Are tolerance, assimilation and pluralism the key elements in the making of an Indian form of secularism? Justify your answer. (250 words) [2022]

Secularism in India is a unique concept that promotes religious harmony and equality among diverse communities. It is shaped by three key concepts: tolerance, assimilation, and pluralism.

Tolerance: This refers to accepting and respecting the varied religious and cultural beliefs within a society without prejudice.
- In India, tolerance is reflected in its ethos of ‘Sarva Dharma Sambhava’, meaning all religions are equal. This principle is enshrined in its constitution, allowing the practice of diverse religions without fear of persecution.
- For instance, the allowance of religious processions, and festivals of various religions to be celebrated openly reflects India’s tolerance.
Assimilation: This means integrating diverse groups into a unified whole.
- The Indian culture has historically assimilated various cultural and religious influences, from the Indus Valley civilization to the Mughal era and the British rule. This is seen in the confluence of Indo-Islamic architecture like the Qutub Minar and the fusion of Indian and Western musical traditions in Bollywood.
- India’s secularism is underpinned by this capacity to assimilate and absorb different cultural influences, reflecting a complex but cohesive societal fabric.
Pluralism: It is the existence of multiple distinct cultures, traditions, or groups in a single society, with mutual respect and harmony.
- India, with its numerous languages, religions, and cultures, is an epitome of pluralism. The pluralistic aspect is fundamental to Indian secularism, as it denotes the coexistence of different faiths and cultures.
- An example is the city of Varanasi, where one can see a mosque, a temple, and a church in close proximity, symbolizing harmonious coexistence.

Conclusion: Indian secularism is a product of tolerance, assimilation, and pluralism, reflecting a mosaic of diverse yet co-existing religious and cultural expressions. The success of Indian secularism hinges on these elements, striking a balance between respecting individual religious rights and promoting a unified national identity. Therefore, these concepts not only form the core of Indian secularism but also represent the larger Indian societal ethos.