Secular Governance: Exploration of State Policies and Practices Without Religious Influence or Affiliation
In contrast to the strict separation of religion and state seen in many Western countries, Indian secularism emphasizes equal respect and engagement with all religions by the state. This unique approach to secularism has its roots in India's historical, social, and political context, evolving under colonial rule and the leadership of figures such as Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.
### The Evolution of Secularism in India
The term "secular" was explicitly added to India’s Constitution Preamble in 1976, during the Emergency period. This formalized India's commitment to secularism as "equal respect for all religions." Indian secularism is also influenced by historical associations with Emperor Ashoka’s Dhamma and Nehruvian philosophy aimed at maintaining peace among India’s pluralistic society.
### The Differences between Indian and Western Secularism
| Aspect | Western Model (France/USA) | Indian Model | |------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | **Definition** | Strict separation of state and religion | Equal respect and engagement with all religions | | **State Role** | Passive or neutral towards religion | Active engagement to ensure religious equality and sometimes reform | | **Legal Framework** | Enforces uniform civil laws or clear secular laws | Allows for personal laws based on religion under Constitutional limits (ongoing debate on Uniform Civil Code) | | **Secularization Process** | Secularism often linked to modernization, reducing religious influence in public life | Secularism coexists with ongoing religious pluralism and deep religiosity | | **Political Role of Religion** | Religion is generally kept out of politics | Religion can be politically mobilized; secularism contends with communalism and majoritarianism dynamics |
### Challenges in Indian Secularism
Despite its unique approach, Indian secularism faces challenges, including communal tensions and religious violence, the rise of majoritarianism, and political parties that mobilize religious identities, complicating secular governance and political ethics.
### Secularism's Role in Social Justice
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a key figure in India's independence and Constitution, advocated for secularism to ensure social justice and equality, promoting unity among India's diverse population. This vision of secularism, balancing religious freedom with social equality, continues to shape India's political and social landscape today.
[1] N.N. Vohra, "Secularism in India: An Overview," Journal of the Indian Council of Historical Research, vol. 42, no. 1, 2018, pp. 1-22. [2] Yogendra Yadav, "Secularism in India: Changing Contours," Economic and Political Weekly, vol. 53, no. 33, 2018, pp. 61-67. [3] Suhas Palshikar, "Secularism and Communalism in India: A Critical Assessment," Oxford University Press, 2016. [4] Rajni Kothari, "The Concept of Secularism in India," Economic and Political Weekly, vol. 17, no. 10, 1982, pp. 547-553. [5] Constitution of India, Preamble, 1950.
- In addition to shaping India's political landscape, secularism also extends its influence in other areas of society, particularly in health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise, mental-health, nutrition, education-and-self-development, and personal-growth.
- The health-and-wellness sector, for instance, can benefit from secularism's emphasis on equal respect and engagement, fostering inclusive practices for people of all religious backgrounds.
- Similarly, in the realm of education-and-self-development and personal-growth, secularism encourages learning opportunities that cater to India's diverse population, promoting unity and social justice.
- The principle of secularism is not confined to religious matters, but rather, it permeates throughout Indian society, impacting or intersecting with various aspects of everyday life—from science and technology to our physical and mental well-being.
