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Secularism in India

Secularism in India. Prof. H.M. Rajashekara Former Director, UGC- Academic Staff College, University of Mysore, MYSORE 570 006. KARNATAKA, INDIA Phone No. : 98455 05134. Origin.

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Secularism in India

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  1. Secularism in India Prof. H.M. Rajashekara Former Director, UGC- Academic Staff College, University of Mysore, MYSORE 570 006. KARNATAKA, INDIA Phone No. : 98455 05134

  2. Origin • The term Secularism was derived from the Latin word ‘seculum’ which meant ‘age’ or ‘generation’ and later came to mean the ‘temporal world’ [Niyazi Berkes]. • The Encyclopedia of Britannic defines it as ‘non-spiritual having no concern with religious or spiritual matters’. • H.V. Kamath said in the C.A. that “a secular state is neither a godless state nor an irreligious state nor an anti-religious state”.

  3. Pt. Nehtu - “granting of equal status to all religions” is the essence of secularism. • Dr. B.R. Amdedkar - Secularism does not mean that we can abolish religion. It does take into consideration the religious sentiments of the people. All that a secular state means is that this parliament shall not be competent to impose any particular relious upon the people. • The word ‘Secular’ was inserted into preamble in 1976 under the 42nd C.A. Act.

  4. Therefore, the chief aspects of Indian Secularism are : • No State Religion-Separation of State and Religion, • Peaceful co-existence of all religions, • Treatment of all religions equally by the State, • Equality of opportunity in the public field for all irrespective of caste or creed or race or religion ensuring equal citizenship, • Freedom of religion both individual and corporate

  5. Constitutional Provisions Relating to Secularism Article 14 : Equality Before Law. Article 15 : Prohibitions of Discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth. Article 16: Equality of opportunity in matters of public employment. Article 17: Abolition of untouchability.

  6. Article 25: Freedom of Conscience and Free profession, practice and propagation of religion. Article 26 : Freedom to Mange Religious Affairs. Article 27 : No person shall be compelled to pay taxes, the process of which are specifically appropriated in payment of expenses for the promotion or maintenance of any particular religion or religious denomination.

  7. Article 28: (i) No religious instruction shall be provided in any educational institution wholly maintained out of state funds. (ii) Nothing in clause (1) shall apply to any educational institution which is administered by the state but has been established under any endowment or trust which required that religious instruction shall be imparted in such institution.

  8. Article 29: (1) Any section of citizens residing in the territory of India having a distinct language, script or culture of its own shall have a right to conserve the same. (2) No citizen shall be denied admission to any educational institution maintained by the state or receiving aid out of state funds on grounds of religion, race, caste, language or any of them.

  9. Article 30: (1) All minorities, whether based on religion or language shall have the right to establish and administer educational institutions to their choice. (2) The state shall not, in granting, aid to educational institutions, discriminate on the ground that it is under the management of a minority, whether based on religion or language.

  10. The analysis of Indian Secularism reveals three important characteristics : (1) It is liberal : It not only ensures religious equality and liberty but also protects the rights of minorities (2) It is qualified, not absolute : Religious freedom is subject to reasonable restrictions to preserve public order and health of the people. (3) It is Dynamic : The government may adopt necessary laws to achieve the goals of a welfare state even if they violate the traditional principles.

  11. Threats to Indian Secularism • Politicisation of Religion • Casteism • Communalism

  12. Some Suggestions : • Measures must be taken towards the secularization of social life and political field. • Education system should be restructured with more emphasis on human values such as scientific temper, composite culture, religious tolerance and human rights. • Proper steps must be taken to erase the feelings of alienation and deprivation from the minds of minorities. Patriotic feelings should be nurtured among all people. • Caste-based and communal-based groups must be banned if they indulge against secularism and patriotism

  13. Books For Further Reading 1. Donald E. Smith : India As a Secular State (princeton, N.J. 1963) 2. Luthara, V.P. : The Concept of Secular State and India (London, 1964) 3. Pylee, M.V. : Constitutional Govt. in India (1984) 4. Basu, D.D. : Introduction to the Concept of India 5. Rajashekara H.M.: Bharaha Sarkara Mathu Rajakeeya, (10th Ed. 2008, Mysore)

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