Secularism can not be a private property of the atheists. This highly misused terminology is being questioned by the minorities as well as by the Sanghis. Unfortunately, if this word is removed from the Indian Constitution, the most affected will be the minorities in India. Therefore it is too important for the minorities in India to hold on to the word secularism even if it is not clearly defined and spelt out. As far as the left and progressive sections are concerned, the perception is: if you are a believer in Islam or Christianity, you can not be called `secular’! Even the translation of this word in Malayalam gives a meaning of `detachment from religions’. If you look at various communal riots in India, people from diverse faiths have come forward to support and help the riot victims. These sections can easily be called Hindu secular, Muslim secular or Christian secular people. Even if you believe in any religion, you can respect diversity and express respect others of different faiths. In between, you can respect the convictions of atheists also, since it is the smallest minority community india, not yet collectively demanding the `minority rights’. And at least a section of this smallest minority has also stood up with the victims and survivors of different communal rights in India. Right now, the real problem for all is to redefine the word `secularism’ rather than throwing it into the waste basket. If you do that, nobody will be able to save either the religious people or the atheists! Thanks to the discussion initiated by Meena Kandasami. K.P. Sasi
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