In a country like India, secularism means that the state treats every citizen equally, ensuring they are treated with equality and respect, regardless of their beliefs. This approach helps maintain harmony in a diverse society.
However, despite the constitutional provision of secularism, personal greed often leads to its breakdown. People are divided based on their religious views, with divisive tools like inflammatory speech and brainwashing being used to exploit these differences.
In this article, we will explore how secularism is impacted when religion is intertwined with politics.
UNDERSTANDING SECULARISM:
Secularism, by definition, refers to the separation of religion from civil affairs and the conduct of human activities without the influence of any religion. This separation ensures equality and prevents biased actions that might arise if religion becomes involved in public matters.
Secularism, at its core, is a simple concept: it signifies the absence of religious involvement in public affairs, committing to neutrality so that the state neither favors nor disfavors any particular religious community.
India embraces the idea of secularism, allowing individuals the freedom to practice or not practice any religion of their choice. However, this freedom should remain within the domain of personal beliefs and must not extend to using one’s religious views to manipulate or brainwash others, particularly when driven by hidden political agendas.
Hence, this seemingly simple concept of secularism conceals a multitude of underlying issues.
Secularism varies across the globe. For instance, in the USA, there is a clear distinction between the church and the state. The government strictly avoids funding any religious institution or involving itself in religious matters within public affairs.
However, in India, the approach is different and more inclusive. The Constitution guarantees individuals the right to follow any religion or not follow one at all, while also ensuring that religion does not affect their status of equality or freedom. This unique model of secularism aims to accommodate the country’s vast diversity while maintaining harmony.
The Role Of Religious Politics:
The use of religion as a tool to manipulate political agendas and voter behavior is a significant concern. Religion plays a major role in Indian politics and has a direct impact on democracy. People in India are deeply religious, and their strong beliefs can be exploited to benefit a particular political party that targets specific religious groups. Religion, however, can have both positive and negative effects on democracy.
India’s rich and diverse historical background in religion highlights its importance in society. Many religions were born here. For instance, the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2600–1900 BCE) was one of the earliest civilizations, and archaeological findings reveal that people during that era practiced religious rituals.
When discussing the intersection of religion and politics, it can serve certain purposes, such as:
- Identity Politics: Politicians may appeal to specific religious groups to secure votes, fostering divisions based on religious identities.
- Legislative Influence: Religious ideologies can shape laws and policies, sometimes compromising secular principles.
- Communal Polarization: Religious politics can heighten tensions between communities, leading to unrest and undermining societal harmony.
Understanding these dynamics is crucial to ensuring that religion and politics coexist without threatening the secular fabric of the nation.
India is a country known for its diversity, with multiple languages, cultures, and traditions. Despite these differences, the people of India live together in harmony. The Constitution guarantees secularism and equality, providing stringent laws to protect citizens’ rights. If these rights are violated, the perpetrators are subject to punishment.
However, in practice, these ideals are not always upheld. Political leaders often disregard the Directive Principles of State Policy and exploit religion for personal and political gain, even at the cost of breaching the idea of secularism.
This concern was aptly reflected in the words of Rabindranath Tagore, who remarked:
“There has arisen a race of politicians whose ideals do not align with larger ideals. They spread falsehoods and are consumed by greed, unwilling to relinquish their ambitions, even in the name of freedom. These politicians sow the seeds of division and believe themselves to be the sole agents of good, justifying their deceit. While they may earn our praise, they do not earn our respect.”
Similarly, Swami Vivekananda emphasized the true essence of religion, stating:
“Religion is the spiritual realization. It cannot thrive in sects and societies. It is the relationship between the soul and God. Religion is not found in books, words, lectures, or organizations. It is something beyond all of these.”
Swamiji also shared a profound perspective on the unity of religions:
“The religions of the world are not contradictory or antagonistic. They are but various phases of one eternal religion, applied to different planes of existence and adapted to the opinions of diverse minds and races. There never was a separate ‘my religion’ or ‘your religion,’ ‘my national religion’ or ‘your national religion.’ There is only one infinite religion, existing throughout eternity, expressing itself in various forms across the world. Therefore, we must respect all religions to the extent possible. Religions manifest themselves according to race, geography, and culture.”
These reflections remind us of the need to uphold secularism, respect diversity, and ensure that religion serves as a unifying force rather than a divisive tool.
Secularism in India: A Unique Perspective
India’s idea of secularism is beautifully woven into its Constitution, which ensures the freedom to practice any religion under Articles 25–28 and prohibits discrimination based on religion through Article 15. But in reality, maintaining this secular fabric isn’t always easy.
Here are some challenges India faces:
- Religious Appeasement:
Political parties often indulge in what’s called “vote-bank politics,” where they focus on particular religious communities to gain votes. This is done by delivering speeches that manipulate public opinion, sometimes by demeaning other religions or portraying one group as victims of historical injustices. The message is often clear: “Only we can protect you—vote for us.” Such tactics not only exploit people’s emotions but also damage the secular harmony of the country. - Uniform Civil Code (UCC):
One of the most debated topics in Indian secularism is the UCC. If we have the same laws for things like property and contracts, why should personal laws differ based on religion? This was a key question in the Shah Bano Begum case , which brought the need for a UCC into the spotlight. Goa, for instance, has successfully implemented a common civil code for all communities, showing how such a system can reduce conflicts arising from religious differences. - Hate Speech and Violence:
Sometimes, the misuse of religion in politics goes too far, leading to hate speeches and even communal riots. These acts not only harm people but also shake the foundation of secularism in the country.
India’s secularism is unique because it doesn’t just separate religion from the state—it embraces and respects all religions. However, this balance is delicate and can easily be disturbed when religion is used as a political tool. To truly uphold secularism, we need to focus on equality, mutual respect, and rejecting divisive tactics that exploit faith for personal gain.
Conclusion
Secularism is essential for fostering a just and equitable society, particularly in a multicultural world. However, its coexistence with religious politics remains a delicate balance. By reaffirming secular values and resisting the politicization of religion, societies can aim to uphold both freedom of religion and democratic integrity.
FAQ:
Q.What is “vote-bank politics”?
Answer: Vote-bank politics refers to the practice of political parties targeting specific religious communities to secure their votes, often by manipulating religious sentiments or promising specific benefits to certain groups. This can lead to division and compromise the idea of secularism.
Q.What is the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)?
Answer: The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) is the proposal for a common set of laws governing personal matters, such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance, for all citizens, regardless of their religion. The UCC aims to replace religiously based personal laws and promote equality and unity.
ARCHITA SHARMA
GOVERNMENT LAW COLLEGE,MUMBAI.
