secular and democracy are words that have meanings that widely vary. I remember in the 1980's a lot of preachers in the US were going nuts about the US becoming secular (which it it is and has been for 200 years).
But in the meaning that most intelligent persons use for secular (not having view are laws based on religion) and democracy (a system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives), India is indeed a secular democracy for the most part. However, there are some vestiges of the influnce of Hindus in the constitution, that need to be eliminated. See http://www.outlookindia.com/article/Why-India-Is-Not-A-Secular-State/239584
In the US, we have the same fights over the Ten Commandments, Christmas displays, and currently in "conservative" states laws that allow folks to practice discrimination based on "religious" beliefs. An Lord help a Muslum try to arrange a political rally on the capitol grounds (as happened here in Texas a few weeks ago, and an idiot came in shouting their view of Salvation to the muslims over the PA system.
Such is life amoung bigots. Yes, I would call India a secular democracy, but it has some issues it needs to grow out of in favoring Hindus.
Is India a secular democracy?
This isn't a homework question or anything this is just something I was wondering.
1 answer