What are the challenges to our cultural practices in the name of Secularism?. (UPSC GS Paper 1 2019)
Secularism is concerned with Freedom to practice one’s faith or belief without harming others’ or to change it or not have one according to one’s own conscience. Ideology of secularism basically works on the principle of equality so that our religious beliefs or lack of them doesn’t put any of us at an advantage or a disadvantage. India is undergoing a major change in its cultural values due to secular values creeping into everyday practices of the citizens. These values not only alter personal lifestyles but also social lifestyle.
The challenges to our cultural practices
- Stopping of festival practices
Many secular forces have been trying to undermine religious practices especially festive ones citing it to be against secular spirit of India. Due to such forces, ancient festivities that hold great cultural significance are slowly being eroded.
Ex: Worshipping of animals and plants are considered offensive.
- Hinderance in mode of worshiping
India is a highly diverse society where multiple reliogions co-exist along with unique modes of worship. Being secular does not mean stopping of worshipping practices, instead it must be freedom to practice any mode of worship without any fears.
- Effects on food culture
Hurting religious feelings of one particular group in the name of secular credentials is highly unwarranted. It can be in the form of consuming foods just to prove a point. This can also trigger conflicts between religious groups.
- Effects on family values
Indian traditional family values focus on respecting elders, belief in stronger marital ties, maintaining family bonds etc. Secular beliefs have tried to undermine these values considering them as medieval and backward. This has created a sense of illusion in mind of new generation regarding these values.
Thus, all we can observe from the above arguments is that, following cultural practices are considered to be against Indian secularism, which is highly untrue. Instead Indian values provide space for existence of all kinds of practices and beliefs, without discrimination.
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