| ID | 022614 |
| Title Proper | Secularism as religious non-discrimination: The universal and the particular in the Indian context |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Mahajan Gurpreet ; Mahajan, Gurpreet |
| Publication | Jan 2002. |
| Description | 33-53 |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | Secularism everywhere represents the ideal of religious non-discrimination, but different countries pursue different paths to realize this end. Beginning with this understanding, this article rejects narratives about the uniqueness of Indian society and its conception of secularism. It elucidates the foundational principles embodied in India's constitution and argues that India chose not to follow the policy of "separation." Like many countries in Europe, India pursued religious non-discrimination by ensuring equal liberty for all communities. However, what set India apart is that equal liberty for all communities was not accompanied by a parallel strong emphasis on individual liberty. The policy of equal religious liberty was an extension of the principle of equality of all communities in the public domain. This fundamental norm is today under siege from votaries of cultural majoritarianism. What is at stake in the present-day conflict therefore is not simply religious freedom of minorities but the commitment to equality of all. |
| `In' analytical Note | India Review Vol: 1 No 1, Jan 2002 33-53 |
| Journal Source | India Review Vol: 1 No 1 |
| Key Words | Secularism-India ; India-Secularism ; Non-Discrimination |