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India's Secularism: New Name for National Subversion
The ideology Secularism had taken shape during the European Enlightenment (18-19 centuries). Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who had never used the term in his pre-independence writings or speeches, simply picked up a prestigious world form the Western political parlance and made it mean the opposite of what it meant in the West. The outcome of this perversion proved disastrous for the newly independent nation, as became more than obvious in due course. In pre-independent India, the 'Muslim minority' had exercised a veto on who was to be hailed as 'nationalist' and who was to be denounced as 'Hindu communalist'. Now the same 'minority' reacquired the same veto on who was to be applauded as 'secularist' and who was to be hounded out as 'communalist'. In short, the term 'secularism' in the post-independence period has been and remains no more than a euphemism for Hindu-baiting. The word 'India's' instead of 'Indian' has been used in the title of this book because there is nothing Indian about Nehruvian Secularism. In fact, the term 'secularism' in its original Western sense had remained unknown to Indian political parlance because Indians had never envisaged or experienced a theocratic dispensation before the advent of Islam and its state apparatus in this country. Even today, traditional Indian scholars do not understand what theocracy means, and how Secularism in the Western sense stands opposed to it. And this 'secularism' has not been defined as Nehruvian because it is shared in common by all political parties.
119 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1983
6 people are currently reading
389 people want to read
About the author
Sita Ram Goel
50 books208 followersSita Ram Goel (16 October 1921 – 3 December 2003) was an Indian religious and political activist, writer and publisher in the late twentieth century. He had Marxist leanings during the 1940s, but later became an outspoken anti-communist and also wrote extensively on the damage to Indian culture and heritage wrought by expansionist Islam and missionary activities of Christianity. In his later career he emerged as a commentator on Indian politics, and adhered to Hindu nationalism.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 26, 2021
I was fortunate to get my hands on some of Sita Ram Goel's books, one of India's eminent historians. In this book, he talks about the meaning of Secularism as it originated in the West, and how it's context has been contorted and turned on its head in India. A comparison between the pagan or Advaita philosophies, with that of monotheistic religions follows, and we get to see why secularism as it's defined in the West is, in the author's words, like "holding a lamp to the Sun", in India.
We also are given an overview of the scriptural and philosophical differences between the religions of the book, and the dharmic religions based on Santana Dharma. It makes us understand that the two are in different planes, and cannot even be compared to each other.
The book also includes a chapter on the emerging national vision for India, and how we need to get back to the ideals and goals laid down by our leaders during the Swadeshi movement, in order to emerge as the leading nation and as an exemplary example to the rest of the world.
Sita Ram Goel is unabashed in his criticism of other religions, and it comes from a deep understanding and study of their scriptures. He is scathing in his criticisms of Hindus as well, and calls out the collective failure of Hindus at various points of time in the history of India where they could have established the dharmic way of life once again.
In today's day and age, where people are instantly branded based on their religion, whether they adhere to it's values or not, and where Secularism has become an alternative term for minority appeasement, it is books like these which can help every Indian understand their place in history and reinvigorate them towards the vision set out by their forefathers.
We also are given an overview of the scriptural and philosophical differences between the religions of the book, and the dharmic religions based on Santana Dharma. It makes us understand that the two are in different planes, and cannot even be compared to each other.
The book also includes a chapter on the emerging national vision for India, and how we need to get back to the ideals and goals laid down by our leaders during the Swadeshi movement, in order to emerge as the leading nation and as an exemplary example to the rest of the world.
Sita Ram Goel is unabashed in his criticism of other religions, and it comes from a deep understanding and study of their scriptures. He is scathing in his criticisms of Hindus as well, and calls out the collective failure of Hindus at various points of time in the history of India where they could have established the dharmic way of life once again.
In today's day and age, where people are instantly branded based on their religion, whether they adhere to it's values or not, and where Secularism has become an alternative term for minority appeasement, it is books like these which can help every Indian understand their place in history and reinvigorate them towards the vision set out by their forefathers.
December 8, 2018
what a lovely book. Everyone should read it. You can see the amount of hypocrisy are done in the name of propaganda and appeasement. Really an eye openers. We are in a nation were hindus are bashed for being a hindu. And you can also see what can be done in the name of "secularism". Must Read.
May 20, 2019
This book is about "Secularism" of India. Highly eye opening. What exactly "secularism" does to India should read this book.
May 20, 2020
I wished I could rate it more than 5 stars. Its perfect despite being so called Communal. That's what happens when an instrinsicly secular Religion has to suffer due to Religious fanatics. Someone has to speak up. Thank You, Sita Ram Goel Ji. A million thanks on behalf of all the Sanatanis who still have to suffer without history noting their plights.
January 6, 2021
India’s Secularism penned down by Sita Ram Goel further translated in English by Yashpal Sharma.
To preach Secularism to this Hindu society, was like showing a lamp to the Sun. ~ Sita Ram Goel.
Can there be a religion without spirituality?
These words Secularism, Socialism, non-alignment etc etc sounds beautiful, But we all know what the garbs of secularism has done to India.
The title of the book is aptly chosen, “India’s Secularism” not “Indian Secularism” because there is nothing Indian about Nehruvian Secularism.
In the chapter named “What is Dharma”, The author has talked about What Dharma is, Types of Worships and has deeply discussed the propositions of Advaita and Monotheism.
It gave us an understanding that both are different to each other and they aren't even comparable. Differences arise when different individuals espouse the opposite traditions of Advaita and Monotheism intellectually and cherish them consciously. Then the tradition of Monotheism gives birth to Aurangzeb and the tradition of Advaita to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The author has discussed how secularism, Rise and developed in Europe. And how India is different from Europe, India where there is no sign of bloodshed of dharma before Mughals invasions. And Europe where Jews whom the Church had stigmatized as the “Killed of Christ” and deprived of all citizenship rights. Also he talked about the challenge of Islam and Hindu Response in differnt phases. First phase - Mahmud Ghaznavi, Second - Mahmud Ghauri, Third - Akbar and the Fourth - after partition. Talking about “The Basic Blunder” to recognize Islam as a dharma. (ofc it’s a religion). And also talked about how thinkers (Such as Adi Shankaracharya) of Arab invasion periods have not talked about the invasion. All these thinkers could not entertain any proposition beyond ब्रह्म सत्य है, जगत मिथ्या (Brahma alone is Real, the world is an illusion). Perhaps evil conduct in this unreal world was no more than an illusion for them. Perhaps they could see no reason for discussing an illusion.
Further has also talked about Treatment of these Diseases. That we have to go back to the ideals and goals laid by our leader during the Swadeshi movement. In order to emerge as the leading nation and as an exemplary example to the rest of the world.
A new meaning of Secularism began to be fortified - Secularism, that is, applause for Islam and Christianity. And Hindu society began to be denounced as a nest of narrow-minded and aggressive communalism. All political parties also began to swear by this Secularism.
Sita Ram Goel criticized Hindus as we failed to re-establish the dharmic way of life.
And he was also criticized, other religions after a deep understanding of their scriptures. Though this book is written against the backdrop of the political developments in India parallels can be drawn when one sees the goings on in Europe. Even though this book was written almost 35 years ago its relevance has certainly not diminished.
Religion has to suffer due to Religious fanatics of conflicting religions leading it to systematic disintegration. Someone then has to speak up.
Thank You, Sita Ram Goel Ji.
Jai Shree Ram.
To preach Secularism to this Hindu society, was like showing a lamp to the Sun. ~ Sita Ram Goel.
Can there be a religion without spirituality?
These words Secularism, Socialism, non-alignment etc etc sounds beautiful, But we all know what the garbs of secularism has done to India.
The title of the book is aptly chosen, “India’s Secularism” not “Indian Secularism” because there is nothing Indian about Nehruvian Secularism.
In the chapter named “What is Dharma”, The author has talked about What Dharma is, Types of Worships and has deeply discussed the propositions of Advaita and Monotheism.
It gave us an understanding that both are different to each other and they aren't even comparable. Differences arise when different individuals espouse the opposite traditions of Advaita and Monotheism intellectually and cherish them consciously. Then the tradition of Monotheism gives birth to Aurangzeb and the tradition of Advaita to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The author has discussed how secularism, Rise and developed in Europe. And how India is different from Europe, India where there is no sign of bloodshed of dharma before Mughals invasions. And Europe where Jews whom the Church had stigmatized as the “Killed of Christ” and deprived of all citizenship rights. Also he talked about the challenge of Islam and Hindu Response in differnt phases. First phase - Mahmud Ghaznavi, Second - Mahmud Ghauri, Third - Akbar and the Fourth - after partition. Talking about “The Basic Blunder” to recognize Islam as a dharma. (ofc it’s a religion). And also talked about how thinkers (Such as Adi Shankaracharya) of Arab invasion periods have not talked about the invasion. All these thinkers could not entertain any proposition beyond ब्रह्म सत्य है, जगत मिथ्या (Brahma alone is Real, the world is an illusion). Perhaps evil conduct in this unreal world was no more than an illusion for them. Perhaps they could see no reason for discussing an illusion.
Further has also talked about Treatment of these Diseases. That we have to go back to the ideals and goals laid by our leader during the Swadeshi movement. In order to emerge as the leading nation and as an exemplary example to the rest of the world.
A new meaning of Secularism began to be fortified - Secularism, that is, applause for Islam and Christianity. And Hindu society began to be denounced as a nest of narrow-minded and aggressive communalism. All political parties also began to swear by this Secularism.
Sita Ram Goel criticized Hindus as we failed to re-establish the dharmic way of life.
And he was also criticized, other religions after a deep understanding of their scriptures. Though this book is written against the backdrop of the political developments in India parallels can be drawn when one sees the goings on in Europe. Even though this book was written almost 35 years ago its relevance has certainly not diminished.
Religion has to suffer due to Religious fanatics of conflicting religions leading it to systematic disintegration. Someone then has to speak up.
Thank You, Sita Ram Goel Ji.
Jai Shree Ram.
December 19, 2018
One of the great eye-openers for the indian liberals
The only problem that i had was it is too short.
The only problem that i had was it is too short.
March 9, 2021
Sita Ram Goel Ji unapologetically wrote on Communism, Marxism, Islam, Christianity and Hindutva. He was admonished by "The Usual Suspects" and compendium of his original works remained concealed to the general public of our nation.
The book charts how the term "Secularism" was imposed and how systematic distortion of our history took place. The author also expounds on the divisive and discriminatory aspects of Abrahamic faiths, quoting straight from their holy books. A just "No-nonsense" and "Politically Incorrect" attitude have been adopted while outlining the obvious "Break India Forces". The well researched and crisp segments make for a swift and compelling read.
The Nationalist, Dharmic and Aware folks will revere this fact-filled compendium. The content will simply enhance your understanding. It serves as a guide to understanding the brand of the problems we are facing today.
In the form of a book, we have a blaring fire alarm and a call to arms. India's Secularism is not an easy read but an essential one. It is a sincere and logical contribution to an essential discourse.
The book charts how the term "Secularism" was imposed and how systematic distortion of our history took place. The author also expounds on the divisive and discriminatory aspects of Abrahamic faiths, quoting straight from their holy books. A just "No-nonsense" and "Politically Incorrect" attitude have been adopted while outlining the obvious "Break India Forces". The well researched and crisp segments make for a swift and compelling read.
The Nationalist, Dharmic and Aware folks will revere this fact-filled compendium. The content will simply enhance your understanding. It serves as a guide to understanding the brand of the problems we are facing today.
In the form of a book, we have a blaring fire alarm and a call to arms. India's Secularism is not an easy read but an essential one. It is a sincere and logical contribution to an essential discourse.
March 14, 2020
And this book is still true to current scenario.
August 31, 2020
Good book
December 26, 2022
Definitely recommended for reading. This was the first book of Sita Ram Goel ji I read and it definitely makes me want to read more.
The language is unabashed but well explained. The book dives into the propositions of Advaita vs Monotheism and examines them meticulously. The part where the author explains why it's "India's" and not "Indian" when it comes to "Secularism" is brilliant. The comparison of the advent of secularism in Europe vs "secularism" in India is eye-opening.
While the main book is small, what one should definitely not miss is the Appendix, especially the third one.
The language is unabashed but well explained. The book dives into the propositions of Advaita vs Monotheism and examines them meticulously. The part where the author explains why it's "India's" and not "Indian" when it comes to "Secularism" is brilliant. The comparison of the advent of secularism in Europe vs "secularism" in India is eye-opening.
While the main book is small, what one should definitely not miss is the Appendix, especially the third one.
January 17, 2021
The book has three essays on awakening moral consciousness among the Hindu population to understand that basic distinction that separates Dharma & Religion, and the need of the hour to act on it.
January 1, 2024
In this book, Shri Sita Ram Goel discusses the origins of secularism in the West as well as how its meaning has been distorted and turned upside down in India in this book. We learn why secularism as it is described in the West is, in the author's words, like "holding a lamp to the Sun" in India by comparing the pagan or Advaita philosophies with those of monotheistic religions.
The author discusses what Dharma is, the many types of worship, and the tenets of Advaita and monotheism in depth in the chapter titled "What is Dharma." Differences occur when different people consciously and intellectually cherish the opposing traditions.
Additionally, a summary of the philosophical and textual distinctions between the religions of the West and the dharmic religions founded in Sanatana Dharma is provided. It helps us realise that the two exist on different planes and cannot possibly be compared.
The author has also discussed the rise and development of secularism in Europe. And how India differs from Europe in that there was no evidence of dharmic bloodshed there prior to the Mughal invasions. And in Europe, the Jews who the Church had demonised as being "Killed of Christ" were denied all citizenship rights. He also discussed the challenges posed by Islam and the many phases of the Hindu response. Mahmud Ghaznavi was the first phase, followed by Mahmud Ghauri, Akbar, and the fourth phase, which was after the division.
The book also has a chapter on the growing national vision for India, and how, in order for us to become the leading country and a shining example to the rest of the world, we must return to the values and objectives established by our leaders during the Swadeshi movement.
Sita Ram Goel has no qualms about criticising other faiths, and his critique is informed by a thorough knowledge of those scriptures. He is harsh in his condemnation of Hindus as well, pointing out their collective failure at many junctures in India's history when they might have restored the dharmic way of life.
Books like these can help every Indian understand their place in history and re-energise them towards the vision outlined by their forefathers.
The author discusses what Dharma is, the many types of worship, and the tenets of Advaita and monotheism in depth in the chapter titled "What is Dharma." Differences occur when different people consciously and intellectually cherish the opposing traditions.
Additionally, a summary of the philosophical and textual distinctions between the religions of the West and the dharmic religions founded in Sanatana Dharma is provided. It helps us realise that the two exist on different planes and cannot possibly be compared.
The author has also discussed the rise and development of secularism in Europe. And how India differs from Europe in that there was no evidence of dharmic bloodshed there prior to the Mughal invasions. And in Europe, the Jews who the Church had demonised as being "Killed of Christ" were denied all citizenship rights. He also discussed the challenges posed by Islam and the many phases of the Hindu response. Mahmud Ghaznavi was the first phase, followed by Mahmud Ghauri, Akbar, and the fourth phase, which was after the division.
The book also has a chapter on the growing national vision for India, and how, in order for us to become the leading country and a shining example to the rest of the world, we must return to the values and objectives established by our leaders during the Swadeshi movement.
Sita Ram Goel has no qualms about criticising other faiths, and his critique is informed by a thorough knowledge of those scriptures. He is harsh in his condemnation of Hindus as well, pointing out their collective failure at many junctures in India's history when they might have restored the dharmic way of life.
Books like these can help every Indian understand their place in history and re-energise them towards the vision outlined by their forefathers.
June 11, 2021
After reading this one will find that the word ‘Secularism’ has no relevance in our country. During pre-independence period also there was a section of elite people that had a thinking that white people had done some favour by ruling this land. They had opinion that whatever is in West is good and they accepted/copied everything from them including Secularism also without understanding it. Therefore, the author has given brief history of Church and State in Europe where the function of state was not only to supervise and control the worldly life of its subject, but also to secure their salvation in next world. The church also needed state to punish the subjects who violate the conduct. Hence, in the language of Church, the state was termed ‘Secular arm’ of the church and the state also admitted that its main function was to serve the church. But when the conversion of Jewish society was completed, the State tried to come out of the claws of church. In the nineteenth century, the state was liberated from the stronghold of the Church in every country in Europe. The matter was same in the muslim ruled countries where Ulema and Clerics had direct interference in the functions of the State. But when we compare things in India we don’t find any interference of theocracy in the functions of the State. And we find that this word has been used to fetter the Hindu society and veto has been provided to Muslim and Christian in the name of minority. Any thing that relates to Hindu has been term as ‘communal’ and the minority community has been given license to brand who is communal and who in secular. Another propaganda that has been spread that is ‘India is land of multinationals, has a multicultural society. But after close observation we find that when we say like Indian music, Indian dance, Indian culture, Indian Sculpture In realty these are all Hindu music, Hindu dance, Hindu culture, Hindu sculpture. But the moment we call them as by Hindu names we are termed as 'communal
September 13, 2024
This was my first Sita Ram Goel book and I am still mesmerized. He is such a gem that his every word will boil your blood under your veins. With every stroke on paper by his mighty pen, he destroyed one by one all the narratives of left-liberals, Islamists and Missionaries. That’s why they still have great fear of his name after many years of his death.
So, this book talks about India’s secularism (not “Indian secularism” because there is nothing “Indian” in the idea of Nehruvian secularism). Many people who tried to mingle it with India, always used the lines “Sarva Dharma Sambhava” (goodwill between every Dharmas). They always translate Dharma to religion. In many reviews, I have explained that observing Indic Dharma as OET system “religion” leads to coloniality. But what will be happened when it will be vice-versa? That’s the point we have missed, but visionary Goel did not. This was the reason for the success of Islamic and Christian imperialism in our Bharat Varsha. When we lead our attitude of “Sarva Dharma Sambhava” towards Abrahamic religions, we recognize them as “Dharma” and their expansionist idea gets sanctions.
Many secularists try to Indianize Abrahamic religions by comparing them with Advaita. Goel directly broke the ground of this foolish theory as he explained that the Advaita cult is completely different from monotheism.
Goel further discussed how the word “Secularism” came into existence and how its meaning is manipulated by our India’s secularists. Goel’s version of history of Hindu responses towards Islamic imperialism is very interesting and it will make your blood boil under your veins. Goel explained every fault of the Hindu society that gave powers to Islamic imperialism.
Many people can accuse that Goel was very harsh about Abrahamic religions. (The same people enjoy baseless criticisms against Sanatan Dharma) But the decease of the pseudo secularism was a great threat to the nation on the days of Goel, that needed very bitter cures. The people who want some less-bitter medicines can approach J Sai Deepak or Meenakshi Jain books.
So, this book talks about India’s secularism (not “Indian secularism” because there is nothing “Indian” in the idea of Nehruvian secularism). Many people who tried to mingle it with India, always used the lines “Sarva Dharma Sambhava” (goodwill between every Dharmas). They always translate Dharma to religion. In many reviews, I have explained that observing Indic Dharma as OET system “religion” leads to coloniality. But what will be happened when it will be vice-versa? That’s the point we have missed, but visionary Goel did not. This was the reason for the success of Islamic and Christian imperialism in our Bharat Varsha. When we lead our attitude of “Sarva Dharma Sambhava” towards Abrahamic religions, we recognize them as “Dharma” and their expansionist idea gets sanctions.
Many secularists try to Indianize Abrahamic religions by comparing them with Advaita. Goel directly broke the ground of this foolish theory as he explained that the Advaita cult is completely different from monotheism.
Goel further discussed how the word “Secularism” came into existence and how its meaning is manipulated by our India’s secularists. Goel’s version of history of Hindu responses towards Islamic imperialism is very interesting and it will make your blood boil under your veins. Goel explained every fault of the Hindu society that gave powers to Islamic imperialism.
Many people can accuse that Goel was very harsh about Abrahamic religions. (The same people enjoy baseless criticisms against Sanatan Dharma) But the decease of the pseudo secularism was a great threat to the nation on the days of Goel, that needed very bitter cures. The people who want some less-bitter medicines can approach J Sai Deepak or Meenakshi Jain books.
December 30, 2024
How the term Securalism originated and brought to India is explored and explained here in simple terms.
I hope more and more Indians read and understand how this concept has costed us and still continue to do so.
I hope more and more Indians read and understand how this concept has costed us and still continue to do so.
May 10, 2021
I want to read this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2021
A book which each Indian should read to understand the joke of secularism in Indian context
March 13, 2022
Great reminder that India’s secularism is anything but
April 4, 2025
Easily one of the primary books to be read if one wants to start reading SRG.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews