It is a presentation of the chapter secularism. It is an important and complex chapter regarding the secular nature of our country and the principles.

2. INTRODUCTION
Secularism is a principle that promotes a society free from religious
domination and discrimination ensuring the state remains neutral toward all
religions. It opposes both inter religious domination [ one religious group
oppressing another]and intra religious domination [unfair treatment within the
same faith]. While it requires separation of state and religion a secular state
is not simply indifferent it also actively works to ensure religious freedom for
all its citizens.
FOR EXAMPLE
-> India has people from many religions- Hindus,Muslims, Sikhs, Christians ,Jains,
Buddhists –living together.
->National symbols like the national flag belong to all citizens , not any one religion.

3. What is secularism ?
Secularism ,a foundational principle in the Indian constitution , embodies the
state neutrality in matters of religion. It ensures that the government remains
impartial and does not favour any particular religion or religious group .
Secularism forms the bedrock of India’s pluralistic society, allowing diverse
religious communities to coexist harmoniously while safeguarding individual
freedoms and rights.
FOR EXAMPLE-
->The state cannot force anyone to follow a particular religion.
->A Hindu, Muslim or Christian child can attend the same government school
without any religious pressure.

4. Why secularism is needed
Secularism is needed to protect religious freedom and equality by separating
religion from state institutions , preventing religious domination and safeguarding
minority rights. It is crucial in a diverse society to avoid conflicts ensure that laws
are not influenced by any one religion, and uphold the dignity of all citizens ,both as
individuals and as members of community . The Indian approach to secularism
involves both separating religion and state and also intervening to reform religion
and protect marginalized groups , a concept known as ‘principled distance’.
FOR EXAMPLE-
->Majority group imposing its religious festivals or practices on minorities.
->Within a religion , powerful groups denying equal rights to women or lower castes.
-> A government declaring one religion as official – secularism prevents this in
India.

5. Indian constitution and
secularism
Indian secularism is characterized by the “Indian model”, which emphasizes
“principled distance” and equal respect for all religions . Unlike the western model
that advocates a strict separation between state and religion , the Indian model
permits the state to intervene in religious matters to ensure equality and protect
minority rights . Constitutional provisions like the abolition of untouchability ,
freedom of religion , prohibition of discrimination and religion for minority
institutions are central to this approach.
FOR EXAMPLE-
->Article 15 prohibits discrimination on grounds of religion.
->Government schools cannot teach religious scriptures [ example of article 28]
->Any citizen can worship at a public temple or mosque without being denied entry
based on religion.

6. State strategy of
maintaining secularism
“Principled Distance” as the core of Indian secularism. This approach requires the state to adopt a flexible , non
–theocratic stance allowing it to maintain a distance from all religions while also permitting intervention for social
reform to ensure justice and equality.
The main strategies are:-
->No official state religion
->A policy of non interference [mutual exclusion in the western context /principled distance in the Indian
context]
->A policy of intervention [ state supported social reform]
->Protecting minority rights
FOR EXAMPLE-
->State intervention to stop practices like untouchability [ a religiously rooted practice]
->State giving financial aid to schools of all communities – Hindus, Muslim ,Christian , Sikh – without preference.

7. Freedom of religion in
india
A fundamental right under Article 25-28 of the constitution , guaranteeing
everyone the freedom of conscience and the right to freely profess , practice and
propagate their religion. This right is not absolute and can be restricted for the
sake of public order, health and morality . India’s secularism ensures the state
remains neutral , treating all religions equally. Protecting minority rights, and
allowing for state – initiated religious reforms to eliminate social evils.
FOR EXAMPLE
->A person can convert to another religion voluntarily.
->A religious group can run a place of worship [ like a temple trust or mosque
committee]
->Students in government schools are not taught prayers from any one religion.

8. Challenges to
secularism in india
The politicization of religion, which fuels communal politics and violence
through vote banks and stereotypes.other challenges are religious
fundamentalism , which can lead to extremism criticisms of Indian secularism
itself such as it being seen as favouring minorities or being an imported
western concept and the ongoing issue of implementing a Uniform civil code.
FOR EXAMPLE-
->Political leaders appealing to voters using religious identity .
->Communities holding prejudices about other religions, leading to mistrust.
->Conflicts arising during festivals or processions due to misunderstandings.

9. Secularism in practice
Secularism in practice involves the state maintaining a principled distance from all
religions, ensuring neutrality and protecting citizens rights to freedom of religion
and equality. This means the state has no religion of its own does not discriminate
based on religion and guarantees minorities the right to establish and run their own
educational institutions. It also includes state supported reform and protection
from both inter religious and intra religious domination.
FOR EXAMPLE-
->State intervention in Hindu religious institutions to ensure equality[example
temple entry laws]
->Minority educational institutions receiving protection under articles 29-30.
-> State supporting festivals of multiple religions as cultural diversity , not
preference.

10. COMPARISON : indian vs
western model
INDIAN MODEL OF SECULARISM
• No strict separation between state and religion
eg-The government passed a law abolition of
untouchability.
• Follows “principled distance “ [equal respect , but
can intervene]eg- National holidays include Diwali,
Eid, Christmas, and gurupurab.
• Protects minority community rights eg-Minorities
can run their own schools and colleges[article 30]
• State can regulate religious practices for equality
eg- Temple entry laws allow people of all castes to
enter.
WESTERN MODEL OF SECULARISM
• Strict separation between state and religion eg-
In the USA, the government cannot support any
religion.
• Mutual exclusion between religion and politics
eg- No religious teaching in government schools.
• Focus mainly on individual freedom of religion
eg- A person can change or leave any religion
freely.
• No state funding for religious institutions eg-
Churches are run without government money.

11. conclusion
Secularism is one of the most important principles of the Indian constitution It
ensures that the state does not favour any one religion and gives equal respect to
all religions. In a diverse country like India where many religions cultures and
languages exist secularism is necessary to maintain peace , unity and harmony . The
Indian model of secularism follows the idea of principled distance ,which means the
state can intervene in religious matters when practices go against equality ,
freedom and justice . Even though India faces challenges such as communal
conflicts and political misuse of religion , secularism still plays a vital role in
protecting the rights of all citizens and strengthening our democracy. Therefore ,
secularism is the foundation of unity in diversity in India.
FOR EXAMPLE-
-> Constitution treats every citizen equally regardless of religion.
-> No religion gets special political status.