Reinvent secularism in Indian context

Amidst a raging debate on nationalism and secularism, Prime Minister made clear diversity should never be a cause of discord. “All our people Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Jains, Buddhists, the micro-minority of Parsis, believers and non-believers are an integral part of India, asserted he at the recent World Sufi Forum meeting.

Undoubtedly, this message is significance against the backdrop when social conflicts have been at the forefront. Consequently, as Modi emphasized there was a need to reject the link between religion and terrorism. A thought which has also been echoed by scholars from different fields and religious beliefs yet Islamic fundamentalists continue violence, failing to realise that God is one and is worshipped in different names.

True, Muslims are very much a part of Indian culture and integrated with the majority as underscored by the Prime Minister, “the love for their country and the pride in their nation define Muslims in India….They are steeped in the democratic tradition of India, confidant of their place in the country and invested in the future of their nation”.

Recall, a few months back, Modi had embraced Buddhism, emphasising that his teachings alone could lead the war-ravaged world away from violence and offer a way out of the crises. According to him, “Even as the world is discussing that the 21st Century would be Asia’s century an aspect possibly overlooked by those having this vision, is that Buddha’s way is the sole reason why the 21st Century will belong to Asia.”

Though Modi has been sending the right message, his party and RSS have done just the opposite. The recent controversy over ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’ slogan bears this out. While the RSS feels it should be made mandatory for all Indians, the BJP believes it is “our Constitutional obligation as citizens.” A view opposed by Asaduddin Owaisi, Jamia Nizamia and Muslim groups.

Clearly, the understanding of the country as ‘mother’ is not acceptable to certain minorities under interpretation of our Fundamental Rights of freedom of speech. On the other hand, Muslims should discard obscurantist ideas such as blasphemy and practices of polygamy and triple talaq keeping in mind the international scenario. But the offensive RSS attitude towards the food habits of Muslims cannot be justified.

These developments in recent times, including the unfortunate beef lynching at Dadri, JNU’s sedition row and RSS allegations of educational institutions becoming “hotbeds of anti-national activities” have raised doubts about the government’s sincerity in bringing about true secularism.

The need of the hour is to reinvent secularism in the right perspective in the Indian context. In a rapidly modernising world, there is need to understand the importance of the country to which we belong and obviously the people should owe total allegiance to it.

After that comes religion but the practices of one’s religion should not interfere either with the laws of the country nor come into conflict with others behavioural norms and attitudes.

Pertinently, those projecting Hindu or Muslim culture have to primarily keep in mind how to improve the economic and social conditions of their people. Except a few organizations, the track record leaves much to be desired. The Justice Sachar Committee report is a sad commentary on the socio-economic conditions of Muslims in the country and the community’s role in educating the poorer sections of the people.

The biggest challenge today is to provide employment to the young generation so that their energies are engaged in productive work. The Government must treat this as a priority and simultaneously encourage labour-intensive industries as destructive forces will continue to divert attention through religious and other issues.

By Dhurjati Mukherjee