Ambedkar’s Preamble and the Essence of Secularism in India

Ambedkar’s decision not to include the word 'Secular' in the Preamble of India's Constitution has sparked significant debate and discussion. Some argue that this decision was strategic and reflects the deep-rooted nature of secularism in Indian society, while others contend that it is a reflection of a more fundamental belief in India as a Hindu nation.

Secularism in Indian Society

Secularism is often described as a dirty word, a concept that many feel does not accurately represent the essence of Indian culture and tradition. This perception originates from the rich tapestry of Indian society, where the practice of various religions coexists without needing explicit mention in the legal framework. The word 'Secular' is not found in any legal dictionary on Earth, and it is argued that this is because it is already embodied in daily practices and traditions. For example, breathing is not a duty but a natural necessity, and blinking occurs instinctively in response to external stimuli. In this sense, a republic that is inherently dharmik (religious or moral) does not require an explicit declaration of secular principles.

The Role of Ambedkar in the Constitution

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of India's Constitution, understood the nuances of the Indian society well. He did not feel the necessity to include the word 'Secular' in the Preamble because the spirit of secularism was already embedded in the constitution through other means. This was a strategic decision, as India is a seeking religion that contains all the postulates of other religions. Hinduism, in essence, includes all future and present religious concepts, making it a synthesis of all belief systems.

The One Failed Attempt at Secularism

There has been only one failed attempt to introduce the word 'Secular' in the Preamble, which was attempted by Indira Nehru and subsequently declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. This reinforces the notion that the word 'Secular' is not merely a legal term but a concept that requires a deeper understanding of the Indian social fabric.

India: A Hindu Nation

India is often described as a Hindu nation, a term that highlights the dominant cultural and religious identity. While the Constitution guarantees the freedom of religion and the right to practice any religion, it is argued that this does not make India a secular nation. The word 'Secular' was inserted in the preamble of other countries for a reason - mainly because their societal structures and historical contexts demand it. However, India's unique history and cultural identity make it inherently dharmik, or Hindu, and not secular.

The Context of Partition

India was partitioned on the basis of religion, with the primary motivation being to create a separate country for Muslims. This partition was a reaction to the fear of becoming a religious minority within a predominantly Hindu nation. Therefore, it would be illogical for Muslims to now claim that Muslims of foreign origin will be excluded. They chose to separate precisely because they could not coexist as a religious minority in a predominantly Hindu country.

Conclusion

Ambedkar and the founding fathers of India embedded the essence of secularism in the Constitution through its dharmik framework. The word 'Secular' is deeply rooted in Indian culture and does not need explicit mention in the Preamble. India is a nation that respects the freedom of religion but is fundamentally a Hindu nation, a fact that should be acknowledged and respected.