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SECULARISM NEWS

Indian Army, religion in Army, secularism

If a young officer is not part of his troops in every way, they are unlikely to follow him into danger

November 28, 2025 4:21 pm

The inculcation of religion and religious practice provides soldiers with a moral and ethical framework, fosters a sense of purpose, and helps build hope and resilience against stress, trauma, and the rigours of combat

An officer or a believer? What I learnt about faith and duty in 40 years in the Indian Army

November 27, 2025 8:23 am

As a young company commander and a Commanding Officer (CO), I would ensure every operation began and ended with a short gathering at a small makeshift temple constructed by the troops. Not because it was my ritual — but because it was ours

George Jacob Holyoake and the Indian Constitution: How secularism was born and travelled the world

July 16, 2025 11:31 am

Amid a renewed debate over removing the word ‘secular’ from the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, a look at the term secularism and its conflicting relationship with religion.

India’s secular Constitution, even without the word

What makes the Indian Constitution 'secular', even without the word in the Preamble

July 01, 2025 11:46 am

The 42nd Amendment introduced the word ‘secular’ in the Preamble. But secularism is inherent in the Constitution, a theme that runs through several provisions.

I do not know whether secularism is dead and India has finally become a Hindu Rashtra. But all those who believe in secularism and the Constitution seem to be in deep slumber. (Illustration by C R Sasikumar)

Current government has abdicated on secularism. But so have those who believe in it

March 29, 2025 11:07 am

I do not know whether secularism is dead and India has finally become a Hindu Rashtra. But all those who believe in secularism and the Constitution seem to be in deep slumber.

What does secularism mean in Bangladesh, a country where Islam is the state religion?

January 17, 2025 7:30 pm

A Constitution Reform Commission has recommended that secularism, along with nationalism and socialism, should be removed from the preamble of Bangladesh’s constitution. Can the concepts of a state religion and secularism coexist?

Light in darkness: At last, there is hope for Indian secularism

December 19, 2024 4:58 pm

By staying suits on ownership and title of religious places of worship, the Supreme Court has shielded the Places of Worship Act from subversive obliteration. It is a moment that demands reflection and celebration, as the Court takes a stand not just for the law, but for the values that make India unique in the world — values of coexistence, respect, and unity.

Tavleen Singh writes: It is time secularism is brought back into play as a valid and fine idea

December 08, 2024 10:17 pm

But can this happen now that ordinary Hindus behave like holy warriors? On social media, while writing this piece, I spotted a video of a Hindu teenager beating three small Muslim children with a slipper and ordering them to say Jai Shree Ram.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi speak as they campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha Polls. (PTI Photos)

Congress’ three tactics — socialism, secularism, paranoia — and why they don’t work against the BJP

April 27, 2024 11:19 am

Inheritance law controversy, recent comments by PM Modi on Congress can be pieced together to read between the lines in the Congress’ manifesto. Unlike BJP, the party has no new vision to offer

What made the CAA such a cynical exercise was its ideological alignment with another ominous project, the NRC. (PTI Photo)

Pratap Bhanu Mehta writes: With CAA Rules, excluding minorities by stealth

March 14, 2024 10:24 am

At some point, the SC will awaken from its slumber and fully consider the complex issues involved in the CAA. But for now, the government gets to fulfill its promise, and use it as an election talking point, while throwing cold water over the apprehensions of an NRC being used to disenfranchise citizens