Secularism Test - 1

All secular states have one thing in common: they are neither theocratic nor do they establish a religion.

This secularism was not about principled distance from organised religion, instead it involved, active intervention in and suppression of, religion. This version of secularism was propounded and practised by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. 

Indian secularism allows for principled state intervention in all religions. Such intervention betrays disrespect to some aspects of every religion. 

India is often cited as an example of a secular state.

In 1928, the new Turkish alphabet (in a modified Latin form) was adopted.

If the group which voted for the politician does not get any benefit from this act, then surely the politician must be blamed.  If secular politicians who sought the votes of minorities also manage to give them what they want, then this is a success of the secular project which aims, after all, to also protect the interests of the minorities.

One way of preventing religious discrimination is to work together for mutual enlightenment. Education is another way of helping to change the mindset of people.

Similarly, the state cannot aid any religious institution. It cannot give financial support to educational institutions run by religious communities. Nor can it hinder the activities of religious communities, as long as they are within the broad limits set by the law of the land. 

The Taliban-controlled state, lacking separation between religious and political institutions, are known for their hierarchies, and oppressions, and reluctance to allow freedom of religion to members of other religious groups.

Secularism means to be 'separate' from religion, which is a crucial feature of a democracy. It means the separation of religion from the state.