Secularism and Bharat's Dharma-Centric Foundation: Governor R.N. Ravi's Perspective

Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi discussed the concept of secularism, emphasizing that it is a European notion formed from conflicts between the church and state. He argued that Bharat, being a dharma-centric nation, did not initially include secularism in its Constitution until it was added during the Emergency by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi has scrutinized the concept of secularism, describing it as a European construct developed out of historical church-state conflicts. Addressing attendees in Kanyakumari district, Ravi argued that India, known as Bharat, is grounded in a dharma-centric philosophy and thus, secularism was originally absent from its Constitution.

Ravi alleged that secularism was introduced into India's Constitution during the Emergency period (1975-77) by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to appease certain sections of society. He claimed that at the time of independence, the Constituent Assembly had rejected secularism, recognizing the nation as inherently dharma-centric with no historical church-state conflicts akin to Europe.

The Governor reiterated his stance, citing Assembly discussions that concluded India's unique cultural and religious harmony did not necessitate adopting secularism. According to Ravi, secularism was thrust upon the country during a period of political insecurity, modifying an otherwise dharma-focused national framework.

(With inputs from agencies.)