Q.How the Indian concept of secularism different from the western model of secularism? Discuss.

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Indian Concept of Secularism

• Sarva Dharma Sambhava (Equal Respect): Indian secularism is anchored in "Sarva Dharma Sambhava," which translates to equal respect for all religious paths. Unlike the strict wall of separation in the West, India practices a "principled distance," where the state maintains respectful neutrality but can intervene to ensure equality and justice.
  • Example: The Indian state supports various religious pilgrimages, such as providing subsidies for the Hajj and facilitating arrangements for the Kumbh Mela, demonstrating active engagement with multiple faiths to foster communal harmony.
• State Intervention in Religious Affairs: Unlike the Western model of non-interference, the Indian state actively engages in religious matters to drive social reform and justice. This includes regulating religious bodies, promoting reforms, and protecting individual rights against religious overreach.
  • Example: The state's proactive role is evident in the abolition of social evils like Sati and child marriage, and in managing the administrative and financial aspects of major Hindu temples.
• Positive Secularism: Often termed "positive secularism," the Indian model recognizes the profound role of religion in citizens' lives and seeks to promote inter-faith harmony by treating all religions equally. This contrasts with the "negative secularism" of the West, which seeks to exclude religion from the public sphere.
  • Example: The inclusion of holidays from diverse religious traditions in the official national calendar.
• Constitutional Safeguards: Secularism is a core pillar of the Indian Constitution. The 42nd Amendment of 1976 formally added "secular" to the Preamble. Articles 25 to 28 guarantee freedom of religion, while Articles 29 and 30 safeguard minority cultural and educational rights.
  • Judicial Interpretation: In S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994), the Supreme Court declared secularism a part of the basic structure of the Constitution, making it unamendable.

Western Concept of Secularism

• Strict Separation of Church and State: Particularly in the US and France (laïcité), the state remains completely neutral and does not endorse, support, or fund any religion.
  • Example: The First Amendment to the US Constitution prohibits the government from establishing any religion, ensuring a strict wall of separation.
• Non-Interference: The state avoids interfering in religious affairs, allowing religious bodies to function autonomously as long as they stay within the law.
  • Example: In the US, religious institutions enjoy high autonomy, and the state does not intervene in their internal matters.
• Negative Secularism: Focuses on keeping a clear boundary between state functions and religious beliefs.
  • Example: The French policy of laïcité bans conspicuous religious symbols in public schools and government buildings to maintain state neutrality.

Comparison and Contrasts

• Approach to Religion: Indian secularism involves active, equal engagement with all religions, whereas Western secularism focuses on complete separation and non-engagement.
• Role of the State: The Indian state can intervene for social reform (e.g., outlawing discriminatory practices), while the Western state refrains from intervention unless public order is threatened.
• Secularism in Practice: India permits religious expression in public life (e.g., state holidays for festivals), while the West often restricts public religious expression to maintain neutrality.