A concept of Secularism and to be secular as flashed on the f.b. on Feb.19,2011.

.Bishwa Nath Singh


The other day some of my esteemed friend had desired to know about the concept of seularism and secular. Secularism actually means an attitude unconnected with any religion A secular state is a concept of secularism, whereby a state or country purports to be officially neutral in matters of religion, supporting neither religion nor irreligion.

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Bishwa Nath Singh:
 The concept of the word "Secular Country" means the view that morality, education, administration and sports etc should not be based on religion. India is a secular country but Pakistan is an Islamic country, A secular country, in essence,... should not discriminate against any religion. In the machinery of the state no citizen can claim or enjoy special facilities by virtue of his belonging to a particular religious community, nor can he be deprived of any civic or political right. Secularism is a modern idea. Even a hundred and fifty years ago in England Jews and even Roman Catholic Christians were discriminated against, they were ineligible for service under the country, or even for education in institutions under the respective country. In Islamic countries, non-muslims were regarded as hostage or refugees, they have no independence or independent right of citizenship. It must be said to the credit of ancient India, that there never was any desire on the part of the state/nation to impose religious qualifications or disqualifications on any community as such. India has always given an honourable status to peoples of all religions. In the first century the persecuted Christians of Syria found a refuge in Kerala, and they are a flourishing community there even to-day. The persecuted Parsis from Iran were offered shelter in India and freedom to pursue their religion. It is therefore in conformity with India's past tradition to reaffirm her secular status. In Pakistan the Hindus are under grave disabilities by reason of their religion, and even in the 21st century, the leaders of the country ventilate the view that peoples of other religions will receive protection as a most pernicious doctrine. In the modern world most civilized country are secular in a sense. To-day in no country is religion taken into consideration in political or then spheres of activity. In Pakistan theoretically there is no bar to any non-muslim holding any office under the country except the highest, but the very fact that there are reservations of parliamentary seats and public appointments contradicts this secular ideas. Secularism in the country has very great importance in our political life. It has a social value which has its own significance. In a secular national society is more well-knit and homogeneous. The collective interest of the people has very much less chance of attimes of strees might find the people divided and disunited, but in a secular country this is far less possible. It has also an educational and cultural value. The citizens of a secular country have far greater realization of the interest of humanity. Their attitudes to the problems and demands of life are more human, and less abstract.For a religious people it is difficult to think in the secular way. Therefore, it is necessary that education should be strictly non-religious and non-sectarian. The modern world, under the influence of scientific aguostiism (this believes that nothing can be known about God), has a more or less secular outlook on life. Religion no more colours our views on political and economic matters except in backward and reactionary state.Our great nation India is a free country and a great deal of progress has been achieved in many directions. But it is a pity that the spirit of unity and accommodation, which had made our people think and believe that they were one family and nation appears to have made. disgruntled forces, though held in check, repeatedly raise their ugly head in one form or the other. Let us rise to contain such anomalies!

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Anil Kumar :
Very Well Explained sir.

 
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f,b.
Feb.19,2011.