Secularism in India

"I do not expect India of my dreams to develop one religion, i.e., to be wholly Hindu or wholly Christian or wholly Mussalman, but I want it to be wholly tolerant, with its religions working side by side with one another.'' So said Mahatma Gandhi.

INTRODUCTION

 Secularism in India is conducted for the treat to India with equality of status and all religions.

The dictionary meaning of the word ‘secularism’ is skepticism in matters of faith. But we, in India, use the work in a broader concept.

We use the word to mean impartiality or non-interference by the Government of the country in matters of religion. Secularism is an integral part of Indian legal system

ANALYSIS

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 idea of achieving the well-being of the people, irrespective of caste, creed, religion etc.

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-lite 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.

India has many religions and to give freedom of religion to everyone and for equality of religion, India was declared a secular country. The word secular was added into the preamble by the 42nd Amendment (1976). As per this, there would be equality of all religions in India, along with religious tolerance and respect. As per the written Constitution of India, India is a secular country and we as citizens of India must abide by it. Even the old age philosophy of oneness of religion has been mentioned in Hindu scriptures known as the Upanishads. The Upanishads preach ‘Sarva Dharma Samabhava’ which means respect for all belief systems.

Everything in India revolves around religion and with time religion has flourished with Indian civilization. In Feudal India, where authority lay in the sword, there was almost complete religious tolerance. People from different religions used to live in peace and harmony and there was complete respect for each other’s religion. Few clashes and controversies occurred during that time, though later with the coming of the Mughals, people were forced to adopt Islam by autocratic ruler like Aurangzeb.

Conclusion

Secularism is an integral part of Indian legal system. It is also the thought process of a vast majority of people of different religions because the underlying belief of such religion is that God is one and all men are created equal.