2. INTRODUCTION
❑ India is a secular country and secularism is a
specific characteristic of the constitution of India.
❑ All religions like— Hindu, Muslims, Sikhs,
Buddhists, Jains and Christians have freedom to
practise their own religion.
❑ Secularism in education means making public
education free from any religious dominance,
especially in its learning environment.
3. ❑ The term “SECULARISM” has been derived from the
Latin word, “SAECULUM” meaning “THIS PRESENT
AGE” or “THIS PRESENT GENERATION”.
❑ GEORGE JACOB HOLYOAKE (a British secularist)
first used the word ‘Secularism’ in 19th century.
❑ The Indian concept of secularism is expressed in the
following often quoted principles—
“Sarva-dharma-sambhava”— Equal regard for all
faiths and creeds.
“Ekam Sat, Viprah Bahudha Vadanti”— God is one,
wise men call him by different names.
MEANING OF SECULARISM
4. DEFINITION OF SECULARISM
❑ According to HOLYOAKE— “Secularism is a system
which seeks the development of physical, moral and
intellectual nature of man to the highest possible point
as the immediate duty of life.”
❑ According to pluralistic view— “Secularism is an
attitude of accepting all religions rather than rejecting
any or all religions.”
5. The idea Secularism is one of the fundamental aspect of
the Indian has no national religion and it provides all
religions with equal opportunities.
❑ According to Dr. SARVAPALLI RADHAKRISHNAN—
“By being secular is not meant being irreligious or
following the path of narrow religion, rather it is meant
to be completely spiritual.”
❑ According to MAHATMA GANDHI— “ The soul of
religion is one but it is engaged in a multitude of forms.
Wise men will ignore the outward crust and see the
same soul living under a variety of crusts”.
INDIAN CONCEPT OF SECULARISM
6. CHARACTERISTICS OF SECULARISM
❑ It treats all religions equally, though their paths of
realising their goals may be different.
❑ It encourages rational thinking and understanding.
❑ Mutual co-existence of all religions without any
hatred or bias against anyone.
❑ It encourages moral and spiritual values.
❑ Equal opportunities in education, employment,
business and economic benefits irrespective of religion.
7. AIMS OF EDUCATION IN CONTEXT OF
SECULARISM
❑ Democratic value
❑ Moral outlook
❑ Humanitarianism
❑ Scientific temper
❑ Pluralistic outlook
❑ Rational attitude
❑ Development of a wider vision
❑ Attitude of appreciation and understanding of
others point of view
8. CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISION AND
SECULARISM
With the 42nd Amendment of the Constitution of
India enacted in 1976, the Preamble to the Constitution
asserted that India is a secular nation.
Article 15: Prohibition of discrimination on grounds of
religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.
Article 25(1): Freedom of conscience.
Article 27: Exemption from the payment of taxes.
Article 28: Freedom as to attendance at religious
instruction or religious worship in certain educational
institutions
9. NEED OF SECULAR EDUCATION IN INDIA
❑ India is a multi religious and culturally varied society
❑ Equality, liberty, fraternity, national outlook and
international understanding need to be propagated
❑ We need secular education due to the erosion of
values, narrow mindedness, selfishness etc.
❑ To train the youth to be good citizens.
❑ To inculcate in the youth social, moral and cultural
values.
❑ To fulfill the requirements of democratic India.
10. WAYS OF PROMOTING SECULARISM
THROUGH SCHOOL PROGRAMME
❑ Celebrate social events and youth festivals
❑ Conduct integration camps
❑ Arrange seminars, talks about world peace, communal
harmony
❑ Teach lessons about great saints who sacrificed their
lives for the cause of national or social well being