Senguptas column is remarkable for its clarity and relevance to the present days political environment of deceit and opportunism. He has cogently explained the core meaning of the word secularism by saying that a diverse multi-religious, multi-community society like in India can call itself secular only if its citizens are all treated equally under the law, regardless of their faith. We must ensure that no one can cite religious norms to promote practices, which violate basic human values and dignity. I take that to mean that there should be only one set laws for all Indians, otherwise called the Uniform Civil Code.
The desired characteristic of secularism of the Republic has been twisted out of shape to suit political objectives. It was possible to do so because of the largely uneducated and illiterate masses that could be convinced by appealing to their emotions rather than rationale. The repeated use of the word has only tended to put distance between the communities rather than bringing them together to forge an integrated society.
Political expediency almost always works to the detriment of the fabric of the society.
