Letter published on July 9, 2025 in The Hans India
Why do intellectuals who argue for or against secularism not realise its basic historical roots? Secularism was a solution specifically designed for Christianity, applicable to a particular region (Europe) and period (the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries), during which various Christian denominations were in conflict and the State separated from the Church. While it proved to be a fairly successful solution, its original intent was not to serve as a universal solution for handling pluralism across all cultures and times. Intellectuals often overlook the significant stress on the secularism model in Europe today, as the continent struggles to cope with the massive influx of Islam. Similarly, in India, polarisation and friction between the two main religious groups are only increasing, despite strictly adhering to secularism as a guiding principle for handling India’s diversity. India has managed its pluralism more effectively than any other culture throughout history, and it is preferable to examine these successful solutions rather than focus on a solution that appears to be failing globally, particularly in India.
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