In recent years, social media platforms in India have seen a surge in right-wing voices, many of whom proudly label themselves as “ex-secular” or reject liberalism outright. These terms—liberalism and secularism—are often thrown around as buzzwords, vilified without a clear understanding of what they actually mean. For some, they’ve become synonymous with weakness, appeasement, or a betrayal of Indian values. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Liberalism and secularism are not just abstract ideals; they are foundational principles that have shaped India’s diverse, vibrant democracy and remain essential for its unity and progress.
This post is for those who’ve dismissed these ideas without fully grasping them—yes, even the self-proclaimed “andhbhakts” (blind devotees) who might scoff at the mention of these terms. Let’s unpack what liberalism and secularism really mean and why every Indian, regardless of political leanings, should embrace them.
What is Liberalism?
Liberalism, at its core, is about freedom and fairness. It’s the belief that every individual deserves the right to live their life as they see fit, as long as they’re not harming others. This includes freedom of speech, religion, thought, and the pursuit of happiness. Liberalism champions equality under the law, ensuring that no one is discriminated against based on their caste, creed, gender, or background.
In the Indian context, liberalism is woven into the fabric of our Constitution. The right to free speech (Article 19), the prohibition of discrimination (Article 15), and the protection of minority rights are all liberal principles. These ideas ensure that a Dalit woman in a village has the same legal protections as an urban elite, that a Muslim or Christian can practice their faith freely, and that dissenting voices—whether on social media or in parliament—aren’t silenced.
But liberalism isn’t just about individual rights; it’s about creating a society where diverse ideas coexist. It encourages debate, not dogma. It asks us to question authority, whether it’s the government, religious leaders, or even social media influencers. A liberal India is one where you can criticize the ruling party without fear, where traditions can be questioned without being labeled “anti-national,” and where progress isn’t stifled by blind allegiance to the past.
What is Secularism?
Secularism is often misunderstood in India, especially by those who equate it with “sickularism” or minority appeasement. This is a gross distortion. Secularism, in its simplest form, means that the state and its institutions remain neutral in matters of religion. It doesn’t mean rejecting religion or favoring one group over another; it means ensuring that no religion dominates public policy or law.
India’s brand of secularism is unique. Unlike some Western models that advocate a strict separation of religion and state, Indian secularism embraces pluralism. It respects all faiths equally, allowing them to flourish without giving any one religion preferential treatment. This is why the Constitution guarantees the right to practice and propagate religion (Article 25) while prohibiting the state from discriminating on religious grounds.
Think about it: India is home to Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis, and countless other communities. Without secularism, how could such a diverse nation function? Secularism is the glue that holds India together, ensuring that no group feels marginalized or oppressed because of their beliefs. It’s why a Hindu-majority country can have festivals like Eid and Christmas celebrated with equal fervor, why temples and mosques coexist, and why our laws don’t favor one community over another.
The Misconceptions and the “Ex-Secular” Trend
So why do so many social media handles proudly declare themselves “ex-secular” or rail against liberalism? Often, it stems from frustration with perceived hypocrisy. Some argue that secularism has been misused to pander to minorities while ignoring the majority’s sentiments. Others see liberalism as a Western import that dilutes Indian culture or enables “woke” agendas.
These frustrations are worth addressing, but rejecting liberalism and secularism entirely is like throwing out the Constitution because of a few bad politicians. The problem isn’t the principles themselves but their misapplication. For example, if certain policies have unfairly favored one group, the solution isn’t to abandon secularism but to demand true neutrality. If liberalism has been co-opted by elites who seem out of touch, the answer is to reclaim it for the common Indian, not discard it.
Many who call themselves “ex-secular” may not realize that the very freedoms they enjoy—posting fiery opinions on X, practicing their faith, or criticizing the government—are rooted in liberal and secular values. Without these principles, India risks sliding into a majoritarian state where only the loudest or most powerful voices prevail.
Why Every Indian Should Be Liberal and Secular
India’s strength lies in its diversity, but diversity can also be its Achilles’ heel if not managed with care. Liberalism and secularism are the tools that make this diversity a strength rather than a source of conflict. Here’s why every Indian, including those skeptical of these ideas, should embrace them:
- They Protect Everyone’s Rights: Liberalism ensures that your voice, no matter how small, matters. Secularism guarantees that your faith, whether majority or minority, is respected. These principles are your shield against oppression, whether from the state or a mob.
- They Foster Unity: In a country with thousands of languages, cultures, and religions, secularism is the only way to prevent division. By keeping religion out of governance, we focus on what unites us—our shared identity as Indians.
- They Drive Progress: Liberalism encourages questioning outdated practices, from caste discrimination to gender inequality. It’s why India abolished sati and embraced universal suffrage. Without liberal values, we’d still be stuck in the 18th century.
- They Reflect Indian Values: Far from being Western imports, liberalism and secularism echo India’s ancient ethos. The Rigveda’s “Ekam Sat Vipra Bahudha Vadanti” (truth is one, but the wise call it by many names) embodies secular pluralism. Ashoka’s edicts promoting tolerance and debate are quintessentially liberal.
- They Ensure a Strong Democracy: A democracy thrives when all voices are heard and no group is favored. Liberalism and secularism prevent India from becoming a theocracy or an authoritarian state, preserving the freedom to choose our leaders and shape our future.
A Call to Rethink
To those who’ve embraced the “ex-secular” label or dismissed liberalism as “pseudo-intellectual nonsense,” I urge you to pause and reflect. These aren’t elite concepts; they’re the bedrock of the India you love. The next time you post on X, celebrate a festival, or vote in an election, remember that liberalism and secularism made those moments possible.
Being liberal doesn’t mean abandoning tradition or patriotism. Being secular doesn’t mean rejecting your faith. It means building an India where every citizen, from a Kashmiri Pandit to a Tamil Muslim, can thrive without fear. It means trusting in the idea that our differences make us stronger, not weaker.
Let’s move beyond divisive labels and half-baked narratives. India’s future depends on its ability to stay true to the principles that have held it together for over seven decades. Be proud to be liberal. Be proud to be secular. Be proud to be Indian.
