Rediscovering Cultural Identity & Values
India, a land known for its rich tapestry of cultures, religions and philosophies, is undergoing a profound transformation as it sheds the remnants of a secular narrative that dominated its political discourse for decades. The era of Nehruvian Secularism, which once dictated the South Asian nation’s narrative, is fading away, making room for a thorough exploration of India’s true essence – its ancient civilisation, diverse culture and potential leadership in the knowledge-oriented world.

At the heart of this transformation lies a critical re-evaluation of the concept of secularism itself. The imported idea of secularism, rooted in European contexts and designed to counteract theocratic beliefs, proved incongruent with India’s inherently pluralistic and non-theocratic culture. The nation, grappling with the aftermath of Colonial Rule, adopted a secular agenda that inadvertently perpetuated a Western cultural assault on its heritage.

What began as an attempt to foster inclusivity and unity amidst religious and cultural diversity turned into a distorted form of Communalism. India’s secularism, rather than bridging gaps, contributed to the division, discrediting, and suppression of Hindu, Buddhist and dharmic traditions. The narrative took a Leftist turn, aligning with global communist ideologies and distorting historical narratives to fit a particular narrative.

The Post-Secular Era in India marks a departure from the promotion of Communal Divisions for electoral gains. It signifies India’s completion of the Independence Movement, reaffirming its civilisational identity beyond the confines of Western political dualities. This period, often referred to as Congress Mukt, transcends secular/communal debates and embraces India’s dharmic values and yogic culture.

Post-Secular India is more than a political transition; it is a national and cultural reawakening. It echoes the vision of thinkers, like Swami Vivekananda and Sri Aurobindo, who foresaw an awakened India during the Independence Era. As the veil of manipulated secularism lifts, India emerges as a sovereign nation, untethered from foreign ideologies, ready to embrace its unique identity.

This Post-Secular Renaissance holds immense value, not just for India but for a world seeking alternative models of governance, religion and civilisation. India’s ancient wisdom, embodied by its Rishis and Yogis, remains relevant, offering a guiding light for the nation and humanity at large. As India steps into this new era, it carries the torch of cultural rediscovery, contributing to a global narrative that transcends divisive ideologies and embraces the richness of diverse civilisations. The journey towards a Post-Secular India is an exploration of self, a reconnection with roots and a celebration of the nation’s timeless cultural tapestry.

Talk Diplomacy published this post, based on a 2017 article penned by Dr David Frawley – titled ‘India all set for post-secular era‘, on January 22, 2024. This post does not represent the views of Talk Diplomacy or Boundless Ocean of Politics. Read the original article by Dr Frawley.

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Published by Koushik Das

Koushik Das (born on May 16, 1976 in Kolkata) is a career journalist. Based in the Indian capital of New Delhi, Koushik writes mainly about foreign policies and current geopolitical issues, and rarely about other topics. His own political ideas are highly influenced by Antonio Gramsci, Louis Althusser, Michel Foucault, Michael Oakeshott and others. English philosopher and political theorist Oakeshott (Dec 11, 1901-Dec 19, 1990) says that “in political activity, men sail a boundless and bottomless sea. There is neither harbour for shelter nor floor for anchorage, neither starting-place, nor appointed destination. But we have to keep afloat”. (Rationalism in Politics, 1962) As a student of Political Science, Koushik loves to share his views on issues, which have great impacts on his thought process (and also on India, South Asia and of course on the global community), with his readers through his website – Boundless Ocean of Politics. By doing so, he tries to keep himself afloat. You will find some of his articles in https://inserbia.info/today/ (https://inserbia.info/today/author/kou_das13_i/), as he has been trying to assess the global geopolitics since 2003. You can also mail him at kousdas@gmail.com View all posts by Koushik Das