I've heard individuals say things like, "You have to be secular," "I am secular," etc. even in academic contexts. Then there are some who despise secularism as the ruin of this nation. Secularism is viewed as a moral value by the pro-Secularism camp. According to the anti-Secilarim camp, it is equivalent to minoritarianism.
Both parties are mistaken and misinformed.
First and foremost, we need to understand that secularism is NOT for INDIVIDUALS. For the SYSTEM, that is.
Since secularism and religious freedom are mutually exclusive, no constitution that protects religious freedom can also impose secularism on its citizens. A separation from religion is secularism. It is the system, not the individual, that is required to dissociate.
The term "System" designates the complete administrative framework, including each of its constituent and contributing parts. The System includes everything that has to do with administration, formulation and application of policy, and law and justice. These must all be unbiased toward religion. The secular discipline also applies to the political organizations that take part in the process of electing the legislative bodies. Therefore, when a political party makes the claim that it is "secular," it is attempting the age-old ruse of constructing a virtue out of a need. It cannot be anything but secular. Similar to this, a government cannot avoid being secular. The courts, bureaucracy, and legislature all operate similarly. When we refer to ourselves as a "secular nation," we mean this.
Being Secular entails being cut off from Religion. This is a requirement of the Government, not of the people who make up the Government. The same is true of the other institutions that make up the democratic system. Secularism is an institution's character, not the personality of its employees. For instance, the Prime Minister must maintain his secularity while doing his official duties, but not in his personal life. Although the members who make up a political party are allowed to follow their faith, the essence of the organization's operations must be secular. Most individuals are unaware of this.
Secularism, as a constitutional ideal, is, nevertheless, consistently violated by the political and administrative establishments, both in letter and in spirit. A secular government cannot use its policies and programs to favor or disparage any religion. However, we see that governments, both at the federal level and at the state level, flagrantly break this cardinal rule by enacting religiously-specific social assistance programs that favor certain people while excluding others. Other fundamental protections, such equality and the prohibition of discrimination based on race, religion, or other factors, are also infringed as a result. This flagrant constitutional breach is not questioned or opposed.
The canvassing of votes in the name of religion is expressly prohibited. This is what the law says:
"Section 123(3) of the Act* prohibits canvassing by an electoral candidate to woo voters in the name of race, caste, religion, community and language. It also prohibits usage of religious symbols or national symbols or flag for canvassing purposes. Usage of the aforesaid are considered to be corrupt practices. The electoral candidates cannot promise any public policy which they propose to implement on being successful."
[*The 'Act' refers to the Representation of the People Act 1951]
Despite the fact that this is the law, the reality during election season is the complete reverse. Why doesn't anyone challenge it? Why doesn't anyone care about it? Every day we chant hymns to secularism, yet when it comes to actual practice, we disrespect it in spirit and soul. That is the major flaw in our democratic system.
Secularism itself is not the bad guy; its improper use is.
Thank you,
Eddie