Differentiate the relationship between religion and state in India and the world. How has Indian secularism impacted society?

The relationship between religion and the state determines whether the state is secular or non secular. Secularism is the concept that demarcates the separation of state and public matters from religion is a personal affair of citizens. Secularism is necessary in order to guarantee religious freedom in pluralistic societies.

Relationship between religion and state in the West:

• Rigid state-religion separation.
• No scope of state led to religious reform.
• Addresses only intra-community domination.
• Focus on individual freedom of religion.
• No state aid to religious institutions.
• Opposing public display of religious symbols.

Relationship between religion and state in India:

• The secular traditions are very deeply rooted in Indian society since the times of Indus Valley Civilization.
• The culture, as we see today, is the intermingling of several spiritual traditions, religions, philosophies, over thousands of years.
• In India, secularism means equal status to all religions.
• “Principled distance” between state and religion.
• Equal protection, respect and treatment to all religions.
• Balancing personal and community religious rights (article 25-28).
• Freedom to profess and practice religion with its symbols, e.g. Sikh kirpans.
• State aid to religious institutions (article 30).
• Preventing intra and inter-community domination.
• Acceptance of plurality of religions.

Impacts:

• Social sense of inclusivity.
• Religious freedom.
• No curbs on display of faith.
• Social harmony.
• Scope for social reforms.

India’s broader religious concept is a mark of its ethos of tolerance and inclusivity.

Topics: GS-I: Social Empowerment Communalism Regionalism Secularism