‘Secularism’ In India: Is India truly secular?

KAKALI DAS

Our constitution completes 75 years in 26^th January, 2024.

On the occasion of republic day, people change their status and profile picture to country’s flag. To no surprise, there are many people in our country who associate colour to religion. Even in this context, our flag is a symbol of unity instead. To this, I want to add that if we the citizens merely abide by the preamble of our constitution, 72% problems of this country will inadvertently be solved.

Let us recall on this Republic Day that secularism is ingrained in India. It is the bedrock of our society. Multi-culturalism and diversity is entrenched in our constitution. Secularism is the foundation of India; no Mughal, British or any party can destroy this secularism from this country. Secularism is strong, and no matter how hard one tries to break it apart, it stays. This is a fact we as citizens should be proud of.

The British used all their might to dismantle India’s secularism. In 1947, when they left, the disharmony was at its peak. The nation was split on the basis of religion; there was a divide between all religions. A year after our independence, in 1948, the Olympic games, post the World War II, saw participation from many countries, including India. India was playing as an independent nation for the first time.

The hockey team was expected to perform especially well. That year, in the team – Kishan Lal was the captain, Balbir Singh was the high scorer, Patrick Jansen among highest scorers. Latif-ur Rehman was in the team as well. The India, which the British left no stone unturned to divide on religious lines, showing unity in diversity, beat the British team 4-0.

Let’s for a second assume that India won because Hockey is our national game, and English were inexperienced. But the British invented Cricket, and India won the World Cup in 1983. In the semi-final India beat England on their soil. Nobody expected team India to win; it was miracle of a sort.

We won the first Cricket World Cup. In the 1983 world cup, our wicket-keeper was Syed Kirmani, Captain Kapil Dev, Roger Binny and Balwinder Sandhu bowlers – with whose contribution Indian team defeated the two-time Champion West Indies team and unfurled the tricolour at Lord’s Cricket Ground.

The English might have wondered what kept our unity intact. The team was representing India above all differentiation. Because that day, it wasn’t Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, but India which was playing on the field. It was a win of secular united India.

If we take an example from the armed forces – the highest gallantry award is Param Vir Chakra; 21 army men have won this medal until this day.

The list of winners includes – Capt. Vikram Batra, for his bravery during the Kargil war; he led one of the most difficult mountain warfare operations; flying officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon in recognition of his lone defence of Srinagar Air Base; Lance Naik Albert Ekka, who was martyred in action during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971; Company Quartermaster Havildar Abdul Hamid, who received the Param Vir Chakra for his role during the Indo-Pakistan War of 1965. Different people of different religions with one goal – protection of India.

As Rahat Indori said,“सभी का खून है शामिल यहां की मिट्टी में, किसी के बाप का हिंदुस्तान थोड़ी है.”

In the field of arts and entertainment – the highest honour is the Academy Award (Oscars). Bhanu Athaiya was the first Indian winner of this award. Resul Pookutty, A.R. Rahman and Gulzar won for their collaboration. Satyajit Ray was presented with an Honorary Academy Award.

The world’s most popular magazine, TIME has featured Shahrukh Khan, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In fact, Shahrukh Khan is also known as the global ambassador of India. People overseas recognize India by SRK.

While the country is celebrating the birthday of its constitution, some people have no chill. They dislike the usage of the word ‘secular’ in the constitution. According to their ‘divine’ knowledge, the word ‘secular’ was later added forcibly in the constitution. In fact, there was a plea in the Supreme Court to remove ‘secular’ from the Constitution’s preamble.

They must understand the very fact that secularism is the foundation of the constitution. The making of our constitution was also secular; 299 members of the constituent assembly were involved in it – Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Chairman of the drafting committee, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rajendra Prasad, Maulana Azad including others. They drafted a constitution that overcame all divisive boundaries including religious, and gave fundamental rights to every citizen.

This is why India became a successful democracy, unlike Pakistan, and garnered respect globally. The British said that the country will be broken into pieces, but it has survived, with such strength and wisdom.

Now, an interesting observation – while some people talk of disrupting unity, others are dedicated to preserving it. Do you know who has constructed most mosques in the country? It isn’t Auranzeb; his name is Govindan Gopalakrishnan.

An architect from the Hindu religion, Govindan Gopalakrishnan hasconstructed more than 100 mosques; he is famous as ‘Mosque Man’ in the country. Isn’t it fascinating? In a vast and complicated country as India, where the roots are such interwoven, it is hard to divide people for all time; although it is possible briefly. Unity is inherent and does not need external influence.

People of Hoskote, near Bengaluru-Chennai highway, pray at a Hanuman temple. It was difficult as there was less space. A Muslim resident of that village, H M G Basha couldn’t unsee the problem and donated his land for the temple. He said that his whole family supported his decision. It’s said that the land was worth Rs80 lakh – 1 crore.

Independence in 1947 was not possible without Mahatma Gandhi’s movement, Bhagat Singh’s revolution, Ashfaqulla Khan’s loot and Subhas Chandra Bose’s resistance. They were of different religions, but their goal was the same. India did not get freedom in alms. Our billionaires give up wealth whenever the country demands it.

Indian’s biggest philanthropist, Azim Premji is known for his generous donations; he, in fact, donated Rs800 crores in a year. Tata sons and Tata Trusts donated Rs1,500 crores to the PM Care fund. Among the women donors, Rohini Nilekani, wife of Nandan Nilekanitops the list. The list includes people of all religions.

Along with the people, Jama Masjid too participated in the freedom struggle in its own capacity. The mosques and surrounding areas were epicentre of activities related to freedom struggle. Temples and mosques became sites for political discourse against the British rule. The British might have been astounded by our unity.

These days, Media labels people of all religions, but despite that we came together in support of one Muslims for namaz amidst the pandemic, team of Muslim men served langar all day to protesting farmers at Singhu border, Muslim youths form human chain to protect Hanuman Temple in Bengaluru, Vaishno Devi Shrine prepared sehri, iftari for 500 quarantined Muslims, Punjab Gurudwara provided meals to Madrassa students stuck in Covid-19 lockdown.

These reports show the deep-rooted harmony between religions in the country. We must celebrate this and strengthen it further. Some in their lust for power will try to divide us in the name of religion. Sooner or later they will fail, and people will realise whom to choose from– Kalam or Kasab? Bhagat Singh or Godse?

The country can ever become a 10 trillion-dollar economy if all people, despite their differences, work together. Another examples in this context – Verghese Kurien ushered the dairy revolution, Missile Man Dr APJ Abdul Kalam strengthened our defence system, Aryabhatta taught the importance of zero to the world, Har Gobind Khurana gave genetic engineering its biggest breakthrough.

Let’s remember these contributions as Indian; it is a collective achievement of people of India, overcoming all religious boundaries. The Constitution of India, too, is above religion. Many a times politicians speak not in favour of constitutional values. The right way to surpass these differences would be to let constitution work its way.

And, by asking the leaders sitting on top: When will the acche din (good days) arrive? Will it ever come?

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