Learning Objectives
- Understand the unique model of Secularism in India, which involves inter-religious and intra-religious equality, state intervention for social reform, and protection of minority rights.
- Analyze the Western Model of Secularism, focusing on the strict separation of religion and state and the emphasis on individual rights.
- Examine the forms of Inter-religious and Intra-religious Domination that secularism opposes, including discrimination and persecution based on religious identity.
- Explore the concept of Principled Distance in Indian secularism, which allows the state to engage or disengage with religion as necessary to promote equality and freedom.
- Evaluate the Criticisms of Indian Secularism, such as being anti-religious, a Western import, promoting minoritism, being interventionist, and encouraging vote bank politics.
- Identify the characteristics of a Secular State, including the separation of religious and political institutions and the absence of a state religion.
- Analyze Kemal Ataturk's Secularism in Turkey, characterized by active state intervention and suppression of religion.
- Understand Nehru's Vision of Secularism in India, which included protection of all religions without favoring any and opposition to communalism.