In this article of understanding Secularism class 8 notes, student would have clarity of understanding Secularism of class 8 SST.
Chapter 2 Understanding Secularism Notes
Many instances in history shows discrimination exclusion and persecution of religious communities in minorities on the ground of religion by religious community in majority in country. These acts of discrimination happens when one religion is given official recognition by the state. Like Jewish state of Israel treats its own Muslims and Christians minorities very badly.No one wants to be discriminated because of their religion or dominated by another religion which shows injustice with the some citizens of the same country. It requires that country to be secular if it rules democratically.
What is secularism?
Secularism refers to the separation of religion from the state it means state does not have any official religion.
The fundamental rights in Indian Constitution allows individuals the freedom to live with their religious beliefs and practices. It is possible when any country adopt a strategy of separating the power of religion and the state.
Why is it important to separate religion from the state?
The most important aspect of secularism is its separation of religion from the State power is important for the following reasons which are as follows
— Government or official can function democratically.
— If majority religious group has access to State power then it could use this power and financial resources to discriminate against and persecute persons of other religions in a diversified country.
— Majority would prevent minority from practicing their religions which is the violation of fundamental rights that a democratic country guarantees to each citizen respective of their religion.
—-Important fundamental right( right to freedom of religion) protect the freedom of individuals to exit from their religion embraces another religion or have the freedom to interpret religious teachings differently.
— Dominant group within the same religious community (Hindus) have state power so they would do interpretation of Hinduism differently and support untouchability.
What is Indian secularism?
The Indian Constitution states that only a secular state can realise its objectives to ensure secularism in the following ways
— One religious community does not dominate another community.
—Some members don’t dominate other members of the same religious community like upper caste hindus discriminate lower castes and interpret differently.
—-State does not enforce any particular religion nor take away the religious freedom of an individual.
Secularism practiced in Indian Society
— In India, government spaces like law courts, police stations, government school and offices are not supposed to display or promote any one religion.
— Government school cannot promote any one religion in their morning prayers or through religious celebrations.
— In order to respect the sentiments of all religions and not interfere with religious practices, state make certain exceptions for particular religious communities.like Sikh youths doesn’t have to wear helmets as wearing turban is central to Sikh’s religious practice which is an exception in the law.
— In order to prevent religion based exclusion and discrimination of lower castes by the upper castes Hindus in the same religion, Indian constitution bans untouchability and state intervenes to end this practice of untouchability which is a violation of fundamental rights.
— State can intervene in religion based personal laws of communities to ensure that laws relating to equal inheritance are respected.
Indian Constitution grant the rights to religious communities to set up their own schools and colleges and give them financial aid on a non preferential basis.
Differences between Indian secularism and secularism of other countries
In USA secularism ,separation between state and religion means that neither the state nor religion can interfere in the fares of one another but in Indian secularism the state can intervene religious affairs .Indian constitution allows state to intervene in Hindu religious practices in order to abolish untouchability which are in the ideals laid out in Constitution.Indian state being a secular and works in order to prevent religion domination as Indian constitution guarantees fundamental rights (right to freedom of religion ) that are based on secular principles.