What is secularism ?
This is with reference to the letter of Mr.Y.J.Mahabal who says " Secularism is totally free from religiousness" (Freedom First,January,2009). Secularism has been described as " sarva dharma samabhava" not by me, but by Gandhiji'. Hon'ble Justice D.M.Dharmadhikari of the Supreme Court, in a judgement on writ petition (civil) no.98 of 2002 of Ms.Aruna Roy and others on the issue of education of religions in the educational institutions fully maintained out of state funds, has stated, : " The real meaning of secularism in the language of Gandhi is Sarva-Dharma-Samabhav meaning equal treatment and respect for all religions, but we have misunderstood the meaning of secularism as Sarva-Dharma-sam-Abhav meaning negation of all religions ".
The judgement has cited the views of Dr.S.Radhakrishnan, Vinobha Bhave, Pandit Jawaharla Nehru, J.Krishnamurti, Bertrand Russell and others to differentiate between 'religious instructions'(rituals etc) and 'study of religions' (thoughts and philosophies etc). The judgement avers, " The complete neutrality towards religion and apathy for all kinds of religious teachings in institutions of the State have not helped in removing mutual misunderstandings and intolerance inter se between sections of people of different religions,faiths and beliefs. 'Secularism' , therefore, is susceptible to a positive meaning that is developing understanding and respect towards different religions. The essence of secularism is non-discrimination of people by the State on the basis of religious differences".
Secularism emerged in Europe in the wake of renaissance, reformation and enlightenment. It is the result of the separation of the state and the Church. In the middle ages the Church claimed both the temporal and spiritual powers. The conditions in India were different. Here temporal power was never with the religious leaders. With the multiplicity of faiths and religions in India, it is a case of impartiality between various faiths and religions. That is why sarva dharma samabhava would be the right interpretation of the concept of secularism which was advocated by Gandhiji and upheld by the Supreme Court.
Religions have imparted some sense of values in man (truth, non-violence, brotherhood etc) long before the state emerged and millions still follow them ardently. It is true that religions have also promoted strife and that is why it is necessary to promote a dialogue between them for peace and progress. The preamble of our Constitution declares that values of Justice,Liberty,Equality and Equality are the basis of our state. These values are the basis of all religions as well, if properly interpreted and understood.
( A letter sent to Freedom First, a Liberal Monthly published from Mumbai).
January 21,2009.
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