Secularism
[Vinod Anand]

The concept of secularism was vibrant in the Indic region with the realization not only of one God but of the essential oneness of all existence: “Ekam Sat bipra bahudha badanti.”

Ultimate reality is singular as time or space is, but appears to be many due to apparent divisions. The Rig Veda proclaims that diverse ways of worship reach the same destination as different rivers reach the same ocean.

The Gita confirms that every form of worship is a valid way to reach the supreme Self. But the truth is shrouded with the mist of religious ritualism. An Ashokan inscription advises, “Honour another’s religion, for doing so strengthens both one’s own and that of the other.”

Emperor Akbar would hold meetings with Hindus, Christians and other faiths for comparative study of contrast and parallelism. He was enthusiastic about matrimonial alliances wherein bride and groom follow different faiths, and significantly, encouraged the said brides to fo1low their own religious paths — there was no insistence on conversion.

It would be oversimplification to dismiss this as nothing more than political expediency. In recent times, with a vision of universal religion, Swami Vivekananda proclaimed, “We want to lead mankind to the place where there is neither the Vedas, Bible nor Quran; yet this has to be done by harmonizing all the holy books of all religions.

Religions are but varied expressions of Oneness, so that each may choose the path that suits him best. Paramahansa Yogananda spread the message of yoga in the West predominantly to Christians who accepted the eternal message of yoga for Self-realization.

Indic spirituality being essentially secular has overwhelmed the seekers of truth all over the globe. M K Gandhi’s daily prayer included readings and hymns from all major religions. Down the ages India has developed a rich tradition of secularism based on mutual respect and assimilation. Modern India has adopted a secular Constitution and we are proud of the same.

But its recent interpretations reveal a narrow concept of religious toleration with an inherent sense of superiority complex instead of mutual respect. If secularism is kept confined within political limits it is bound to lose its meaning. The western concept of secularism is significantly different being antagonistic to religions.

It springs from a negative attitude to religions and is motivated by a concern for justice—whereas, in India, secularism implies a profound respect for all religions and an inclusive and impartial attitude to non-believers as well.

In this context S Radhakrishnan explained, “When India is said to be a secular state, it does not mean that we reject the reality of an unseen spirit or the relevance of religion to life or that we exalt irreligion.

It does not mean that secularism itself becomes a positive religion or that the state assumes divine prerogatives. We hold that not one religion should be given preferential status. .This view of religious impartiality or comprehension and forbearance has a prophetic role to play within the national and international life.”

Religion is just the outer garment of spirituality. It has to end in spirituality. ‘Atmanam biddhi’ or ‘Know Thyself’ was the motto adopted by this country. The rituals, practices and discipline of religion should give us divine realization of the oneness of the spirit.

In this age of science secularism has to be based on science of religions from which social, political and ethical value system should spontaneously flow in every sphere of life leading to peaceful and harmonious coexistence for mutual benefit.
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Author's Bio: 

VINOD K.ANAND: A BRIEF PROFILE

Born in 1939, and holding Master’s Degree both in Mathematics (1959) and Economics (1961), and Doctorate Degree in Economics (1970), Dr. Vinod K.Anand has about forty five years of teaching, research, and project work experience in Economic Theory (both micro and macro), Quantitative Economics, Public Economics, New Political Economy, and Development Economics with a special focus on economic and social provisions revolving around poverty, inequality, and unemployment issues, and also on informal sector studies. His last assignment was at the National University of Lesotho (Southern Africa) from 2006 to 2008. Prior to that he was placed as Professor and Head of the Department of Economics at the University of North-West in the Republic of South Africa, and University of Allahabad in India, Professor at the National University of Lesotho, Associate Professor at the University of Botswana, Gaborone in Botswana, and at Gezira University in Wad Medani, Sudan, Head, Department of Arts and Social Sciences, Yola in Nigeria, Principal Lecturer in Economics at Maiduguri University in Nigeria, and as Lecturer at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in Nigeria. Professor Anand has by now published more than 80 research papers in standard academic journals, authored 11 books, supervised a number of doctoral theses, was examiner for more than twenty Ph.D. theses, and has wide consultancy experience both in India and abroad, essentially in the African continent. This includes holding the position of Primary Researcher, Principal Consultant etc. in a number of Research Projects sponsored and funded by Universities, Governments, and International Bodies like, USAID, IDRC, and AERC. His publications include a variety of themes revolving around Economic Theory, New Political Economy, Quantitative Economics, Development Economics, and Informal Sector Studies. His consultancy assignments in India, Nigeria, Sudan, Botswana, and the Republic of South Africa include Non-Directory Enterprises in Allahabad, India, Small Scale Enterprises in the Northern States of Nigeria, The Absolute Poverty Line in Sudan, The Small Scale Enterprises in Wad Medani, Sudan, Micro and Small Scale Enterprises in Botswana, The Place of Non-Formal Micro-Enterprises in Botswana, Resettlement of a Squatter Community in the Vryburg District of North West Province in the Republic of South Africa, Trade and Investment Development Programme for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises: Support for NTSIKA in the Republic of South Africa, and Development of the Manufacturing Sector in the Republic of South Africa’s North West Province: An Approach Based on Firm Level Surveys. Professor Anand has also extensively participated in a number of conferences, offered many seminars, participated in a number of workshops, and delivered a variety of Refresher Lectures at different venues both in India and abroad. Dr. Anand was placed at the prestigious Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Shimla in the State Himachal Pradesh, India as a Fellow from 2001 to 2003, and had completed a theoretical and qualitative research project/monograph on the Employment Profile of Micro Enterprises in the State of Himachal Pradseh, India.