India's Complex Secular Identity

Sep 8, 2024

Study IQ IAS - Secularism of India

Introduction

  • Today's topic: Is India a secular nation?
  • Opening quote: "We the people of India..." (Preamble of the Constitution of India)

Preamble of India's Constitution

  • India is:
    • Sovereign
    • Socialist
    • Secular
    • Democratic
    • Republic
  • The term "Secular" was added in the 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976).
  • Controversial amendments also took place during the Emergency.

Meaning of a Secular State

  • In the Western world, post-Renaissance, the idea of separating religion from politics.
  • Separation of state and religion (Negative Secularism).
  • India has always had religious governance.
  • Secularism in modern India:
    • Equal treatment (Positive Secularism)
    • No official religion in the Constitution.

Secularism of India

  • Article 25 of the Indian Constitution:
    • Right to religion.
    • Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism considered part of Hinduism.
  • Article 16:
    • Right to equality in public employment.
    • Discrimination in the rights of Dalits.

Raised Issues

  • Is secularism only a Western concept?
  • The 42nd amendment was a mixed package.
  • Attempts to correct some errors through the 44th amendment (1977).

India's Religious Diversity

  • Coexistence of many religions and cultures in India.
  • Examples of India's Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb.
  • History of religious tolerance:
    • Ashoka's 12th Rock Edict.
    • Akbar's Din-i Ilahi.

Conclusion

  • "We the People of India" - the strength of the Constitution from the people.
  • India's secularism or religious fanaticism is in our hands.
  • Question: Are we truly secular?

Study Material

  • Study IQ IAS - Preparation now affordable.

Purpose of the notes:
These notes summarize important ideas about India's secularism to help students gain a better understanding of the subject.