AFTER the independence of the Indian subcontinent, India’s founding leaders envisioned a nation where religion would not become an obstacle to any citizen’s nationality, rights or progress. They promised equal rights to followers of all religions. However, over the past several years, international organizations, human rights groups and independent observers have repeatedly pointed out that religious minorities in India, particularly Muslims, have been subjected to discrimination, hate-driven incidents and violence. Numerous events have attracted global attention, including mob violence, hate speeches based on religion, disputes over places of worship and bulldozer demolitions in certain states. Various human rights organizations have questioned whether life has become increasingly difficult for minorities, especially Muslims and members of other religious communities, in India.
The identity of any country is defined not only by its constitution but also by its conduct in practice. If equality is guaranteed in the constitution but the reality on the ground is different, serious questions naturally arise. Constitutional principles remain mere words until they are reflected in the daily lives of society. Unfortunately, in recent years, growing religious polarization and extremism have contributed to lawlessness, inequality, injustice and intolerance.
Today, not only South Asia but also the wider international community is asking whether India truly upholds the secular philosophy it promised its people at the time of in-dependence. According to this perspective, the answer is no.
Following the Partition of 1947, India adopted a state structure in which religion was not meant to dominate state affairs. Over time, however, the nature of politics changed. Religious identity gradually became an important factor in electoral politics, while certain forms of nationalism reopened debate over the idea of a secular state. Critics argue that the greatest impact of this shift has been on religious minorities, particularly Muslims.
On the other hand, the Indian government consistently maintains before the international community that the rule of law prevails in India, all citizens are equal and no one is discriminated against on the basis of religion. According to this viewpoint, the reality is different. The credibility of any democracy depends not only on official statements but also on whether ordinary citizens feel secure. If a religious or ethnic group increasingly feels unsafe, government assurances lose their significance. From this perspective, life is becoming increasingly difficult for minorities, especially Muslims, in India.
At the same time, millions of people within India including intellectuals, journalists, judges, social activists and ordinary citizens continue to raise their voices in defense of the spirit of the Constitution, religious harmony and democratic values. The need of the hour, according to this view, is for India to implement its constitutional commitments more effectively, discourage religious hatred, ensure the equal application of the law and create an environment where every citizen, regardless of religion, feels equal and secure.
Secularism is not merely a constitutional term; it is a measure of a state’s character. If equality remains confined to the pages of books and justice begins to weigh citizens according to their religious identity, then secularism becomes not a principle but merely a claim.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Faisalabad.
