Hindus have been taught a false definition of secularism, know the true definition

On 2 November 1976, under the 42nd Amendment of the Constitution, India was declared a secular, that is, panthanirpeksha (sect-neutral), nation. And ever since, politics in the name of secularism began quite openly. Leaders of political parties interpreted secularism according to their own convenience to allure the public, yet none of it was reflected in their conduct. For this very reason, the majority of Hindus never understood the correct definition of secularism.

Today, the majority of Hindu society believes that secularism means Hindus must live in India by becoming secular, that is, dharmanirpeksha (dharma-neutral), whereas this is simply not the case. The misfortune is that they do not even consider how such a thing is possible. For an individual to observe his own dharma and panth (sect or religious path), and at the same time remain panthanirpeksha, is an outright contradiction. This is precisely the flawed definition of secularism that has been fed to Hindus.

Shri Jitender Khurana

Dharmanirpeksha means not taking the side of any dharma. When an individual is a Hindu, he naturally becomes an adherent of Hindu dharma. How, then, can he be dharmanirpeksha—that is, detached from the cause of any dharma? Every Hindu is an adherent of Hindu dharma, because this right has been granted to us by the Constitution itself.

The pure meaning of secularism is the separation of state and religion—that is, the distinct demarcation between the state and religion. To put it in plain words: religion shall not interfere in any manner with the state, that is, the government of the nation, and the government shall view all religions with an equal eye when formulating its policies. All citizens shall possess equal rights, and no one shall be deemed superior or inferior on the basis of religion.

This also means that every individual shall observe his faith with pride. It must be understood that everyone will follow their own dharma. When everyone follows their respective dharma, they can hardly be dharmanirpeksha or panthanirpeksha.

Furthermore, while all citizens will observe their own faith, they will also respect other panths and sampradayas (traditional lineages). Respecting other panths and sampradayas does not mean adopting their practices as well. They will practice only their own dharma, which is Hindu dharma, but will simultaneously look upon other panths and sampradayas with respect.

Therefore, when I say that I am proud to be a Hindu, I am merely upholding the Constitution, for the Constitution has guaranteed me these rights. Likewise, when I state that I am not dharmanirpeksha or panthanirpeksha, I am still upholding the Constitution, because it is the state—the government of the nation—that must be sect-neutral, not I, nor any individual citizen.

Therefore, let all Hindus say with pride from this day forward:

“I am proudly Hindu, and I am neither panthanirpeksha nor dharmanirpeksha.”

It is my dream that this correct definition of secularism reaches every Hindu, and that the 100 crore Hindus of this nation proclaim with pride that they are proud to be Hindu and are neither panthanirpeksha nor dharmanirpeksha.

This is a vital subject for Hindu awakening. It was for this reason that I hosted a Facebook Live video on the topic. May all readers watch it and carry the message to every individual.