Politics of Secularism

Does the word "secularism" ring any bell? I think all those who have even slightest of interest in the Indian politics would have some idea as to what the word means. Yet I suppose before beginning with my viewpoint I should discuss the definition a bit.

Well the Preamble of Indian constitution declares India to be a secular state. The ideal of 'secular state' was enshrined in the constitution professing numerous faiths in the country and for the unity and the fraternity of India.

The word 'secular' was inserted into the Preamble specifically by the 42nd amendment act in 1976. Secularism is, thus, a basic feature of the constitution.
'Secular State' means that the state protects all religions equally and does not itself uphold any religion as the 'state religion'.The question of secularism is not of sentiments but of law.
Secularism is one of the hallmarks of Indian democracy, and as an Indian I am proud, that we are a secular nation. Secularism basically tells about the tolerance of the society towards other religions and acceptance of multi-ethnicity.
Anyways, let us come back to the constitution and secularism. India was already home to people from diverse religious backgrounds - Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, Jains and Christians etc.. before independence. The members of the drafting committee of the constitution were smart enough to take care that India's multi-cultural fabric be secured. So the fundamental rights included the right to practice one's religion and also mentioned that no religious discrimination be made between people. The articles through 25 to 28 establish the impartiality of the Constitution towards any religion. Yet, the word 'secularism' was not explicitly mentioned in the constitution.

Here again let us divert a little from the topic.

Do you know that the 'Right to Property' was a fundamental right in our Constitution. However, by the 44th amendment act in 1978, Morarji Desai govt. omitted it. The decision was challenged in the revered Supreme Court, which ruled in favour of the govt., as it was not a 'basic feature' of the Constitution.

The Supreme Court had ruled earlier that any legislation which violates the basic feature or basic structure of the Constitution is illegal and ,hence, can be declared void (Kesavanand Bharti v Union of India, 1973).

It is here that inserting the word "secular" makes sense. This explicitly made secularism a basic feature of the constitution,which until that point was implicit. So far so good.

Now, cut to the present scenario.What we see is politicisation of "secularism". Well just think a little.

Does secularism imply that terrorists who have been convicted and sentenced to death by the esteemed SC be shown leniency because they belong to 'minority' community. Conspirators of the Parliament attack have not been punished yet; rather a clemency appeal has been filed for them. Is it secularism? No, it is the worst kind of politics.
Country has lost several of its illustrious sons because they sacrificed for us-citizens of India. But what are we doing? We are letting petty politicians make fools out of us on the name of religion.
Does secularism imply that some people hurt the religious sentiments of "majority"? No, not at all.
Does secularism mean that "minority" follow its own law.Sikhs, Buddhists, Parsis, Jain and, Jews are even lesser in numbers.They are real minorities.How come they follow common law, but the community which comprises officially 15% of the population cannot? Why can't there be a uniform civil code for every citizen? Is it secularism? No,it is hypocracy.Their votes are imp and so.
The secularism as advocated by new age and self-declared secular leaders is a farce and a sham.Criminals like Mukhtar Ansari and Atiq Ahmed have been winning in polls and proclaiming that they have been victimized because they are from minority! Guys, they are blood lusting criminals.Wake up and come out of this 'Persecution complex'.
Another interesting phenomenon which is at work in India is that of "reverse communalism" which is confused by new age "intellectuals" as SECULARISM! So today we have these people who are highly educated, belonging to "creative - fields" who take pride in saying things against their own religion and misconstruing it as secularism! The truth is as much as their diatribe might contain truth, it is not the only truth. For a "religion" which actually is a culture,a way of life existing since 10000 yrs, will contain philosophy and practices and culture and heritages which are often anti-thesis of one another. So why can't these people focus on the conflicting ideologies that exist within Hinduism...Simply to project themseves as "Seculars", so that they can associate with powers that be, so that they can run their NGOs, so that they can enter the chatrooms of media, so that they can get their 15 mins of fame, so that they can politicise what they themselves say should not be politicised!
There is a saying - " Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me." So, do I need to say that the shame is on us, not on these cons. The onus is on us to not let their devious plans succeed. Let us vote on issues like development, social security, employment etc. Together we can make a difference. After all we are the Hoi Polloi.
I am not saying that communalism and hatred should be tolerated. No, not at all. Communalism is bad...there is no doubt about it. But pseudo-secularism is also as bad as communalism. But,let us not get divided and become fools. Let us be united.