Secularism in India - A myth
Secularism in India - A myth
Secularism is defined as something concerned with the affairs of this world. It is opposed to any kind of theocratic culture. As a secular state, therefore, no religion in India has been given the status of state religion as is the case with Pakistan and other theocratic states. Indian constitution has ensured freedom of religion to an individual under the provisions of articles 25-30. To make matters more emphatic, the word 'secular' was incorporated in the preamble to the constitution by way of 42nd constitutional amendment of 1976. It is obvious to every right thinking citizens of India that the co-existence of various religions in India is the core of Indian polity. 'Sarva Dharma Sama Bhava' concept has guided the makers of Indian constitution.
Indian society is basically a religious society. The partition of India was also based on religious divisions resting on two nation theory. The then Indian leaders did not accept the two nation theory concept. As a result of this the Muslims were allowed to stay in India while all the Hindus were made to leave their hearths and homes. Therefore, the controversy about the secularism in India has its roots in the nature of its society.
Now the question arises as to why secularism has not been accepted by various religious leaders. As the matter stands today, secularism has not caught the roots and flowered as a healthy way of social & political life. For the last 55 years no political party seems to have taken unselfish and national view of secularism. Today it is not difficult to describe secularism in India as a cult of minorityism. Each and every political party has tried to create its vote bank in the name of secularism by supporting the minorities in India. For them secularism has always served as sheer political expediency. They have not allowed healthy growth of secularism in the country. Minorities have never been al¬lowed to merge with the main stream of nationalism. Dalit class and minorities have been the main stay of one single party for about half a century. Then in 1984, the brave race of the Sikhs were alienated. It is unwise to blame the majority community for the failure of true secularism in the country. In fact it is a lust for power on the part of every political leader that has lead to the tragic failure of genuine secularism.
It is high time that Indian leaders thought about the matter seriously. There is no doubt that we can uphold the image of united India only when Indians are allowed to think of themselves as Indians first and Indians last. Religion is a matter of private faith, not to be displayed in the streets. It is also time we realised that socio-economic development should be the goal of the political parties to make India a great power.
Another reason for failure of secularism in India is her illiterate masses, restlessness among the youth, widening gap between the rich and the poor, explosion of population and last but not least unemployment problem. The corrupt leaders do not have the courage to address themselves to the basic needs of the people. Therefore, they are always ready to create the bogey of non¬ secular forces destroying the minorities. Education, economic development and spirit of nationalism in Indian society can bring about proper secularism in India. One must not forget that secularism is the life and breath of India as a nation. But secularism need genuine interpretation in the context of nationalism.