Seminars

Date : January 16, 1993

Subject : Secularism and National Solidarity

Location : Hyderabad

Welcome Address

Mr. M.V. Narayana Rao, President A.P. Chapter

Mr. K. Vijaya Bhasker Reddy, Chief Minister, A.P.

Swamy Ranganathanandaji

Mr. Virendar Mohan Trehan, President, FANS

Mr. B.S. Dittia

Secularism is an essential element of our Constitutional ideals.
Both as a concept and as an ideal, Secularism has raised a great deal of controversy in the country.
In very broad and widely recognized ways a liberal democratic secular state follows some essential principles -the principle of liberty (freedom to its citizens to practice any religion), the principle of equality (state does not prefer one religion to another) and the principle of neutrality (the state does not participate in the affairs of any religious organizations or groups).
We therefore have to define Secularism in terms of our own cultural values, traditions and deep religious beliefs.
We have to develop our own model and paradigm of Secularism.
The need in our country is that religion should not be allowed to be used for political purposes.
To achieve this certain new laws and conventions will need to be enacted and developed to bring about the desirable reforms.
For this purpose a constructive national dialogue which has the broadest possible base is required.
The clear aim is that our diversity has to be constantly enriched even as our unity is strengthened.