Nationalism, Some times I think about the word Nationalism and secularism. What is necessary for a nation, Nationalism or Secularism?
A man who is devotee for his nation by physically, monetary and mentally, he thought that nation is first and other things are nothing in front of nation, he always thinks what is the best for the nation. This act should be the nationalism. In its simplest sense, nationalism is the devotion to the interests or culture of a particular nation. Nationalism represents an ideology and movement on behalf of the nation and incorporates both political and cultural dimensions. Actually nationalism is the common bond which holds the people of a nation together.
And what is secularism? Secularism means “Sarva Dharma Samabhav” (all religions are equal). It’s a beautiful phrase. Secularism is normally defined as something that has nothing to do with religion. Secularism as a modern political and constitutional principle involves two basic propositions.
The first is that people belonging to different faiths and sections of society are equal before the law, the Constitution and government policy.
The second requirement is that there can be no mixing up of religion and politics. It follows therefore that there can be no discrimination against anyone on the basis of religion or faith nor is there room for the hegemony of one religion or majority religious sentiments and aspirations.
In the case of India, India is a secular country but the Indian definition is that of mainstream political parties, a significant section of the media as well as a small but influential section of educated or intellectual people has changed over the years to mean anything that is anti Hinduism.
Now a question arises that what is the best for a nation, Secularism or Nationalism. Can a national thought always be a secular thought? Can Secularism and Nationalism go together in India?
Whenever we thought about secularism then always come in our mind religion but when we thought about nationalism than only nation comes in our mind not the religion.
Secularism is a dream word but it’s divided to the society in to two or more than two parts. But Nationalism always bound to the people for the nation.
It may be possible a country can not be survive by the secular thought, but by the national thoughts country must make progress, such as Japan, China, America and other developed countries.
If we read the preamble of our Indian constitution, that we will find that initially the word SECULAR was not in the preamble. The original drafting used the words “SOVEREIGN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC”. The two additional words “SOCIALIST” and SECULAR were introduced by the controversial 42nd amendment. The amendment was pushed through by Indira Gandhi in 1976, when she had dictatorial powers. For the Consideration, I am giving the preamble of the Indian Constitution.
WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens:
JUSTICE, social, economic and political;
LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;
EQUALITY of status and of opportunity;
and to promote among them all
FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation.
It has also proved that there is no need of secularism and it has not fulfilled the thoughts of a strong nation. For Example a strong nation always need a Common Civil Code for the people and our Constitution has also provision in article 44.
As per article 44, Uniform civil code for the citizens. The State shall endeavor to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India.
But for the secularism our politicians always opposed it, and we are waiting for the implementation of article 44 of the constitution. Now the Question arises, What is necessary for a Healthy nation Nationalism or Secularism or Both?
