[ PAPER ID: 72904 ] THE CRUX OF INDIAN SECULARISM - GANDHIAN UNIVERSALISM AND THE SECULAR STATE
ARTICLE INFO: Date of Submission: Dec 30, 2025, Revised: Jan 7, 2026, Accepted: Jan 12, 2026, CrossRef D.O.I : https://doi.org/10.56815/ijmrr.v5i1.2026.49-58, HOW TO CITE: Roy Krishna (2026). The Crux of Indian Secularism - Gandhian Universalism and the Secular State. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research & Reviews, 5(1), 49-58.
Abstract
Gandhian secularism views the state as religiously neutral, protecting all faiths equally, while emphasizing that religion is a personal matter for spiritual growth, not political power. It promotes sarva dharma samabhava (equal respect for all religions), advocating for a pluralistic India where different faiths coexist harmoniously, fostering an inclusive culture rooted in ethics, tolerance, and unity, rather than a separation of religion from public life. Unlike Western models that often advocate for a strict separation or even secularization (removal of religion from public life), Gandhi sought integration of ethical values from all religions into public life and governance, viewing religion as essential for a moral society, not a hindrance. In essence, Gandhi envisioned a secular India that wasn't anti-religious but rather religiously tolerant, emphasizing universal ethics and mutual respect over dogma, making it a unique model for multicultural societies. Key Principles of Gandhian Secularism comprise of a) State Neutrality: The state should be secular, ensuring freedom of religion for all citizens without showing preference or promoting any single faith, b) Religion as Personal: Religion is a private, spiritual pursuit, separate from statecraft, though deeply intertwined with morality and ethics, c) Sarva Dharma Sambhava: Equal respect and tolerance for all religions; no religion holds a monopoly on truth, leading to mutual respect, d) Unity in Diversity: A vision for India where all communities (Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Parsis, etc.) belong equally and live together, forming a composite nation, e) Spiritual Politics: While separating the state from religion, Gandhi believed politics should be guided by spiritual and ethical principles (dharma) for the welfare of all (Sarvodaya), f) Interfaith Harmony: Encouraging dialogue and understanding between faiths, not conversion, to build bridges and reduce conflict, as seen in his friendships and public prayers.
