SECULARISM AND SOCIAL CHANGE: ANTICIPATING FUTURE

TRANSFORMATION IN INDIA.
By: Kavya K
LLM, KLE law college

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Secular, secularism, secularisation, secularist is some of the words used to refer to a peculiar
relationship between State, religion and society. Religion has been an important part of
human civilization. Its presence in individuals lives and in governance of state has been a
matter of hope and despair. Depending on the community behaviour, time, location and other
variables it has been source of being both good and bad. Positive Aspects of Religion:

Sense of Community: Religion often provides a sense of belonging and community. It brings
people together who share common beliefs, values, and practices, fostering a sense of support
and connection.

Moral and Ethical Framework: Religions typically provide a moral and ethical framework
that guides the behaviour of their followers. This can promote empathy, compassion, and a
strong sense of right and wrong.

Comfort and Hope: Many people find solace in religious beliefs during difficult times. The
belief in a higher power or an afterlife can offer comfort and hope in times of personal or
societal challenges.

Charitable Activities: Many religions emphasize the importance of giving back to the
community and helping those in need. This leads to various charitable activities and
initiatives that contribute positively to society.

Rituals and Traditions: Rituals and traditions can provide a sense of structure and purpose in
life. They mark significant milestones, fostering a sense of continuity and cultural identity.

Guidance and Meaning: Religion often offers answers to profound existential questions,
giving people a sense of purpose and meaning in life.

Negative Aspects of Religion:

Intolerance and Conflict: Religious differences have historically led to conflicts,
discrimination, and even violence. When taken to extremes, religious beliefs can foster
intolerance and lead to division.

Dogma and Closed-Mindedness: Some religious teachings can discourage critical thinking
and encourage followers to accept beliefs without questioning. This closed-mindedness can
hinder intellectual growth and exploration.

Suppression of Individuality: In some cases, religious institutions may exert control over
individuals' choices and freedoms, limiting personal expression and autonomy.

Gender Inequality: Certain religious traditions have been criticized for perpetuating gender
inequalities by assigning different roles and rights to men and women.

Scientific Opposition: When religious beliefs conflict with scientific knowledge, there can be
resistance to accepting established scientific theories, hindering progress and understanding.

Exclusivity and Exclusivism: Some religions assert that they are the only true path to
salvation or enlightenment, leading to exclusivity and a lack of respect for other belief
systems.

Abuse of Authority: Religious leaders may sometimes misuse their authority, leading to
instances of manipulation, financial exploitation, and even abuse of followers' trust.

It's important to remember that these aspects can vary widely across different religious
traditions and the ways in which they are practiced. Not all religions exhibit all of these
positive or negative attributes, may exist in different combination. These patterns are
inconsistent and highly unpredictable. All though no religion originally aims to harm anyone
and in fact have emerged for the welfare of humans, overtime it may have evolved to be
harmful or misused by some to cause harm or simple become outdated which in turn has
become harmful. Whatever maybe the reason, these negative effects have to be removed. The
concept of secularism has been an attempt to retain positive aspects of religion and mitigate
the negative aspects of religion.

SECULARISM

The word secularism has various etymology. The concept is widely accepted to be
contribution of western civilisation. The term “secular” is said to have originated from the
Latin term “saeculum” meaning for century that took on a special meaning as applied to
profane time1. However, the word secularism is used and understood differently by different
people. Hence it becomes necessary to discuss the meaning under this study. But in all
instance what remains consent is that it tries to describe relation between state, religion and
society. It is a dilemma as to whether it is a mere political ideology or something more,
perhaps a social phenomenon. Secularism as political ideology vouches for state and religion
to not interfere with each other. Secularism as a social phenomenon would be a society with
tolerance for all religion. In either of the case the concept has emerged in reaction to the need
of the society.

A secular state aims to achieve secularism by various means depending on the nature of its
society accordingly the definition of secularism changes. In a state without multiple religion
or difference in believe, the concept of secularism would be meaningless. In a state with
multiple religion yet there is no conflict and living in perfect harmony, would there still be a
need for secularism, is the question. There is no perfect answer but what is evident is
secularism has emerged as need of society, it must evolve as the needs of society changes and
wither away with change in social needs.

SOCIAL CHANGE

"Social change” is a process by which societies undergo transformation over time, resulting
in shifts in cultural, economic, political, and social structures, norms, values, and behaviours.
It can drive by various factors such as technological advancements, cultural shifts, economic
developments, and changes in political ideologies. These social changes will demand for
changes in secularism concept and are essential to be study for anticipating future change in
concept.

SECULARISM MODELS

"Secularism models" refers to different approaches or frameworks that societies adopt to

manage the relationship between religion and state, to ensure societal welfare goals. These
models vary in the degree of separation they establish and the extent to which they protect or
interfere in freedom of belief and expression of individuals. This is unique to every country
and hence varied forms of secularism models are observable across the world. These will
further be explained in the present writing.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1
Charles Taylor, “Modes of secularism” in the book Secularism and its critics by edited by Rajeev Bhargava
1.How the concept of secularism as evolved in India and the factors that influenced the
evolution?

2.What are the various models of secularism and role of factors for its uniqueness?

3. What are the social needs of the present and anticipating future development in secularism
model of India?

AIM

This research aims to explore the relationship between secularism and social change, with
focus on anticipating future transformation. Secularism, as a concept and practice has
undergone significant development over time and has intersected with various social, cultural
and political dynamics. This study seeks to analyse the evolving role of secularism in shaping
societal transformation and anticipate the potential future shifts in its understanding and
application. To study in detail Secularism in India, by critically analysing its past, present and
anticipate its future.

RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

1.Examine the historical evolution of secularism in India and its relationship with social
change.

2.Analyze the key factors that have influenced the evolution of secularism.

3.Assess the changes in factors due to impact of technological advancement, globalisation,

and shifting demographics.

4.To identify potential Strategies and Approaches for accommodating changing trends.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The research methodology of this study would be carried by doctrinal method and the study
would be based on the collection of data from primary and secondary sources. The primary
sources of data would include statues, case laws, religious Texts, theses and Research based
articles of in field of history, psychology, Sociology and theology And Secondary sources
would include Books, journals, newspaper articles, online sources etc which are available
relating to the concern study.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This Study is entirely a Doctrinal Research. It gives analysis of the Past and present situation
of the problem. It also identifies alternative models of secularism and best one for Indian
scenario. However, it is a result of Extensive study of Sociology, history, law, and
jurisprudence. The result of this research is deduced by logic and reasoning. Any decision
made based on this information may ensure development in thought but it may or may not be
accepted by the society easily. It Could be used as a guide by members of Legal fraternity.
Empirical research on the same would be possible in the future.

CHAPTERISATION
CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION
It deals with the introduction of this paper, research problem, objectives and scope of the
study and the methodology used for the study.

CHAPTER II: EVOLUTION OF SECULARISM IN INDIA

This chapter tries to examine the evolution of secularism concept in India. Analyse and
explain in detail the factors the led the evolution

CHAPTER III: ALTERNATIVE MODELS OF SECULARISM

This chapter aims to identify various alternative models of secularism and depending on
projection of the factors anticipate the suitability of the model.

CHAPTER IV: CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS

This chapter would include the findings from the research and the suggestions on possible
changes in law and approach to handling issue of multiple religion, religion dominance and
other issues remedied by secularism.
 CHAPTER II

EVOLUTION OF SECULARISM IN INDIA

This chapter tries to examine the evolution of secularism concept in India. Analyse and
explain in detail the factors the led the evolution

While the association of the secular concept with India has emerged relatively recently, the
idea itself has been in use for a considerable period of time. The essence of secularism has
been in practice in India from the ancient era.

ANCIENT INDIA

The ancient period, which is time between pre-historic and medieval age was where Hindu
way of living was the norm. It Governed state by way of Dharma, that is by duty. Everybody
had certain duty to fulfil towards everyone in individual life, the state, family, occupation etc.
Yet it allowed freedom of choice to follow any path to attain salvation. Archaeological
evidence shows that people from many other civilisations came to India and was a popular
trade place, which would be not as possible if the Indian communities were intolerant. The
society also allowed various opinions to flourish and have great literature of varied religious
laws. Hence the society then and its religion was tolerant of differences and could say it to be
secularism.

MEDIEVAL INDIA

It is period of the invasion in India by Islamic ruler. Most of the invaders took over to
establish a religious state. Some rulers were discriminatory against other community and
imposed tax on non-believers of Islam (state religion), destroyed temples and practiced
violence in the name of religion. Other rulers like the Bengali sultan Ḥusayn Shah and the
great Akbar, were tolerant their Hindu subjects and contributed to examples of being secular.
Rule by Akbar, a king of Islamic origin showcased a type of governance where actions were
still according to religious text yet tolerant of other religious community.

COLONIAL PERIOD
By the time Britishers entered India, the society was already a pluralistic society. India was a
composite of many religious community (Hindu, Muslim, Parsi, Buddhist, Jain) living both in
harmony and conflict. Britishers used it to their advantage, accordingly have been both
secular and otherwise in policy making. Aspects of Indian traditions, commercial motive and
pressure of Christian missionaries largely impact their decision. Education contributed to
secularism by cultivating liberal thoughts. And remained secular in few policies to avoid
difficulty in governance due to multiple traditions. Attempts of codification of law, principles
of rule of law, equality before law and more contributed to secularism. However, they
interfered in religion by making laws prohibiting sati, by classifying minorities under various
act, especially for electorate. These policies of “divide and rule” influenced the growth of
anti-secular thoughts.

FREEDOM STRUGGLE

The freedom struggle against British colonial rule in India played a significant role in paving
the way for secularism in the country. The struggle for independence fostered an environment
where diverse religious, cultural, and social groups united under a common goal to attain
freedom. The Indian freedom movement saw the participation of people from various
religious backgrounds, including Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, and others.
Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad
emphasized unity and inclusivity. This experience of collaborating across religious lines
planted the seeds for a secular ethos, where people began to recognize the Advantage of
coexisting and respecting each other's beliefs. The freedom struggle required individuals of
different faiths to come together, share common goals, and collectively resist colonial
oppression. This shared experience led to increased interaction and understanding among
religious communities. It helped erode prejudices and stereotypes, fostering a sense of
interfaith harmony

What began as unifying force, due to clashes among the leaders became dividing force which
lead to partition of India and Pakistan. Nonetheless the momentary unification in what we
call as nationalist movement, sowed seeds secularism for India post-independence.

CONSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

In the past, before independence of India; Evaluating the naturing of state authority to be
secular or not, would be meaningless as the welfare of its people was not the aim of the
authority. Authorities imposed themselves on people and controlled them for its own benefit.
However, it was not the same in after independence. After independence, state was
established by the people for their own benefits. Responsibility to ensure welfare of all was
the job of state. Preamble of the constitution of India proves this point. This gave rise to a
mandate that if the state chooses to be secular or religious, and its actions towards its set goal
should be for the welfare of its people.

At the time of constitution, the newly independent nation was large diverse population,
consisted of multiple communities with their strong affinity to their religion, low literacy rate,
high socio-economic disparity. Though harmony was possible at ground level as a residual
effect of nationalist movement, the possibility of religious dominance and conflict was high
at government, political and institutional arena. Presence of organised religions like Islam and
Christianity and social hierarchy within Hindu communities, majority, minority
compositions, religious bigotry and fanaticism, Increased the need for establishing
governance with secular ethos. The aim of constituting India to be a secular state was to
prevent political expression of religious conflicts and dominance for welfare of all.

Constitution makers initially excluded the word ‘secular’ in the preamble and no other
provisions gives meaning of the word secular. It was only in 1976 by 42 nd constitutional
amendment the word secular was add. However, secular ethos was part of constitution from
the day of its formation. The very fact that constitution is based on legal reasoning, will of
people and not on the basis of any religious text makes it secular. Fundamental rights to life,
liberty, equality, religion, free speech and expression given to people and protected by state
shows the intention of constitution makers to establish secularism.

Specially Article 25 of the constitution of India, which talks about individual’s right to
religion inherently bars interference of state in personal faith, believe and religious practice.
The constitution does not prescribe any state religion, neither declare itself to be institution of
certain religion. this makes India a secular state., where state and religion is separate and
Personal believe is protect from state interference.

Article 26 of the constitution provides for right to establish religious institution. However,
matter of funding and control of these institution by government will impact the concept of
secularism. This has become the matter of controversy in the recent times.

JUDICIAL DEVELOPMENTS
As the meaning to the word secular is not given in the constitution, Judicary has played and
important role in defining what is secular in India. Accordingly, in the case S.R Bommai v.
union of India2, supreme court has held that secularism is integral part of Indian constitution
and that the concept has evolved from ‘Sarva Dharma Samabhava’ which means equality for
all religion3.

The legislative and executive actions that are interfering with religion or rights to religion of
an individual is against constitution and is struck down by the court as unconstitutional.
Additionally, People have bought Question of religion to be decided by court which has
become challenge for court and the secularism. Deciding on religious matter would be against
secular ethos and not deciding would be violation of fundamental rights and constitution.

Article 25 is not an absolute right and states that right to religion is subjected to restriction for
ensuring public order, morality, health and other provisions of the constitution 4. Judiciary
under this provision has entertain cases regarding religion and has also evolved concepts to
decide the questions. ‘Ēssential religious’ practice doctrine is one such doctrine evolved by
court; its meaning is not mentioned in the constitution but can be traced from the
constitutional debates.

The line of judgements regarding is being criticized as judiciary acting as theological

authority and is also being apprenticed for upholding rights. However, drawing the line for
limitation on judicial power has been challenging and the nuance has to be studied further in
detail.

CHAPTER III

ALTERNATIVE MODELS OF SECULARISM

The evolution of secularism India shows that the concept of secularism is dynamic and is
unique to social structure and social needs of community it is studied in. This chapters will
include various type of secularism models and study of factors that make them unique.

CHAPTER IV
2
1994 AIR 1918
3
Id
4
Article 25, The constitution of India, 1950
 CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS

This chapter would include the findings from the research and the suggestions on possible
changes in law and approach to handling issue of multiple religion, religion dominance and
other issues remedied by secularism.

In conclusion, the concept of secularism is undeniably dynamic, constantly evolving in

response to the changing needs and dynamics of society. To remain relevant and effective, it
must be redefined and adapted to address contemporary challenges. This is particularly
evident in the context of a rapidly advancing technological landscape and shifting societal
paradigms. As various elements like religion's role in gender discrimination, terrorism,
national security, and de-secularizing factors continue to shape our world, it is imperative that
the meaning of secularism in India undergoes transformation.

Technological advancements have connected the world like never before, allowing ideas and
beliefs to spread across boundaries at an unprecedented pace. This necessitates a re-
evaluation of how secularism accommodates religious diversity while promoting harmony
and understanding. Moreover, the re-examination of religious influences on gender
discrimination is essential for fostering equality in an era that values inclusivity and diversity.

The specter of terrorism and national security challenges have added another layer of
complexity to the secularism discourse. Striking a balance between religious freedom and
safeguarding the nation from extremist ideologies requires a nuanced approach, redefining
secularism to accommodate security concerns without stifling personal freedoms.

Additionally, the rise of de-secularizing factors, where political agendas intertwine with
religious ideologies, underscores the urgency of redefining secularism. As political actors
manipulate religious sentiments for their gain, a fresh understanding of secularism can help
insulate the core principles of state governance from divisive influences.

In the Indian context, where religious diversity has been a defining feature, the need for
transformation becomes even more pronounced. A redefined secularism should facilitate
respectful coexistence of diverse beliefs, empower individuals to practice their faith freely,
and encourage interfaith dialogue in pursuit of common goals.

In this light, secularism should not be a static concept; rather, it should evolve in step with
societal changes, technological progress, and the lessons drawn from various challenges. A
new, forward-looking secularism should foster an atmosphere where individuals can practice
their faith without infringing on others' rights, where diversity is celebrated and leveraged as
a strength, and where the state's role is to safeguard citizens' freedoms while preventing the
undue influence of any religious group.

Ultimately, the redefinition of secularism in India is not just a theoretical exercise but a
practical imperative to address the complex realities of today's world. By embracing a
dynamic and adaptable understanding of secularism, India can move closer to a society that
upholds individual rights, social cohesion, and national progress in a manner that respects its
rich tapestry of faiths and cultures

BIBLIOGRAPHY
1.Vivek Singh Rajput, Usha Pandey, “ANALYTICAL STUDY ON SECULARISM:
CONCEPT, ORIGIN AND ITS IMPORTANCE IN INDIA”, Journal of Positive School
Psychology 2022, Vol. 6, No. 3, 7698– 7715
2. Rajeev Bhargava, SECULARISM AND ITS CRISIS, Oxford university press, 1998

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