—noun
- secular spirit or tendency, especially a system of political or social philosophy that rejects all forms of religious faith and worship.
- the view that public education and other matters of civil policy should be conducted without the introduction of a religious element.
—Related forms
sec·u·lar·ist, noun, adjective
sec·u·lar·is·tic, adjective
So it is clear that secularism is connected with civil policy, government and education. Do you find anything non secular in India? Only in some school prayers and cultural programmes. The government and civil discourse rarely connects with practised religions. The pure and simple fact is that people are too busy running their lives around here in India to bring in religion into matters of education and civil policy.
But why did secularism raise its head? Because in many countries and societies, religious heads started dictating governance and civil liberties and duties. In some countries, they bother how you pray, when you pray, where you pray etc. they also have people coming to your house and telling you to change your religion or ...I have heard arguments against my current belief and living state as
- you will go to hell if you don't convert...
- you will get X Y Z if you convert...
Etc. So some people offer carrots and sticks in the name of religion.
But actually all religion is a problem only because we allow people to go and convert, why don't we let people be as they are!?
Now consider this. If a kid hears a new language, sees people with a different dress style, or appearance, sees different kinds of food being eaten, or people praying differently from what he is familiar with, what is his first reaction? Surprise, wonderment, maybe even fear, curiosity, lots of questions. How do you, as a parent or elder, deal with this is important. If you tell him people are different all over the world and there are many forms of dress, language, culture, music, prayer and social conventions, any kid will be willing to accept it and move on happily.
The problem arises only if you, as an elder or parent, start judging or condemning. Or persuading others to convert.
Equal respect for all religions begins with you. And ends with you. The government has NOTHING to do with it.
