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.

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