Secularism is a complex concept and its application varies from region to region. Western notions of secularism differ from the Indian understanding of the word.
The western notion of secularism says that a secular state is one that grants freedom of religion, separates itself from religion, and prohibits discrimination on the ground of religion.
Countries like the United States follow a complete separation of religion from state. On the other India, India does not follow this practice. The constitution allows the government to interfere in religious matters to maintain peace and cultural development. We have also do not have a state religion like England.
Our constitution makers have incorporated secularism in a unique manner and adjusted it within the Indian context. Secularism in modern India acknowledges the religious and cultural differences in society and calls for tolerance between communities. Members of all religions are supposed to be treated equally.
Trends of secularism in modern India
Due to this unique nature of secularism in India, some problems have arisen in the political sphere. Religious tolerance has led to the entry of secularism in every sphere of our public life.
The distinction between secular and religious activity has now blurred due to this. The intermingling of these two has led to dirty clashes in politics and communal riots in extreme cases.
Religious views and rituals greatly influence the realm of politics in our country. Many political parties or candidates used religious saints or leaders on election days to mobilise support from a particular community. This leads to communalisation of Indian politics.
Rise of communal organisations and their ability to influence politics results in political parties succumbing to their demands. Political leaders also try to instigate one community against another to strengthen their hold over the people of one community.
These leaders often forget the price that the public has to pay for their use of religion as a political tool.
Rising communal tensions
It is common knowledge that the ruling BJP government has invoked Hindutva sentiments among the public to gain their share of the votes. Secularism in modern India was adopted without much deliberation and discussion.
It has completely shut the doors for any kind of dialogue between different communities. This can pose a threat to the unity and integrity of India.
The rising fundamentalism in all communities, backed by political support is a major cause of the erosion of the secular fabric of our country. Secularism in modern India has been threatened by such power-hungry forces who are ready to sacrifice the harmony between different communities for their own political gains.
Communal forces are also able to strengthen themselves due to the social and economic backwardness among people. People of the weaker sections of society have often given in to communal forces, even in the British colonial era. This opportunity is misused by politicians and they exploit the innocent public in the name of religion.
What is the way ahead?
People need to be aware and conscious of the tactics of the political parties in power. Education among the public about the importance of harmony between religions has become crucial in the current times.
Progressive social change is required in all religious communities in order to implement the true nature of secularism in modern India.
The role of the media in the matter is essential. Media has the power to influence the mindsets of the people of a country. Many political parties use media houses and other social media platforms to push their agenda and target communal posts against the members of a particular community.
Freedom of press needs to be guaranteed so that political parties do not pressurise media persons. Journalists and reporters should present the truth to the public and put forward neutral news.
Written By - Himanshi Nebhnani
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