Definition of Secularization

• Basic Understanding:

  • Treating every religion equally (Sarva Dharma Sambhava).
  • Separating religion from politics.

• Formal Definition: Belief/ideology based on rational, scientific temper, democratic values, equality, freedom, and tolerance. Religion is treated as a personal matter, separate from political, economic, social, and cultural aspects.

Basic Elements of Secularization

• Scientific temper.
• Religious equality.
• Freedom.
• Neutrality.
• Tolerance.

Secularization as a Process

• Eliminating unscientific effects of religion.
• Removing the negative dominance of religious institutions and symbols.
• Secularization is the process of achieving Secularism (the goal).

Factors Promoting Secularization in India

• Social and Religious Movements: Opposing religious evils (e.g., movements by Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Vivekananda).
• Urbanization, Industrialization, and Globalization: These promote secularism.
• Education: Increases literacy and critical thinking.
• Progress of Means of Transport
• Emergence of a Middle Class: Similar to historical revolutions, promotes secular values.
• Rising Incomes and Modernization.

Impact of Secularization on Indian Society (as discussed by M.N. Srinivas)

• Re-explains social thought.
• Increases the importance of rational knowledge.
• Changes the notions of purity and pollution.
• Expectations to achieve wealth, power, authority, etc., suppress caste discrimination.
• Broadens the narrow mentality of individuals.
• Focuses on pluralism.
• Fosters tolerance and acceptance of diversity in religious beliefs, promoting social harmony.
• Empowerment, gender equality, and human rights.

Indian vs. Western Secularism

• Indian Secularism:

  • State has a positive relationship with religion. (State & Religion Triangle)
  • State treats every individual equally. (State & Individual Triangle)
  • Individuals are free to choose any religion (Articles 25-28, Right to Religious Freedom). (Individual & Religion Triangle)

• Western Secularism:

  • State and religion share a neutral relationship. (State & Religion Triangle)

  • Individuals are free to choose any religion (Similar to the Individual & Religion Triangle in India). (Individual & Religion Triangle)

  • State treats every individual equally. (Similar to the State & Individual Triangle in India). (State & Individual Triangle)

  • Division between physical life (improved by the State) and spiritual life (associated with religion).

  • Neither religion nor the state should control each other.

Differences in Secularism: India vs. West

Feature	Western	Indian
Religion	Primarily a belief	Belief and duty to obey.
Life Connection	Linked with spiritual life only	Linked with both spiritual and physical life.
Society	Homogeneous (Melting Pot)	Heterogeneous (Salad Bowl)
Minorities	No strong concept of majorities and minorities	Religious minorities exist, and the state protects them.
Development	Outcome of Renaissance and religious reform	Evolving, with social evils still present.
Separation	State and Religion operate separately	Intermingling exists - not complete separation
Aid	State does not give aid to religious Institutions.	State gives aid to the minority's religious Institutions.
Interference	With in law no interference	To maintain law and order the state will interfere
Departments	State will not set any department related to religion	State makes separate department like Wakf Board

Is India a Secular Society?

• Yes, based on historical heritage and the Constitution.
• India is a birthplace of many religions (Sanatan Dharma, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism).
• Many religions came from outside and settled peacefully, showing tolerance.

Secularism and the Indian Constitution

• The term "Secularism" was added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act (1976).
• Core values reflected in Fundamental Rights, DPSP, and Fundamental Duties.
• Key Articles:
  • Article 14: Equality before the law.
  • Article 15: Prohibition of discrimination.
  • Article 16: Equality of opportunity.
  • Article 25-28: Religious freedom.
  • Article 44: Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
  • Article 51A: Duty to promote harmony and brotherhood.

Threats to Secularism in India

• Mingling of politics and religion.
• Polarization of votes based on religion.
• Ideological propaganda and communal politics.
• Communalism and communal riots.
• Extremism.
• Lack of education and rationalism.

How to Make India More Secular

• Secularization of politics.
• Promote value-based education (basic elements of secularism in the curriculum).
• Spread awareness about the deep history of Indian secularism.