Secularism draws its roots from Greek and Roman philosophers. There is always an argument that goes on when the word secularism comes to people’s mind. The dictionary defines secularism as the principle of separation of the state from religious institutions. Religion should not be a part of affairs of the State or part of public education.
Secularism in India means equal treatment of all religions by the state. The Constitution asserted that India is a secular nation. The laws of India require the state and all the religious authorities and institutions to respect, recognise and accept all religions. India does not have its own state religion. The applicability of law varies from one religion to the other.
Secularism in India is a controversial topic. There are different supporters for different religions and all of them are different from one another. It is baseless to oppose or support a particular religion as they have their own set of rules. The religious laws violate the principle of equal human rights. Due to secularism there is unequal distribution of rights between men and women. There should not be honour of one’s (religious) sect and condemnation for others without any grounds.
Secularism does not mean to be obsessed with one religion. A secular society means the religious identity of an Indian has to accept the basic identity of a citizen. However, all religions are fundamentally exclusive.
As individuals we may be Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi. We may choose to be one of them or none of them. We are Indians first and foremost citizens of a secular state. Different state follows different religious rules. Our most important concern is to be a primary individual and not to discriminate between other religions. We need a genuinely secular space in which progressive discussion can take place. A space where an individual has the right to express his or her own religious views and exit if they wish to.
Secularism gives protection of a state where there is no false choice. It should accept social change and modern views are not discouraged. Secularism should not play a key role in government, education or on public platform.
(Contributed by Purnima Chakrabarty. The essay has been adjudged first runner-up in the last competition)
