What is secularism?
As per NCERT,
Secularism refers to the separation of religion from state. It is a doctrine that opposes inter-religious (one religion vs another religion) and intra-religious (from within, i.e., the tyranny of the majority) domination.
- The term ‘secular’ is enshrined in the Preamble to the Constitution of India via 42nd Constitution Amendment Act 1976
There are various kinds of secularism. A type of secularism, specific to India, has emerged over time, thereby giving birth to an Indian model of secularism. This is different from the kind of secularism practiced in western countries like the USA.
Let us understand the difference between the Indian model of secularism and the western model of secularism.
The western model of secularism | The Indian model of secularism |
| Mutual exclusion of state and religion, i.e. non-interference in affairs of each other. | Principled distance of state from religion, i.e. state can interfere or engage with religion. |
| Embodies a negative concept of secularism, i.e. strict separation between religion & state | Embodies a positive concept of secularism, i.e. equal respect to all religions or equal protection of all religions (Sarvadharma Sam Bhava) |
| No state support to any educational institution run by religious minorities. | A state can aid educational institutions run by minorities. |
| No engagement with religion whatsoever. | State-supported religious reform is possible. For e.g.: Abolition of untouchability, allowing of inter-caste marriages, etc. The state can maintain religious neutrality and can eliminate evils of religion via legislation. |
| No public policy can solely be based on religion, as religion is completely a private matter. | The government frequently frames policies having a religious basis, like the constitution of waqf boards etc. |
Thus, the Indian model of secularism maintains equal focus on inter as well as intra religious domination. It guarantees equal protection of all religions.
The state will have no official religion, and neither it will favor one religion over another. Although the state remains neutral, however in order to reform a particular religion of its ills, it can take steps.
The western model of secularism entails that the state is a spectator as far as religious affairs are concerned. If a particular religion bans the entry of a person within its temple premises, then the state cannot interfere.
The western model of secularism is not suitable for conditions prevailing in India, as it caters more to a society having one majority religion.
On the other hand, the Indian model of secularism, over the years, has allowed a multi-religious society like ours to thrive in peace without the development of any major differences. This speaks volumes about the success of the Indian model of secularism.
| Also Read: Other ‘Difference between’ series articles |
