Q10. What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of secularism?
Model Answer:
Introduction
Ans. Secularism refers to the principle of separation between government institutions and religious institutions. In India, secularism means equal treatment of all religions by the state. The Indian model of secularism has evolved to accommodate the diverse religious practices and beliefs of its population.
Body
Challenges to Cultural Practices in the Name of Secularism:
Misinterpretation of Secularism: Often, secularism is misunderstood as being anti-religious rather than being neutral towards all religions. This misinterpretation can lead to unnecessary restrictions on religious expressions.
Restrictions on Religious Practices: For instance, the Supreme Court's ban on the use of loudspeakers during night hours affects religious practices like Azaan in Islam and Jagran in Hinduism. While aimed at reducing noise pollution, it is seen by some as an infringement on religious freedom.
Political Manipulation: Political parties sometimes exploit secularism to gain votes, leading to communal tensions. The Shah Bano case (1985) is a classic example where political manipulation of secular principles led to significant controversy.
Issue of Animal Rights: The ban on Jallikattu, a traditional bull-taming sport in Tamil Nadu, citing animal rights, faced massive protests. The event is deeply rooted in Tamil culture and its restriction was seen as an attack on cultural practices.
Educational Institutions: The prohibition of religious symbols in educational institutions, such as the hijab ban in some schools, raises questions about the balance between secularism and religious freedom.
Judicial Interventions: The Sabarimala verdict (2018) allowing women of all ages to enter the temple was seen as a progressive step but also faced backlash from traditionalists who viewed it as an interference in religious customs.
Uniform Civil Code (UCC): The debate over UCC, which aims to replace personal laws based on religious scriptures with a common set of laws, is seen by some communities as a threat to their cultural and religious identity.
Positive Changes Due to Secularism:
Promotion of Equality: Secularism has promoted equality among different religious communities. The abolition of untouchability and the introduction of affirmative action for marginalized communities are significant steps in this direction.
Social Reforms: Secularism has facilitated social reforms such as the Hindu Marriage Act (1955) and the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act (2019), which aim to protect the rights of women in these communities.
Conclusion
Despite its challenges, secularism remains a cornerstone of India's democratic framework. It ensures that the state remains neutral in religious matters, promoting harmony and unity in a diverse society. The broad view of secularism in India is not just about the separation of religion and state but also about respecting and protecting the cultural and religious diversity of its people
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