Indian Secularism vs Western Secularism 11 Polity Notes

Last Updated : 17 Apr, 2024

Secularism is first and foremost a doctrine that opposes all such forms of inter-religious domination. This is however only one crucial aspect of the concept of secularism. An equally important dimension of secularism is its opposition to intra-religious domination.

Religion has its share of some deep-rooted problems. For example, one can hardly think of a religion that treats its male and female members on an equal footing. When religion is organized, it is frequently taken over by its most conservative faction, which does not tolerate any dissent. As secularism is opposed to all forms of institutionalized religious domination, it challenges not merely interreligious but also intra-religious domination.

Let us learn about the differences between Indian secularism vs Western secularism!

Indian Secularism vs Western Secularism 11 Polity Notes

Difference between Indian Secularism and Western Secularism

Aspect	Indian Secularism	Western Secularism
Definition	A concept of secularism that promotes equal respect for all religions and religious communities.	A concept of secularism that separates religion and state, and promotes the freedom of individual conscience and expression.
Religious Interference	Allows for state engagement with religion if necessary	Mutual exclusion between state and religion
Constitutional Basis	The Indian Constitution defines India as a secular state.	The U.S. Constitution has an establishment clause and a free exercise clause.
Policy Basis	The Indian model acknowledges the role of religion in shaping social norms and practices. While policies should not be based solely on religious grounds, the state may intervene to address religious-based inequalities or injustices. This allows for a more dynamic approach to policymaking that considers the religious and cultural context of Indian society.	Policies in the Western model are not founded on religious rationale. The state refrains from enacting laws or measures that exclusively cater to religious beliefs. This ensures that public policies remain secular and do not favor any particular religion or religious group.
State and Religion	The Indian model of secularism places significant emphasis on inter-religious equality and diversity. Unlike the Western model, it goes beyond mere separation and advocates for the protection of minority rights and the promotion of religious harmony. It acknowledges India’s deep religious diversity and aims to ensure equal treatment and opportunities for all religious communities.	The Western model primarily emphasizes the separation of religion and state. It upholds the principle of mutual exclusion, where neither the state nor religion interfere in each other’s affairs. This means that the state refrains from endorsing any particular religion and does not intervene in religious matters, while religions are expected to operate independently from the state’s influence.
Tolerance vs. Equality	Indian secularism places greater emphasis on equality within and between religious communities. It acknowledges the importance of addressing social hierarchies and injustices that affect religious minorities and marginalized groups. This ensures that religious freedom is not only about tolerance but also about ensuring equal rights and opportunities for all citizens.	The Western model often emphasizes tolerance for religious diversity but may overlook issues of inter-religious equality. While promoting peaceful coexistence, it may fail to address systemic inequalities or discrimination faced by religious minorities.
State Engagement with Religion	Can engage with religion positively or negatively	Generally disengages with religion
Minority Rights	Indian secularism prioritizes the protection of minority rights alongside individual freedoms. It recognizes the unique challenges faced by religious minorities and seeks to safeguard their cultural, educational, and religious freedoms. This ensures that all citizens, regardless of their religious background, have equal opportunities and protections under the law.	The Western model has limited scope for community-based or minority rights. While it upholds individual liberties, it may overlook the collective rights of religious or cultural minorities. This can lead to challenges in addressing systemic inequalities or discrimination faced by minority groups.
Approach to Religious Reform	Indian secularism adopts a more proactive approach to religious reform. While respecting religious autonomy, the state may enact laws or policies to promote social justice and equality within religious communities. This may include measures to abolish discriminatory practices or to challenge religious hierarchies that perpetuate inequality.	In the Western model, there is generally no provision for state-supported religious reform. The principle of mutual exclusion between the state and religion means that the government refrains from intervening in religious practices or beliefs.
Example	India has recognized Muslim personal law and the Hindu Undivided Family law. The Indian government also provides funds for religious pilgrimage.	In the United States, the Supreme Court has upheld the right of individuals to wear religious clothing or symbols in public spaces. The French government has banned the wearing of religious symbols in public spaces.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both the Western and Indian models of secularism share the common goal of ensuring religious freedom and state neutrality, they diverge significantly in their approach and implementation. While the Western model prioritizes the separation of religion and state with limited state intervention, the Indian model emphasizes inter-religious equality, minority rights protection, and proactive state engagement with religious reform. These distinct approaches reflect the diverse cultural, historical, and societal contexts in which secularism operates, shaping policies that cater to the specific needs and challenges of each society.

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