How the Western Concept of Secularism Is Different From Secularism as Practiced in India?

The western concept of secularism is a total rejection or exclusion of religion and religious consideration from the sphere of politics. In the west the concept of secularism simply means that: (1) the sphere if politics and that of religion is separated, (2) the State will not adopt a religion as the State religion, and (3) no one shall be discriminated against on the grounds that he or she belongs to a particular religion. The American Constitution also erected a separation between the State and religion. In India, however, the project of modernity which was introduced by the colonial power contributed to the strengthening the role of religion. Since religion plays an important role in the lives of the people, the concept of secularism evolved in India as equal treatment of all religions. In spite of the fact that the subcontinent was partitioned and Pakistan was formed in the name of religion, the founding fathers of the nation were bound by their commitment that all religions of post independent India would be treated equally by the State. Secularism is not merely desirable but essential for the healthy existence of a pluralist society such as ours. Mahatma Gandhi’s doctrine of ‘sardha dharma samadbhava’ treated all religions equally whereas Nehru’s idea of secularism ‘dharma nirapekshata’ preferred that the State would not be influenced by religious consideration in policy and decision making. Yet Nehru was convinced that in the Indian context religion could not be banished from the political and public sphere. Indian secularism is related to the Constitutional values of democracy and fundamental rights.