General Studies

1;

Topic: Social empowerment, communalism, regionalism & secularism

1) Secularism is not a policy option for a government, but one of the original p
rinciples that inform the Constitution. In the light of growing religious intoler
ance in India and the governments response to this, critically comment. (200 Word
s)
The Hindu
In speaking up against violence and incitement of hatred on the basis of religio
n, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seeking to correct a growing perception that
his government passively encouraged Hindutva groups that indulged in physical a
nd verbal attacks on religious minorities in the country. Although the Prime Min
ister carefully avoided making a distinction between majority and minority religious
groups while promising action against those inciting hatred, there was little d
oubt that he was making an effort to reassure religious minorities in the face o
f provocation from Hindutva groups. Indeed, the venue and the event where he spo
ke provided the context for the speech: a meeting organised by the Catholic Syro
-Malabar Church in New Delhi, where churches have come under attack in recent we
eks. But the assurance as such does not amount to much. Until now, Mr. Modi had
appeared reluctant to publicly reprimand or rein in Ministers and Members of Par
liament belonging to his party when they crossed the lines of political propriet
y with provocative speeches against religious minorities. If his words are not f
ollowed up by action, and if he continues to allow his Ministers and party colle
agues to incite communal hatred, the assurance would be bereft of all meaning. I
n the last few months, the Modi government had been sending out confusing signal
s. While those at the top in the government were careful and correct in their sp
eeches, those in the middle and lower rungs tested the limits of law and proprie
ty with virulent remarks. As a party, the Bharatiya Janata Party looked as if it
was torn between its role as a politically responsible ruling party, and its ne
ed to cater to its core Hindutva constituency.
Contrary to what many in the BJP seem to think, secularism is not a policy optio
n for a government, but one of the original principles that inform the Constitut
ion. Secular , as a word to describe the Indian Republic, might have been added to
the Preamble only in 1976, but the freedom of conscience and free profession, pr
actice and propagation of religion under Article 25 is one of the fundamental ri
ghts guaranteed in the Constitution. Protecting the right of all persons to free
dom of religion is the constitutional duty of the government of the day. Indeed,
freedom of religion is integral to any democratic society, and India, by defini
tion, cannot remain a democracy without allowing its citizens the freedom to pra
ctise a religion of their choice. A government that cannot ensure the fundamenta
l rights guaranteed by the Constitution equally to all its citizens will quickly
lose its political legitimacy and representative character. Certainly, Mr. Modi
would not want his government to hurtle down that path.
---------India was born during peak of communal tensions in history of sub-continent. Con
stitution makers gave secular essence and taste to our Constitution. With inclus
ion of Word Secular in 1976, finally, justice system acquired tool to interpret al
l laws and orders in accordance to it.
But Politics on terms of communal lines never ceased in India since mid -1970s.
Examples: Rise of terrorism in Punjab, Separatists conflict in J&K, Babri Majid
demoliation, Bombay Bomb Blasts, Godhra Riots and recent Ghar Wapsi adventures.
All above mentioned incidents have been politically motivated by all political e
ntities same way or other. These activities left deep dent on India s secular, tol
erant image internally and externally.

Government must always focus on well being on all people of India, without any di
versions or conversions . Religious intolerance rise from social anarchy, India, h
as been always fragile to such entities which disturb social systems in India in
name of culture, honour, and criminal infliction , and when mass mobilization occu
rs, political parties uses them as vote banks.
People of India have secularism in their blood. Poor class people needs easy acce
ss to utilities, Middle class needs job
security, and Higher-class needs good gov
ernance for growth. But all classes are well equipped with secularism in faith a
nd action.
So, there is no need from part of government of any political party to bring pol
icy on secularism.