2.3 - What is Indian Secularism

Indian secularism refers to the idea that the state does not favor any religion and treats all religions equally. This principle is a core aspect of India's Constitution, which envisions a society where individuals are free to practice, preach, and propagate their faith without any interference from the state. Secularism in India ensures religious freedom and protects the rights of individuals from religious oppression.

India is a multi-religious country with followers of various religions such as Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, and others. Secularism, in the Indian context, is different from Western secularism. In the West, secularism often means a strict separation between religion and the state. However, in India, secularism allows for the state to take measures to support the well-being of all religious communities and sometimes intervene in religious matters to ensure equality and justice.

Indian secularism is based on the following principles:

• Equal Treatment of All Religions: The Indian state is neutral in religious matters. The Constitution does not give any religion special status. All religions are treated equally in terms of rights and protections.
• Religious Freedom: Every citizen has the right to follow, practice, and propagate any religion of their choice. This freedom is guaranteed under Article 25 of the Indian Constitution.
• State Intervention for Equality: The state can intervene in religious practices when necessary to protect individuals' rights and to promote social justice. For instance, the state has made laws to prevent practices like untouchability and child marriage that may be associated with religious or cultural beliefs.
• Non-Interference with Religion: While the state can intervene for the sake of justice, it does not interfere in the spiritual or religious beliefs of individuals. People are free to believe in any religion, but the state ensures that no one is oppressed due to their religious beliefs.

The Indian model of secularism also acknowledges that religion plays an important role in society and respects the diverse religious practices and beliefs that exist in the country. However, it ensures that no religion is allowed to dominate or influence the state’s decisions or policies. The Indian state ensures that laws are made keeping in mind the interests of all religious communities, while also ensuring individual rights and freedoms.

For example, India has specific laws that protect religious minorities and prevent discrimination. There are also provisions to ensure that religious practices that violate the rights of individuals, especially women and children, are not allowed to continue. A clear example of this is the legal prohibition of practices such as Sati (the burning of widows) and child marriage, which were once associated with certain religious customs.

Furthermore, India allows religious freedom in the form of places of worship, religious festivals, and the freedom to propagate one's faith. However, the state ensures that no religious group imposes its practices on others and that religious conflicts are prevented through legal and social measures.

In summary, Indian secularism is a model that aims to ensure religious freedom and equality while promoting national unity and social justice. It differs from Western secularism in that it allows the state to intervene when necessary to protect the rights of individuals and maintain harmony among diverse religious groups.