Recently, a controversy erupted over Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi’s assertion that “Secularism is a European concept that does not belong in India.” A neutral and informed interpretation reveals that the Governor’s remarks are firmly grounded in constitutional principles and historical realities. However, certain vested interests and their proxies in Bharat have misconstrued these remarks. Further, he rightly remarked – “wrong interpretation of Constitution has been one of the biggest frauds that has been committed on the people of this country”. To truly appreciate the nuanced perspective he offers, we must delve deeper into the origins of secularism and its distinct interpretation within the Indian context.
Origin of Secularism
Secularism in the West emerged as a response to centuries of religious conflict and the complex relationship between church and state. During the medieval period, the Catholic Church wielded immense power, often leading to power struggles and conflicts, such as the Crusades and the Thirty Years’ War. The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century further fragmented Christian unity, challenging the Church’s authority. Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Voltaire championed reason and individual rights, advocating for the separation of church and state. This shift was dramatically illustrated during the French Revolution, where revolutionaries sought to diminish the Church’s influence, establishing the ideals of liberty and equality.
Over the 19th and 20th centuries, many Western nations enacted laws that formalized this separation, enshrining religious freedom in their constitutions. As societies evolved through the Industrial Revolution and urbanization, the Church’s role in daily life diminished, paving the way for a more secular public sphere. Ultimately, the Western model of secularism aimed to ensure that government remains neutral in religious matters – a mechanism that their polity needed to remain intact.
On the contrary, in our context, Bharat has long been a cradle of diverse religious beliefs, where multiple faiths—Hindutva, Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism, Islam, Christianity among others—have coexisted for centuries. This rich tapestry of cultures and religions is not merely a product of demographic diversity but stems from an intrinsic tradition of tolerance and acceptance. Ancient Bharatiya texts and philosophies that valued coexistence over exclusivity. Historical events, such as the Bhakti movements, further exemplified this spirit, promoting inclusivity and mutual respect among different faiths.
Bharat, with its rich and ancient culture, has long upheld a social order far more hospitable and assimilative than many other civilizations. At the heart of this inclusiveness is the concept of Dharma, a term often misunderstood as synonymous with ‘religion.’ However, Dharma transcends the narrow definition of religion, which is largely a product of colonial and Islamic invader’s narratives. Unlike ‘religion,’ which focuses on rigid rituals and dogmatic beliefs, Dharma represents a holistic approach to life, one that encompasses ethics, duties, and the natural order. It is not confined to one community or set of rules but reflects the diverse spiritual and moral ethos that has guided Indian civilization for millennia.
Secularism, as commonly understood today, tends to oversimplify the relationship between spirituality and governance. However, Bharat’s history tells a different story. The identity has never been about indifference to Dharma; instead, it has always embraced Dharma-sapekshata, where all paths to truth and morality are respected and integrated into daily life.
Yet, this cultural equilibrium was deeply disrupted by centuries of foreign invasion. The Islamic invaders and Mughal empires imposed their rigid interpretations of religion, often at the expense of India’s Dharmic traditions. The British colonial rule further complicated this, as they introduced the Western idea of religion as an institutionalized faith system, incompatible with the pluralistic fabric of Indian society. Over time, this foreign interpretation of religion took root, causing a disconnect between Bharat’s ancient Dharmic principles and the new political frameworks imposed upon the nation.
This distortion of spiritual identity has also affected our political consciousness. The colonial legacy left behind a mindset that enslaved Indians, steering them toward adopting concepts that didn’t naturally belong to our soil. The Western notion of secularism is one such construct that has created more divisions than unity by forcing a false binary between state and spirituality, when in fact, the Dharmic way of life naturally embraced diversity.
Secularism for the Constitution Makers
While the Constituent Assembly was deciding on the question of India’s political framework, Dr BR Ambedkar articulated that “religious freedom should not equate to the complete separation of church and state, but rather an active engagement that promotes harmony among diverse beliefs.” Further, Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru emphasized “Our secularism must not mean the negation of religion; instead, it should recognize the values inherent in all faiths and promote a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.”
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel also contributed to this discourse by declaring that “our policy should be to treat all religions with equal respect.” He highlighted the need for an active secularism that integrates various faiths into the national identity, ensuring that religion remains a personal matter while the state safeguards the interests of all. Thus, throughout, the intent of the makers of the Constitution was not to establish an absence of religious influence in governance but to create an inclusive environment and celebrate all religions.
Reasonably so, this intent spoke through various provisions of the Constitution. While Western models emphasize a clear boundary between church and state, India embraces a framework where religion and governance are integrated in a way that respects and supports all faiths. Key provisions highlight this approach: Article 27 ensures that no individual is compelled to pay taxes for the promotion of a particular religion, maintaining neutrality in state finances. Article 28 prohibits religious instruction in state-funded schools, ensuring that education remains inclusive and free from religious bias. Additionally, Article 14 guarantees equality before the law for all citizens, regardless of their faith. This model allows for the coexistence of various religions within the public sphere, fostering an environment where cultural and religious diversity is celebrated rather than segregated.
The term ‘secularism’ was only later added by ‘an insecure Prime Minister’ during the Emergency in 1976. It reflected the growing anxieties of the ruling establishment i.e Congress party, which sought to redefine or distort India’s identity to consolidate power. This move was less about genuine pluralism and more about securing a political narrative.
In India, the concept of Sarva Dharma Sambhav—or equal respect for all religions—lies at the heart of our identity, fostering a harmonious society where diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated. This principle reflects the foundational belief that all faiths are integral to the Indian social fabric, and that a truly secular state must honour this plurality while maintaining a principled distance from any one religion. Unlike Western secularism, which often promotes a strict separation between church and governance, India’s approach acknowledges the significant role that religion plays in the lives of its citizens, integrating it into the governance framework without compromising on the core tenets of equality and justice.
When we refer to Ram Rajya, it encapsulates the idea of good governance—characterized by justice, welfare, and moral righteousness—rather than a state governed by a specific religious doctrine. The essence of Ram Rajya lies in upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their faith, reflecting the true spirit of India’s democratic ethos. Only by embracing this broader, more inclusive worldview can India continue to stand as a beacon of spiritual and cultural pluralism in a rapidly fragmenting world.
Thus, Governor R.N. Ravi’s assertion that secularism as a European concept and that does not align with India’s historical and cultural realities underscores this very truth. His remarks encourage us to reevaluate our understanding of secularism, reminding us that a positive and inclusive secularism is essential for maintaining unity and peace in a diverse society like India. Thus, his perspective prompts a necessary dialogue on how India can navigate its unique challenges while remaining committed to the ideals of Sarva Dharma Sambhav.
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