Debunking Misconceptions: Ram Mandir, Secularism, Preamble, and Constitutional Values
Seems like those who are sharing The Preamble as a mark of protest against Shri Ram Pran Pratishtha ceremony knows nothing about the Preamble, or the Constitution, or Secularism itself.
People are arguing that the construction of Ram Mandir goes against the ‘Secular’ ideals of Preamble. My question to them - was India not secular before 1976, the year when the word was added? Bharat was secular long before the concept was even emerged, but just for the sake of the argument, let’s not delve into the history here.
The Constitution, through Art 25 to Art 28, makes India a secular nation. So, if a large sect of the population is exercising their fundamental rights, how does it threaten the secular ideals of the Preamble? Mind you that the Mandir is built after the orders of the Supreme Court, following the Constitution, and the ideals enshrined in the Preamble.
People are also using the words of the Preamble like ‘Justice’, ‘Liberty’, ‘Equality’, and ‘Fraternity’ to support their baseless agenda. In a welfare state set-up, these words refer to Socio-economic Democracy, which is backed by Political Democracy (‘Sovereign’, ‘Socialist’, ‘Secular’, ‘Democratic’, ‘Republic’).
You tell me, how does the second largest majority do not enjoy socio-economic democracy? Is the State discriminating against them through its laws or policies? Did the State pass the RamJanmabhoomi Judgement? Is the State interfering in their religious aspects? The answer is No!
On the contrary, one can make a solid case that when it comes to practicing religion and personal faith, the second largest majority have more rights (no State control over mosques, but there is State control over temples; the absence of a Uniform Civil Code).
Lastly, the Shri Ram Pran Pratishtha ceremony was a ‘Religious’ event. Therefore, by definition, something religious can not be secular. How can you apply secular logic to a religious event? Would you tolerate if religious logic be applied to something secular?
Now, some might say, if it was a religious event, then how can a politician/PM can take part? The answer is simple – construction of Ram Mandir was in BJP’s manifesto. They promised it to the voters. Is there anything wrong in fulfilling promises? PM Modi is also the supremo of BJP, and more importantly, Ram Mandir is an important religious cause for him too. Does he not have the right to exercise his fundamental rights, and practice his faith? He is also a citizen of Bharat.
If it was a religious event which was not secular in nature, then why people questioning it on secular grounds is wrong?