What is secularism?

Literally, the word secularism means neutral and impartial. The word comes from the Latin word ‘saecularis’, meaning worldly.

In India, as we have already learnt, the Constitution allows us, the individual, the freedom to live by our religious beliefs and practices as they interpret these. In keeping with this idea of religious freedom for all, India adopted a strategy of separating the power of religion and the power of the state. Secularism refers to this separation of the religion from the state.

The main idea behind the separation of religion from the state is that of ensuring EQUALITY TO ALL.

Why is equality important?

Look at the cartoon below and answer this question: Is it fair?

Of course not! How can you judge an elephant by its ability to climb a tree? Equality means treating everyone with the fairness they deserve.

• Equality is the core value of democracy.
• It is about ensuring that every individual in the world has an equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents, and believing that no one should have an unfair chance in life because of where, what or whom they were born.
• The right to equality is a human right guaranteed to us by the United Nations– a right we all enjoy just because we are people.

The same can be applied from a global level to a country level. We are first and above all Indians, and we have a right to be treated equally to everything our country has to offer, regardless of the language we speak and the God, we believe in.

Separating religion from the state:

It is important to separate religion from the state so that:

1. A religious group in majority cannot trample upon and dominate a religious group in minority. This tyranny, as we have often seen in instances of communal violence, results in torture in death. The value of life is above all else and hence this separation is necessary.
2. Individual freedoms and choices can be protected. We as Indians have the right to practice any religion we want, not practice any religion or change our religion. We also have the freedom to interpret the teachings of the religions we follow in our own way.