Religion is Allowed But Not Beyond a Point… Who Choses This Point? — Indian Secularism
Indian secularism is non-religious. French secularism is irreligious. India’s Muslim population is the 2nd highest in the world and still doesn’t face any major threats on ISIS or lone-wolf attacks.
Protection of minority identity.
Mutual existence — we know it from thousands of years.
Cultural and religious rights are protected and respected.
Learning from each other and higher chances of flourishing.
Jews faced discrimination throughout Europe. Subtle form of discrimination also continue to persist.
Inter-religious domination.
Intra-religious domination.
Western model of secularism — neither theocratic nor they establish a religion. State will not intervene in the affairs of religion.
Indian secularism focused on equality within the community. Equal focus on Inter and Intra religious work.
Indian secularism also deals with religious freedom of minorities — own culture and educational institutions. India has state supported religious reform — banning untouchability, abolishing child marriage, lifting taboo of inter-caste marriages.
India is secular — as it is neither theocratic nor ruled any religion. A very subtle policy, which allows it to disengage with religion in American style or engage with it if required.
Complexity of Indian secularism cannot be captured by “equal respect for all religions”. Complex situations and phrases cannot be put in simple catchy lines. Example — religiously sanctioned caste hierarchies are not accepted in Indian Secularism. Not every aspect of religion is treated equally. Which is good, is taken, which is bad, is publically shamed. This allows a space for debate, discussion and dissent which is the ethos of Indian Culture.
Some pitfalls also include — Is it anti-religious? Secularism is against institutionalised religious domination. I. Secularism is western? — We shall take best of ideas available in the world. Minority rights are very well preserved. Government acting as Interventionists. Acts as Vote Bank Politics.
Amidst all this, ‘Secularism’ word does make a lot of sound in Indian society. With the global movement of people, western societies, Europe and even some parts of middle-east are trying to resemble India, in the diversity of cultures and religions which are prevalent in their societies. So the Indian experiment with changing times are keenly watched by everyone around the world.
