Secularism means the state remains separate from religion to protect individual freedom and ensure equal citizenship without favoring any faith.
Features of Indian Secularism
Equal respect for all religions: India does not favor any religion, unlike Iran and Pakistan, which privilege specific sects.
- Principled distance: India engages with religion when required, unlike China, which suppressed religious practices.
- Freedom of religion: Preamble declares India to be a secular state where people can practice, profess, and propagate their faith (Article 25 of Indian Constitution).
- Separation of clergy from politics: Religious authorities cannot run the government, unlike Iran where clerics dominate key decisions.
- Reformist approach: The state can regulate harmful customs like untouchability or discrimination to protect weaker sections within religions.
Difference between the Indian and the western model of secularism | ||
Basis | Indian Secularism | Western Secularism |
Nature of Separation | Maintains principled distance — state can engage with religion when required for justice and reform | Maintains strict separation — religion is kept completely out of state affairs |
Approach | Positive concept of secularism: i.e. Equal respect for all religions (Sarva Dharma Sambhava) | Negative concept of secularism: i.e. strict separation between religion & state |
Public Role of Religion | Religion can exist and be expressed in public spaces | Religion confined largely to private sphere |
State Intervention | State may regulate/reform religious practices that violate rights. | State generally avoids interference in religion. |
Objective | Promote equality, protect diversity, and ensure social harmony | Prevent religious influence on politics and preserve individual liberty |
Examples | India | France (Laïcité), USA etc. |
