Secularism, the principle of separating religion from the affairs of the state, has been a cornerstone in fostering diversity and tolerance within societies. However, its implementation often poses challenges to longstanding cultural practices. One major challenge lies in the potential erosion of cultural identities as secular ideals may clash with deeply rooted traditions. The emphasis on uniformity in the name of neutrality can inadvertently marginalize certain cultural practices, leading to a loss of heritage and a sense of alienation among communities. Additionally, the push for secularism may inadvertently favor certain dominant cultural narratives over others, perpetuating inequalities. Balancing the principles of secularism with the preservation of cultural diversity is a delicate task, requiring nuanced approaches to ensure that the protection of individual rights does not come at the cost of erasing rich cultural tapestries.
Tag: Society of India.
Decoding the Question:
- In the Introduction, try to briefly write about the nature of Indian secularism.
- In Body,
- Write how secularism challenges various cultural practices.
- Also, mention various positive changes done by secularism.
- In Conclusion, try to write about overall significance of secularism.
Answer:
Secularism refers to the separation of religion from the State. In India, all religions are treated as equal. The state can intervene in all religions to ensure the freedom of individuals. The Indian Constitution (Article 25- 28) allows individuals the freedom to live by their religious beliefs and practices as they interpret these. India, since Independence, has been following a peculiar nation of secularism, where all religions are treated equally and supported by the State. However, this concept, at present, is undergoing a paradigm change wherein Constitutional morality is being considered a significant component of secularism by the judiciary.
Secularism Challenges Various Cultural Practices:
Challenges posed by misguided perceptions:
- Religiousness is anti-secular and pro-fundamentalist: Thus perception discourages various religious practices like rituals, clothing, thoughts, etc. People who wear the saffron dress, who keep a beard and pat skull cap (Taqiyah), and all considered fundamentalists.
- Secularism is equated to atheism and apostasy: Those who do not believe in good or abandon their religious beliefs are marked as secular. This thought is leading to a slow degradation of cultural practices.
- Restrictions to food choices: Some states, following the majoritarian religious sentiments, restrict the sale of beef.
- Judiciopapism: Sometimes, the judiciary also takes a narrow glimpse of secularism and interferes with religious celebrations and practices. Ex. Rajasthan High Court’s ban on Santhara, a Jain religious practice
- Challenges due to the rise of Constitutional morality
- Right to Equality: The ban on entry of women into Sabarimala temple was declared unlawful by the Supreme Court. Those were done on account of gender inequality and gender exploitation inherent to these practices.
- Animal Rights: The Supreme Court banned the traditional practice of Jallikattu because of the cruelty to animals involved in this.
- Clash with Regressive Cultural Practices: The illegality of female genital mutilation (FGM), practices in Dawoodi Bohra Community was brought into the limelight in 2018.
Positive Changes Done by Secularism:
- Equality, freedom, public order, and the right to life, etc. are both fundamental and human rights which are crucial for the development of people.
- The state should take steps to develop rational thinking and scientific temper among people.
- Culture cannot be stated, it should change as per the needs of society.
Thus, it is obvious that while some of the challenges are the outcome of the misleading notion of secularism, others are due to the exploitative and discriminatory nature of cultural practices only. In the Aruna Roy vs. The Union of India case, the Supreme Court held that the concept of secularism is not endangered if the basic tenets of all religions from all over the world are studied and learned. Value-based education will help the nation fight against fanaticism, ill-will, violence, dishonesty, and corruption. The state promotes greater secular values as a part of the secularization process. The concept of secularism is not merely a positive attitude of religious tolerance.
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