PPI PRESENTATION

TOPIC - SECULARISM
Reading ~ N. Chandhoke (2010) ‘Secularism’. The Oxford Companion to Politics in
India

Secularism
The concept of secularism is foundational to modern democracies, ensuring that religion does
not dictate state policies while protecting the rights of individuals to freely practice their faith. In
India, a nation characterized by immense religious diversity, secularism has taken on a unique
form, blending principles from Western models with adaptations to fit the country’s historical and
cultural context. However, the interpretation and practice of secularism in India have generated
considerable debate among scholars, politicians, and citizens, making it a contentious yet vital
aspect of the nation’s political landscape.

Defining Secularism

Secularism, at its core, refers to the separation of religion from state affairs. It is the principle
that the state should not favor any religion and should treat all religions impartially. The Western
model of secularism, particularly as seen in countries like the United States and France,
emphasizes a strict separation between church and state. This model advocates that the state
should not involve itself in religious matters, and vice versa, to prevent any undue influence of
religion on governance.

However, the Indian model of secularism diverges significantly from this strict separation. In
India, secularism is better described as the principle of “principled distance” or “contextual
secularism”. The Indian state does not endorse any particular religion but recognizes the
importance of religion in the lives of its citizens. As a result, it maintains a flexible approach,
sometimes intervening in religious practices to uphold principles of equality and social justice.
This form of secularism aims to accommodate the country’s religious diversity while ensuring
that no single religion dominates the political sphere.

Historical Evolution of Secularism in India

The roots of secularism in India can be traced back to its diverse religious heritage and colonial
history. Unlike the West, where secularism evolved as a response to the political power of the
Church, India’s encounter with secularism was shaped by its struggle for independence, the
trauma of partition, and the desire to build a unified nation.
 ● Pre-Independence Period: During the freedom movement, Indian leaders like Mahatma
Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru had differing views on secularism. Gandhi believed in a
spiritual approach, arguing that all religions should coexist peacefully, while Nehru
advocated for a more rational and modern interpretation, emphasizing the importance of
a secular state that kept religion and politics separate. The demand for a secular state
also emerged in response to the divisive politics of the colonial period, particularly the
British policy of “divide and rule,” which exacerbated religious tensions.
● Constitutional Secularism: After independence, India adopted a secular framework in its
Constitution. Although the term “secular” was not initially included in the Preamble, it was
enshrined through the 42nd Amendment in 1976. The Constitution guarantees
fundamental rights such as freedom of religion (Article 25), non-discrimination on the
grounds of religion (Article 15), and equality before the law (Article 14). These provisions
aimed to ensure that the state treated all religions equally and protected the religious
rights of all citizens.
● Post-Independence Challenges: Despite constitutional guarantees, the practice of
secularism in India has faced significant challenges. The partition of India in 1947, which
led to large-scale violence between Hindus and Muslims, left a lasting impact on
communal relations. In subsequent decades, events like the demolition of the Babri
Mosque in 1992 and the rise of Hindu nationalist politics have raised questions about the
state’s commitment to secular principles.

Scholarly Debates on Indian Secularism

The unique nature of Indian secularism has led to extensive scholarly debates. Leading thinkers
like Partha Chatterjee, Rajeev Bhargava, Amartya Sen, and Neera Chandhoke have provided
valuable insights into the complexities of secularism in the Indian context.

Partha Chatterjee: The Problem of Majoritarianism Partha Chatterjee argues that the Indian
model of secularism has struggled to effectively counter Hindu majoritarianism, particularly in
moments of crisis, such as the Babri Mosque demolition. He suggests that the state’s
commitment to strict neutrality often falls short in protecting minority rights. Instead of
advocating for absolute separation, Chatterjee proposes a norm of toleration, emphasizing
respect for individual autonomy and the need for democratic accountability within religious
communities. According to him, secularism in India should involve active engagement with
religious communities to ensure their practices align with democratic and egalitarian values.

Rajeev Bhargava: Contextual Secularism

Rajeev Bhargava introduces the idea of contextual secularism, which he believes better reflects
the Indian reality. Bhargava differentiates between different models of secularism:
1. Hyper-Substantive Secularism: Advocates for complete separation based on principles like
autonomy and reason.
2. Ultra-Procedural Secularism: Emphasizes a neutral, value-free approach.
3 Contextual Secularism: Combines substantive values and procedural fairness, adjusting the
relationship between state and religion based on the specific context

. Bhargava argues that Indian secularism embodies this contextual approach, as it selectively
intervenes in religious matters to uphold social justice (e.g., reforming discriminatory practices
like the abolition of untouchability) while also respecting religious diversity. This flexibility, he
contends, is necessary to maintain harmony in a multi-religious society.

Amartya Sen: Pluralism and Equality

Amartya Sen views secularism as integral to India’s pluralistic ethos. He emphasizes that
secularism should be understood not merely as the separation of religion and state, but as part
of a broader commitment to equality and non-discrimination. Sen argues that the goal of
secularism is to ensure symmetrical treatment of all religious communities, protecting their rights
while maintaining a balanced political approach. For Sen, secularism must be grounded in a
recognition of India’s diverse social fabric and should aim to foster coexistence and mutual
respect among different religious groups.

Neera Chandhoke: The Interplay of Equality and Freedom

Neera Chandhoke argues that secularism cannot be viewed in isolation from broader principles
like democracy, equality, and individual freedom. According to her, secularism derives its
significance from these underlying moral values. Chandhoke contends that procedural equality
alone is insufficient, as it may perpetuate existing social inequalities. Instead, she advocates for
substantive equality, which requires treating different religious communities according to their
specific needs and contexts. Chandhoke’s perspective highlights the tension between protecting
group rights and individual rights, urging a more nuanced approach that respects both.

Criticisms and Limitations of Indian Secularism

The Indian model of secularism has faced several criticisms:

● Accusations of Pseudo-Secularism: Critics argue that the state’s selective intervention in

religious matters often leads to accusations of bias, with politicians accused of using
secularism as a political tool to appease certain religious groups.
● InadequateProtection of Minorities: Despite its commitment to equality, Indian secularism
has been criticized for failing to adequately protect the rights of religious minorities, who
often face discrimination and violence.
● RisingHinduMajoritarianism: The increasing influence of Hindu nationalist ideologies
poses a significant challenge to secularism in India, as it threatens the state’s ability to
remain neutral and uphold its commitment to religious pluralism.

Conclusion
Secularism in India remains a complex and evolving principle, shaped by historical experiences,
constitutional values, and the country’s diverse socio-religious landscape. While the ideal of
secularism seeks to ensure religious freedom and equal treatment for all, its practice has been
fraught with challenges and contradictions. The debates among scholars like Chatterjee,
Bhargava, Sen, and Chandhoke underscore the need for a flexible and context-sensitive
approach to secularism that can accommodate India’s pluralism while upholding the core
principles of democracy, equality, and justice. In an increasingly polarized society, the relevance
of secularism as a unifying and inclusive framework is more critical than ever, requiring constant
reflection and adaptation to meet the demands of a dynamic and diverse nation.

Name Raghav Khetan

Roll No. 0722006
Year 3rd (III) Sem 5
Course BA (H) Pol Science