A group of progressive thinkers has called upon the state government to prohibit all forms of religious activities, worship, and display of religious announcements within government offices, schools, colleges, and universities. The group, comprising notable individuals such as V P Niranjanaradhya, Ramzan Dhargah, B Suresha, H S Anupama, Sabiha Bhoomi Gowda, and 70 others, has emphasised the importance of maintaining secularism in public institutions, citing Article 25 of the Indian Constitution as the foundation for their demand.
Secularism in Public Spaces
In a statement released to the media, the group highlighted the need for clear boundaries between personal religious practices and the state’s secular framework. They asserted that while individuals have the constitutional right to celebrate and practise their religions in private, such activities should not spill over into public spaces that are meant to serve the entire community, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion. The statement reads, “Every individual is free to worship and follow their religions at their private place, but practising and allowing the same at public places, like government offices, schools-colleges, and universities, is against secularism.”
The group argued that public institutions, particularly government offices and educational establishments, should remain neutral and inclusive spaces where no single religion or belief system is given precedence over others. They warned that allowing religious practices in such spaces could disrupt social harmony and foster divisions.
Controversy Over Ganesha Idol Installation
The group’s statement referenced a recent incident involving Belagavi Deputy Commissioner Mohammed Roshan, who reportedly allowed the installation of a Ganesha idol at his office during the Gowri-Ganesha festival. They described this act as a violation of secular principles, asserting that government offices should not become platforms for celebrating the customs and rituals of any specific religion. “Government offices are not the centres to celebrate any caste or religion. Establishing an idol of a god from a particular religion is against secular values,” the statement read.
The installation of religious symbols, particularly from one religion, in government spaces could lead to the perception that the state favours one religion over others, the group argued. They urged the state government to take firm action to prevent such practices in the future, ensuring that public institutions maintain their secular and inclusive character.
The Role of Education and Public Offices
The progressive thinkers also expressed concerns about the growing influence of religious activities in educational institutions. Schools, colleges, and universities, they argued, are centres of learning that should promote critical thinking, scientific temper, and secular values. The introduction of religious practices into these spaces undermines their role as neutral educational environments.
The statement called on the government to ensure that educational institutions adhere to the principle of secularism, as enshrined in the Constitution, and to prevent any religious group from gaining undue influence in these settings.
In the context of government offices, the group reiterated that civil servants and public officials are duty-bound to serve the people without allowing personal religious beliefs to influence their official duties. The installation of religious symbols or participation in religious activities within these offices could send a message of bias or favouritism, which could erode public trust in the impartiality of the government.
Upholding Constitutional Values
At the core of the group’s demand is a commitment to upholding the constitutional values of equality, secularism, and non-discrimination. They cited Article 25 of the Constitution, which guarantees individuals the right to freedom of religion but also places reasonable restrictions in the interests of public order, morality, and health. The group argued that allowing religious activities in public institutions crosses the line between personal freedom and the collective responsibility to maintain a secular and harmonious society.
They also pointed out that India’s secularism is unique in that it allows individuals to practise their faith freely, but it expects the state and its institutions to remain neutral in matters of religion. The group called on the state government to take proactive steps to ensure that this balance is maintained and that public institutions do not become arenas for religious expression.
Conclusion
The group of progressive thinkers has put forward a clear and concise demand for the state government to ban religious activities in public institutions. Their argument is based on the principles of secularism enshrined in the Indian Constitution, and they believe that this move is necessary to maintain social harmony and prevent divisions along religious lines. They have called for the government to take immediate action to prevent incidents like the installation of religious idols in government offices and to ensure that educational institutions remain secular and neutral spaces.
By upholding these values, the group believes that the government can reinforce India’s commitment to being a truly secular nation, where individuals are free to practise their religion in private, but public institutions remain inclusive and impartial.