Connotation of secularism

This refers to True meaning of secularism (Organiser, 11-9-2005); the term is lexicographically related to the words ‘secularise’ and ‘secular’, which are associated with the terms worldly, unholy, not concerned with religion (i.e. dharma), etc. Thus, secularism is a matter of dharmalessness (irreligiousness). Therefore, by no means it can be considered dharma nirapekshata. Moreover, dharma is one and same indeed. So the concept of sarva dharma samabhava is a quixotic idea.

-Biman Bihari Roy, 514/A/4 Ashoknagar, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal

What is dharma?:

Shreeram Paranjpe has rightly said the core culture of India is Sanatan Dharma (What is Indian identity? Organiser, 11-9-2005). What is Sanatan Dharma? Dharma is the model conduct in a given situation. After the Gujarat earthquake, tsunami, rain-floods in Mumbai, people, self-inspired, engaged themselves in the rescue and rehabilitation of victims, gave shelter, food, clothes, money, etc., without asking about their religion. Although government machinery was not visible immediately after the tragedy, people did not wait. They volunteered themselves in the service of the society instantly. Security forces were not required to be called to enforce law and order. Such inspired action is called dharma-Sanatan Dharma.

-S.D. Laghate, Sankat Mochan Ashram, R.K. Puram-6, New Delhi