Secularism can be defined as a social order where religion is neither actively promoted nor criticized. The western concept of secularism is based on the idea of mutual exclusion i.e both religion and state must stay away from each other. The Indian concept of secularism is different as we follow the idea of Principled Distance i.e there is no strict boundary between state and religion and they are not divided into water tight compartments as they share porous borders boundaries.

Originally the Indian constitution did not mention the word Secularism. It was added by the 42nd Amendment in 1976 but it does not mean that The Indian constitution was not secular on 26th November 1949 when the constitution was adopted. Through various articles Indian constitution has ascertained that India is a secular nation.

Indian secularism is based on the following ideologies:

Nehruvian – State should not have any religion and state should not discriminate anyone on the basis of religion. Article 15 and 27.

Gandhian – “Sarv Dharm Sambhav” i.e. all religions coexist. Religions should be treated equally and rights to practice ones religion. Article 25 and 14.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar – Minorities right to religion. Article 29, 30 and 17.

Fundamental rights: 

Article 14: Equality before law (irrespective of  religion)

Article 15: State shall not discriminate on the basis of religion.

Article 25 – 28: Ensure freedom of religion to all.

Secularism forms the basics structures of the constitution. The Indian Union is not completely identified with a particular religion also it is not adverse to the use of religious symbols. Every citizen is equally entitled to the freedom of conscious and right to religion to freely profess, practice and propagate the religion of their own choice. Thus it would be correct to say that Indian constitution was secular even on 26 November 1949 before the word secularism was added in the Indian constitution by the 42nd constitutional amendment of 1976.