Secularism in India - as I think it is

Constitution of India(its preamble) declares the State of India as a sovereign socialist secular democratic republic. The words "socialist secular"were added later by virtue of an amendment - these were not originally present in the earliest form of the Indian Constitution. Its another story altogether as to why these words were added - I am not going to write about it here , but instead going to express my understanding of the word "secular".

The general meaning for the word "secularism" that is held world-wide is in the sense of freedom of religion and that the government( or the state) is independent of matters of the religion. Public decisions and activities should be based on proper evidence, fact and scientific reasoning. Whereas in private life, one is free to follow whatever "way of life" one chooses to live. Religious considerations should never be made in public education. Nor should the public/governmental money be spent on any kind of religious promotions - whether directly or indirectly. As applied to individuals, I firmly believe "Secularism" means a way of life free from religious influence in all public spheres and hence would consider myself a true secular.

In India, however, "Secularism" is mainly understood as "Respect for all religions - religious tolerance" - a perverted view that has been propogated by the so called "secular" Indian politicians over the years - public platforms have been used( rather mis-used) for this purpose in a deliberate propogandist manner by the self-styled "secularists" of the Indian polity who have ruled the country right from its inception. Public Broadcasting boards(Ofcourse fully Govt. controlled) have aired this meaning in their channels from the time they have been instituted. This is the meaning that has been consistently taught in the schools all over the country.No doubt these politicians cry hoarse when any attempt is made to change this - Not to be thought that I supported all the changes attempted by a previous Indian government which tried to change the syallabus taught in schools by hurriedly introducing books which were claimed by several respected educationalists as of sub-standard quality and presenting a distorted view.

Indian politicians and the the Govt. officials not only visit religious meetings and places in official capacity, but also regularly grant the tax-payers' money for religious promotions. Special concessions are given to citizens travelling to religious shrines. A uniform common law is not applicable for all the citizens of the country - even though - the constitution clearly says all citizens are to be treated equally and no consideration is to be given to religion/caste/creed to which one belongs. This particular feature of the constitution has been violated right from the day the constitution was adapted. The failure of the govt to put in place a uniform civil code clearly displays the failure of independent India to produce firm & strong leadership.Very often the govt budges under the pressure of religious fundamentalists and has been treating the country more as a federation of religious groups than as a federation of states. Probably the best opportunity to put in place a truly secular federation of states in the country was when it gained independence - but unfortunately for the country, at helm was a weak and feeble leader-PrimeMinister J.Nehru. His family members have since then held power for decades. Possibly his daughter Indira was the strongest and most firm leader that modern India has seen so far. But she too lost the opportunity to take the country towards true secularism - only an amedment in the constitution is of no use.