Table of contents | |
Introduction to Secularism | |
What is Secularism? | |
Why is it Important to Separate Religion from the State? | |
What is Indian Secularism? | |
FAQ's |
In a country like the United States, imagine being a Hindu or Muslim living in an area where Christian fundamentalism is very strong. Despite being a US citizen, you find it hard to rent a house because of your religion. If you complain about this discrimination and are told to go back to India, you might feel very angry. This anger could lead to two reactions:
Secularism aims to prevent religious domination and ensure justice for everyone, regardless of their religion.
Throughout history, discrimination and persecution based on religion have been widespread:
These examples show how religious domination can lead to discrimination and persecution.
Secularism refers to the separation of religion from State power. It means that the State does not officially recognize or support any religion.
Secularism: Separation of Religion from State.
This separation is crucial for:
In India, the Constitution ensures that the State is secular, meaning it:
In a democratic society where multiple religions coexist, the separation of religion from the State is crucial to prevent the majority religion from using government power to discriminate against minority communities.
Jews were persecuted and killed under Hitler’s regime.
Here are key reasons why this separation is essential:
Ensures Democratic Functioning: It helps a country maintain its democratic principles by ensuring no religion dominates others through State support.
Protects Minority Rights: Separation safeguards minorities from the tyranny of the majority, preventing discrimination and protecting the Fundamental Rights of all citizens.
Promotes Religious Freedom: It allows individuals to freely practice, change, or reinterpret their religion without fear of State intervention or coercion.
Prevents Religious Violence: By keeping religion separate from governance, the State reduces the potential for religious violence and conflict.
The Indian Constitution mandates that the State must be secular to ensure the following:
- No religious community dominates another.
- Within a religion, no group dominates others.
- The State neither promotes nor restricts religious freedom.
Key Features of Indian Secularism:
Strategies of Indian Secularism:
State Support: The Constitution allows religious communities to set up their schools and colleges, with the State offering financial aid on a non-preferential basis.
Comparison with Other Secular Democracies:
Importance of Secularism in India:
These principles of secularism form the foundation of India's democratic structure and ensure the peaceful coexistence of diverse religious communities.
Q.1. What is a ‘Democratic country’?
Ans. A political system for choosing and replacing the government through free and fair elections. The active participation of the people, as citizens, in politics and civic life.
Q.2. What is a ‘Minority group’?
Ans. A culturally, ethnically, or racially distinct group that coexists with but is subordinate to a more dominant group is called a ‘Minority group’,
Q.3. What is the ‘Constitution’?
Ans. A constitution is an aggregate of fundamental principles or established precedents that constitute the legal basis of a polity, organisation or other type of entity and commonly determine how that entity is to be governed.
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1. What is the definition of secularism? |
2. Why is it essential to keep religion separate from the state? |
3. How does Indian secularism differ from secularism in other countries? |
4. What are the key features of Indian secularism? |
5. How does secularism contribute to social harmony? |
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