Differentiate between Western and Indian meaning of secularism.

Secularism is ‘the principle of separation of the state from religious institutions’. By definition it is ‘the indifference to or rejection or exclusion of religion and religious considerations’.

Indian secularism

1. Constitution of India (42th amendment) asserted that India is a secular nation. Neither India's constitution nor its laws describe the relationship between religion and state.

2. the state and its institutions identify and recognize all religions, impose parliamentary laws instead of religious laws, and value pluralism.

3. India does not have an official state religion.

4. It means equal treatment of all religions.

5. There is no uniform civil code that is equal laws for every citizen no matter of his or her religion, would enforce majoritarian Hindu sensibilities and ideals.

6. Secularism in India, thus, does not mean the division of religion from state.

7. Secularism in India means a state that is impartial to all religious groups.

8. It provides financial support to religious schools and accepts religious law over governmental institutions.

Western secularism

1. word secular implies three things:

• freedom of religion,

• equal citizenship to each citizen regardless of his or her religion,

• the separation of religion and state

2. Core principles in the constitution of Western democracies are separation and accepting every individual’s right to pursue his or her own religion.

3. it allows the right of religion to shape its own concepts of spirituality.

4. The political authority of the state is asserted.

5. Everyone is equal under the law, and subject to the same laws irrespective of his or her religion, in the West

6. States is totally disconnected from religious bodies.

7. Public space and institutions are secular. (eg: Discussion groups, market, media should not be interfered by religion)

8. Life of a common man is based on logic and judgment.

9. the absence of governmental institutions in religion, as well as the absence of religion in governmental institutions and schools

Thus the notions of western and Indian secularism are not the same.