Social and Political Life- Chapter - 2

Class VIII

Understanding Secularism

By

Ganganatha Kalenja

JNV Hassan

INTRODUCTION

7^th Std – Ansari’s Story

A Minority – Hindu, Sikh or Muslim in USA – Christian Fundamentalism

Feeling of You – 1) Retaliation 2) Fight for justice for all

1. Retaliation – lead to the violence throughout the world.
2. Fight for justice for all – No peace

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Assumption for fight :

All forms of domination related to religion should end.

- This is the essence of Secularism

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Solution to end all forms of religious domination is

SECULARISM

Objectives

Dear Children, after learning this lesson You will be able to

1. Acquire knowledge about major world religions in brief
2. Define the term ‘secularism’
3. Understand the need to separate religion from the State
4. Explain secularism in Indian Context

HISTORY OF SECULARISM

Examples of discrimination, exclusion and persecution on the grounds of religion

Jews in Germany – by Hitler

Muslims and Christians in Israel

All non - Muslims in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan

Intetr – Community Domination

What is root cause of this type of Domination?

one religion is given official recognition by the State at the expense of other religions.

In India, can the State discriminate against citizens on the grounds of their religion?

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ABSOLUTELY

“NO”

Because,

INDIA IS A SECULAR STATE

What is Secularism?

• Religious freedom for all -The Indian Constitution allows individuals the freedom to live by their religious beliefs and practices as they interpret these.

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• Separating the power of religion and the power of the State.

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• No discrimination by the state only on the basis of religion.

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• The concept of “My Nation” is a highest goal of citizen and not the concept of “My Religion”.

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What the children of your age feel of secularism!

MAJOR RELIGIONS IN INDIA

They are

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1. Hinduism

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• Jainism

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• Buddhism

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• Sikhism

Zoroastrianism

Confucianism

Taoism

Christianity

Islam

Almost all the major religions of the world have their origin only in Asia.

Hinduism

All World Religions must teach the path of love, tolerance and peace.

If this majority religious group has access to State power, then it could quite easily use this power and financial resources to discriminate against and persecute persons of other religions.

This tyranny of the majority could result in the discrimination, coercion and at times even the killing of religious minorities.

The majority could quite easily prevent minorities from practising their religions

Any form of domination based on religion is in violation of the rights that a democratic society guarantees to each and every citizen irrespective of their religion.

Why is it Important to Separate Religion from the State?

1. To protect the Fundamental rights of the minorities in a Democratic Society

The Dominant and tyrannical group inside the religion may not allow the other interpretations of the religion to come up if they have the power of the state in their hands.

Eg.

• So called ‘Higher Castes’ against ‘untouchables’ – among Hindus
• Shia Muslims against Sunni Muslims – in Islam
• Catholics against Protestants – in Christianity

Why is it Important to Separate Religion from the State?

2. There is a need to protect the freedom of individuals

• to interpret religious teachings differently.
• to exit from their religion,
• to embrace another religion

Time for open discussion in class

Can there be different views within the same religion?

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The Constitution of India by providing for a ‘secular state’ ensures 3 things:

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1. One religious community does not dominate another

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2. Some members do not dominate other members of the same religious community

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3. The State does not enforce any particular religion nor take away the religious freedom of individuals.

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What is Indian Secularism?

The strategies of the State to prevent Religious Dominations

1. The strategy of distancing itself from religion - treating all religions equally

2. The strategy of noninterference

Providing exceptions to respect the sentiments of all religions

The strategies of the State to prevent Religious Dominations

3. The strategy of intervention

Examples

In this case, the government will definitely intervene.

Our Constitution has given the government the right to intervene in religious affairs if there is a threat to social harmony or of a criminal offence. Infanticide is a savage crime and cannot be allowed at any cost; even in the name of religion.

Will the government intervene if some religious group says that their religion allows them to practice infanticide? Give reasons for your answer.

In what way is Indian secularism different from that of other democratic countries?

Some of the objectives are similar like :

• Both cannot declare any religion as the official religion
• Both can not give preference to one religion .

LET US COMPARE AND CONTRAST THE SECULARISM OF INDIA AND USA

This photo shows students taking the ‘Pledge of Allegiance’ in a government school in the U.S.A.

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This is not compulsary for all in USA as the phrase “Under God” is assumed as religious

(strict separation between religion and the State)

“It is an indivisible, secular, democratic and social Republic, guaranteeing that all citizens regardless of their origin, race or religion are treated as equals before the law and respecting all religious beliefs"

FRANCE

In February 2004,

France passed a law banning students from wearing any conspicuous religious or political signs or symbols such as the Islamic headscarf, the Jewish skullcap, or large Christian crosses. This encountered a lot of resistance from immigrants mainly from former French colonies of Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco.

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There are many non – secular countries in the world. Do you think that all the countries of the world should become secular? Justify your answer with reasons.

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Open discussion

MIND MAPPING

MIND MAPPING

MIND MAPPING

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MIND MAPPING

MIND MAPPING

MIND MAPPING

MIND MAPPING

Answer the following questions:

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1. List the important World religions.
2. What is meant by secularism?
3. Do you think any particular religion may be declared as state religion in India? Why?
4. What are the three things that the Constitution of India ensure through secular state?

Question Hour

1. Draw a poster depicting religious tolerance.
2. Discuss for and against the following statement: “Teaching of Religious principles is necessary in Educational Institutions”.
3. In Indian context how do you define secularism?

Home Work