However if we take Indian scenario, education was imparted through religious institutions-
Pathshala, Madrasa etc. Which are itself attached, mostly, to temples, mosques, then the very
secular outlook is difficult to derive.

However, with emergence of modern educations, formal education and change in content of
education even with medium of instruction, the very rational outlook is developing.

Legislation: A crucial factor but if supported by proper motivation and social environment, it may
not give good results. Even our country has gone secular by legislative fiats without support from
Society Environment. Behind the very secularism and national unity lies the variety of parochial,
narrow minded and unscientific feelings that threaten to tear the secular fabric of our country.

Social Reform: Social movement for social reforms is a potent weapon for the promotion of process
of secularization. It does mental conditioning and prepares society to accept social changes.
Whatever degree of secularism our society has achieved it owes a lot to social reforms and
movements.

Along with these factors, Urbanization and Industrialization also plays an important role in
secularization process. It loosens the “in-group” feeling and present newer rational cause-effect
alternatives.
Conclusion

Secularism reflects the way of life and connotes the ethical conduct, applicable to Individual,
Society and State. The mutual hobnobbing between these three, i.e. Individual clinging to its faith,
prevalence of mutual respect to all religion between all levels of society and State observing
equidistant towards all religion, will not only strengthen the Constitutional Safeguards but will also
ensure the sense of security and belongings which no Constitution can guaranty.

Further it also reflects the sense of fraternity, unity among the citizens thereby generate the feeling
of WE: the very core central word of Preamble.