Originally posted by: SValeCalGal
The western definition of "secularism" is when the State and public policies take precedence over religious considerations. In other words, in the West, there is a separation of church and state. But most Indians, including their leaders, have their own self-serving bizarre definitions. One often cited goes like this: "equal treatment of all the religions by the State." Is that a desirable goal? If it is then how can any State achieve such a goal?
In the Indian context, I suppose the easiest way for the State to treat all religions "equally" would be to "get into" every religion equally and if need be, somehow proclaim all religions are one and a part of Hinduism -- therefore making everyone in India a Hindu. This is precisely what is happening in India. Since everyone is a Hindu, the leadership expects a response in kind. It usually shows in an intellectually flawed population which has stamped itself with a bogus notion echoed in the buzzword called sameness. This is an expression erroneously viewed as synonymous with equality.
OK ... so I've been touting and spewing falsehoods! Indeed, India is not a 'secular' country!! And why should the word be defined by 'Western' standards??!! For CRYIN' out loud, 'Secular' is a word in the 'English' language!!! English has its origins in the West!!! If that word is used, then adherence to its concept is unquestionable!!
SaNiCo - What I have read in your link is HORRIFYING!!!! The Indian 'Supreme Court' comes off as only SUPREMELY uninformed, unenlightened, and STUPID!!! The constitution needs to be rewritten in its entirety!!! I cannot believe that 'Hindus' are given such free rein even while the definition of the term is nebulous beyond belief!! Why did I think Nehru ought to have known better than to have been responsible for this travesty?!!
Third Standpoint: Addressing the often asked insidious philosophic question as to what is the "ultimate goal of humanity," the Court answered, "It is release and freedom from the unceasing cycle of births and rebirths'."
This is sufficient to show that the Indian S.C. is made up of people incapable of even a shred of critical thought!! And we complain that the US Supreme Court is wanting in certain respects!
No wonder the majority tyrannize the minorities! They have the full sanction of the state!!! That's SCARY!!!
I am now even more offended by that Hanuman monstrosity that used to be shown at the start of KB!!! I always wondered about how the State could have allowed such an open violation of their professed 'secularism'!!! There is no organization such as the NAACP in India that could even challenge the constitution??!!
I think there is all of 1 person on the KB 'production' team who is a non-Hindu ... Wow!!
I vote (and reiterate - per my first discussion about this on 'Debate Mansion') for a real clamp down on religious reference of any kind on TV!
Teachings such as peaceful co-existence, high morals, high ethical values, and respect for fellow humans are integral to any true religion.
Hmmm ... no wonder there IS no 'true religion'! This fellow is as naive as naive goes! He ought to read up on some of the 'fundamental' tenets of ANY religion only to find strife fully sanctioned! Here's one place where I disagree vehemently with the author!