Answer: 

Introduction:

Secularism is the principle that determines the relationship between the State and the religion. It plays an important role in a diverse country like India. In India, secularism means the State views all religions as equal i.e., it has equal affinity towards all religions. The term ‘secular’ is enshrined in the Preamble to the Constitution of India via 42nd Constitution Amendment Act, 1976.

Body:

Secularism is understood differently by different nations. The Indian debate on secularism is different from the Western concept as the basis of secularism differs significantly. This can be seen as follows:

• Level of separation between state and religion: In the West, secularism is conceived as complete separation of state and religion. But in India secularism, the state is not separate from religion. Rather the state sees all religions as equal.
• Level of engagement between state and religion: While the Western idea maintains strict separation, Indian secularism believes in positive aid to religion. Thus, we have the state supporting religious minority institutions, state passing laws to stop harmful religious practices, state supporting pilgrimages of all religious groups, etc. The State in turn is aided in administration by religious virtues and values apart from political support of the group.
• Diversity: The Western model of secularism is not suited for India because in India difference exists in terms of religions and culture, unlike the West which is largely having one majority religion.
• Inter as well as intra-religious matters are covered: Indian secularism is a result of interaction between the existent diversity in the society and the secularism principles of the West. This led to equal focus on inter-religious and intra-religious matters, unlike in the West.

Conclusion:

Thus, Indian secularism is broader than western. The Western idea is more negative while the Indian concept is more positive with a focus on mutual co-existence rather than separation. The essence of the Indian model of secularism lies in forging a positive relation between the state and religion in the social and cultural realm rather than pulling up an iron curtain between religion and State, both of which are essential parts of every society.

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