|
A central subject of this article is the analysis of the terms `Tradition, Democracy and Religion´ in the Indian context, focusing on the
meaning of secularism with reference to the social and political context of India today.
The author tries to dissolve the common view of these terms, isolating and analyzing them and finally to redefine them with reference to the relevant
situation of India. His main point is, to reveal its dynamic and innovative aspects, and to connect them with modern society. This can be considered as a precondition for a proper and relevant placement of the word
secularism in Indian society.
Chattopadhyaya shows in this connection many examples, highlighting the political and social problems in India. His presentation of the main contents
of the Indian constitution and of the problems arising out of India’s conception as secular state, provide the reader with interesting insight into the largest democracy in the world. One gets a sense of the
tightrope act, being performed by this multi-cultural and -religious society, in its effort to master its various problems.
Assuming this, we can understand the impact, the author puts on the necessary establishment of a secular attitude. Conflicts in the past and the
present time demonstrate the high potential of religious conflicts. The impact on secularism therefore can be looked upon as the endeavour to balance the basically religious orientation of the society. In that sense
it is a step towards conflict-solution. Supporting his arguments, Chattopadhyaya shows furthermore many examples from the western culture.
Chattopadhyaya´s presentation provides the reader not only with a remarkably insight into the political and social system of this huge
continent, furthermore he achieves to free our mind from many clichés and to follow his innovative thoughts.
top
back to Chattopadhyaya: "Traditional Society, Modern Democracy and Dharma as Religion"
|
