• SARBANI SARKAR

The term ‘secular’ refers to detachment from religion or the absence of a religious foundation. The philosophy of ‘Secularism’ recognises life without resort to religion. Under the Western concept of secularism, the State and religion are separated, and the State believes in absolute non-interference with religion. However, Indian secularism differs in that the state is neutral toward all religious organizations but not necessarily separate. Secularism in India means that the state will have no official religion, there will be no religious discrimination, and every individual would have equal freedom under the right to religion. Here, state neutrality, non-discrimination, and religious freedom are not enough religious tolerance is also important. It is not about ‘achieving secularism’. Rather, it is about safeguarding and regulating secularism by implementing mechanisms, because Indian society is naturally secular. So, proactive role of the State is significant. The state must provide mechanisms to promote religious brotherhood, including religious tolerance. It’s not that one community coexisting with another. Rather, it is about both coexisting and valuing to each other in order to build fraternity. Fraternity cannot be imposed, but can be encouraged, and so the State must encourage mutual respect amongst religious communities by taking appropriate steps. This paper focuses on the constitutional philosophy and ideals relating to religious freedom that lead to secularism in the sense that it promotes fraternity and harmony among the people, as well as the journey from secularism to fraternity and from fraternity to unity and integrity which the State strives to achieve.

Secular, Secularism, Fraternity, religious harmony, religious tolerance, freedom of religion, right to religion.

"The True Facets of Secularism in India - Tolerance & Fraternity", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.9, Issue 1, page no.c511-c514, January-2022, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2201268.pdf

"The True Facets of Secularism in India - Tolerance & Fraternity", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.9, Issue 1, page no. ppc511-c514, January-2022, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2201268.pdf