There are those who invoke Secularism in the context of State policy and others who expect common citibzens to be ‘secular.’

The first bunch of Secularists demand, or at least they ought to call for, absolute separation of religion from State affairs or any instance of factoring in of the Religious subscription of citizens before the State extends its punitive or welfare policies to them.

So, why wouldn’t these champions oppose subsidy to Haj pilgrims ? Or protest Hindu Temple Endowment Act, which empowers the State to usurp all donations and the right to adminiter them ? Or fight for return of vast tracts of land leased to Church all over the country ? Or the more recent RTE Act, which makes it mandatory for Hindu educational institutions to reserve 25% of admission for students fron economically weaker sections of society, at considerably subsided fee ? All of these associate State policy with religion.

The second group of secularists expect people to be practically a-religious, or so they would have to be if they were to be logically consistent in their attempt at being truly secular. Nobody can be personally secular without obliterating every trace of religious affinity or belief in his values system.

Is that even possible, especially in a nation of deeply spiritual people, who engage at a dozen religious observations through the year and several personal rites through one’s lifetime ? There are 800 million Hindus, 200 million Muslims, and another 200 million of other denominations, all of whom are guaranteed their right to freedom of religious practice and belief, by their choice. Who would change the fundamental tenet of Constitution, and how ?

It is not my case that secularism must cover itself in these dire dilemmas and absurdities. A simple scenario of religious freedom to individuals in their own personal space and strictly enforced uniform civil code for every behaviour involving other people, even within family, would greatly harmonise our societies everywhere.

But weren’t we speaking of Indian secularists ? They are our liberals, intellectuals, politicians, as it happens. Their motivation is lust, not harmony.