INDIAN SECULARISM: IS IT A WAY OUT TO COMMUNALISM?

In: The Indian journal of political science, Band 72, Heft 1

Abstract

The Indian secularism is facing heavy strains in recent times because of the growing incidence of communal conflicts in various parts of the country and particularly the occurrence in Gujrat after Godhara incident the roots of Indian secularism has been shaken by the fundamentalist. Thus the future of Indian secularism seems rather gloomy, because of the predominance of communalism and other obstacles in the existing situation. In the name of religious tolerance we have allowed religion to pervade every sphere (social, economic and political) of life. In the name of toleration of all communities and their eventual harmonization what we finally achieve is reconciliation of multiple communalism. This peculiar nature of secularism in India is responsible for many unhealthy trends and practices in Indian politics. This has blurred the boundary which should essentially exist between religious and secular activity. Persons in all walks of life work against secularism for their narrow interests. Most of the political parties talk about their secular nature but in practice they play a communal politics for achieving and safeguarding their political interests. It has been remarked that the known secular parties are not very secular in terms of composition and working. The Muslims in India opposed to change in their Personal Laws to use the safety net of 'religious rights' in the principle of secularism in Indian constitution. They are more familiar to their community rather than the nation. In recent time the Hindus also supported openly to their religious organizations which is adopting the violent method to opposed Muslim fundamentalism. It may strengthen communal forces which are certainly threat to both, the national interest and Secularism. This paper trying to analyzed the communal practice in India on the name of secularism. It is also criticized the term secularism and at last express the necessity to review the nature of secularism and the functioning of secular polity in India. Adapted from the source document.