CIVICS(VIII)-LESSON-2 UNDERSTANDING SECULARISM (LESSON NOTES)

CIVICS(VIII)-LESSON-2

UNDERSTANDING SECULARISM

(LESSON NOTES)

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v INTRODUCTION

Ø In the history, there are various instances of discrimination, exclusion, persecution and torture on the grounds of religion. For example

§  Jews were persecuted in Hitler’s Germany and how several million were killed.

§  Jewish state of Israel treats its own Muslim and Christian minorities quite badly.

§  In Saudi Arabia, non- Muslims are not allowed to build a temple, church

Ø But in a civilized world no one wishes for such discrimination based on the religion.

Ø In this lesson we learn about the Indian constitutional provision in this religion concept.

v SECULARISM

Ø Secularism refers to Separation of Religion from the state. The Indian Constitution allows individuals the freedom to live by their religious beliefs and practices.

v WHY IT IS IMPORTANT

Ø For proper functioning of democracy.

Ø It prohibits the domination of one religion over another.

Ø To protect the freedom of individuals

Ø To have the freedom to interpret religious teachings differently.

v WHAT IS INDIAN SECULARISM:

Ø The Indian Constitution mandates that the Indian state be secular state. 

SECULARISM

Ø The constitution declares that there is no official religion of the state and all religion are treated equally.

Ø In our country one religious community does not dominate other community.

Ø The state does not enforce any particular religion nor take away the religious freedom of individuals.

Ø The government schools cannot promote any one religion.

Ø In order to respect the sentiments of all religions and not interfere with religious practices, the state makes certain exceptions for particular religious communities.

§  Sikhs wear ‘pugri’ (turban) as a religious practice. Hence they need not to wear helmet while riding two-wheeler.

v DIFFERENCES IN INDIAN SECULARISM ANS USA SECULARISM

v Secularism of USA

Ø In the USA, separation between the State and religion means neither the state nor religion can interfere in the affairs of each other.

Ø So in USA there is a strict separation between state and religion.

Ø In USA no one religion is the part of their secularism.

v Secularism in India

Ø In India there is not so strict separation between state and religion.

Ø In order to prevent the religion-based exclusion and discrimination of lower castes, state can intervene in the religious matters as the Indian Constitution bans untouchability.

Ø In India all religions are the part of its secularism.

v GLOSSARY

v Coercion: Force by the State to do something.

v Freedom to interpret: It refers to a person’s liberty to develop their own understanding and meaning of the religion they practice.

v Intervene: It refers to the State’s efforts to influence a particular matter in accordance with the principles of the Constitution.