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Key Points

A significant constitutional debate has emerged with religious leaders and political figures challenging the secular terminology in India's foundational document. Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati has vocally supported the RSS perspective, arguing that the secular term does not reflect the Constitution's inherent nature. Rahul Gandhi has countered by accusing RSS of wanting to replace the Constitution with Manusmriti. The ongoing discourse highlights deep philosophical differences in interpreting India's constitutional principles.

Key Points: Swami Saraswati Challenges Secular Term in Constitution Debate

  • Swami criticizes 'secular' term as misaligned with constitutional spirit
  • RSS seeks reconsideration of constitutional preamble terminology
  • Rahul Gandhi accuses RSS of wanting Manusmriti over Constitution
  • Dattatreya Hosabale highlights Emergency-era constitutional modifications
2 min read

Secular word does not align with nature of Indian Constitution: Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati

Prominent religious leader supports RSS critique of constitutional terms, sparking nationwide discourse on secularism and constitutional principles

"Dharma means to think about right and wrong and to adopt the right and to reject the wrong. - Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati"

Varanasi, July 3

Shankaracharya Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Maharaj supported the remarks of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale, who demanded reconsideration of the terms 'socialist' and 'secular' in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution.

Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati Maharaj said that the word secular does not align with the nature of the Indian Constitution.

He said, "The word secular was not there in the Constitution originally, it was added later. That is why the word 'dharmnirpeksh' (secular) does not align with the nature of the Indian Constitution, and this issue is repeatedly raised. Dharma means to think about right and wrong and to adopt the right and to reject the wrong. To become secular means that we have nothing to do with right or wrong. This cannot happen in anyone's life. So this word is also not right..."

Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi on June 27 came down heavily on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), saying that it doesn't want the Constitution but the Manusmriti.

Intensifying his attack, Gandhi said that RSS intended to violate the rights of the marginalised and the poor while enslaving them. "The mask of RSS has come off again," he added.

"RSS-BJP doesn't want the Constitution. They want Manusmriti. They aim to strip the marginalised and the poor of their rights and enslave them again. Snatching a powerful weapon like the Constitution from them is their real agenda," the Congress leader posed on X.

Earlier on June 26, addressing a program on the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, RSS General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale remarked that during the Emergency, terms like "Socialism" and "Secularism" were forcibly inserted into the Constitution, a move that needs to be reconsidered today.

He emphasised that the Emergency wasn't just a misuse of power, but an attempt to crush civil liberties. Millions were imprisoned, and freedom of the press was suppressed. He said that those who imposed the Emergency and trampled the Constitution and democracy have never apologised. If they cannot apologise personally, they should do so on behalf of their ancestors.

Hosabale was speaking at an event held at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, jointly organised by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (under the Ministry of Culture) and Ambedkar International Centre.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Swamiji makes a valid point. The word 'secular' was added during Emergency without proper debate. Our constitution should reflect Indian ethos, not western concepts. Dharma is indeed about righteousness, not indifference.
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Arjun K
Both sides are politicizing this issue. The real question is - does removing 'secular' help common people get better roads, schools and hospitals? Let's focus on development rather than these debates.
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Sarah B
As an expat living in India, I've always admired how diverse religions coexist here. The word 'secular' might be recent, but the spirit has always been there in Indian culture. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam!
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Karthik V
Rahul Gandhi's Manusmriti comment is just political rhetoric. No serious leader wants to go back to ancient texts. But we should have an honest discussion about constitutional amendments without name-calling.
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Neha E
Whether the word stays or goes, what matters is implementation. Many countries don't have 'secular' in constitution but practice it better than us. Let's focus on ground reality rather than semantics.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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