What is Secularism?

Secularism did not become important only in India. Jewish communities faced centuries of discrimination across Europe, and today, within the state of Israel itself, Arab minorities -- both Christian and Muslim -- are excluded from the social, political, and economic benefits that Jewish citizens enjoy; subtler forms of bias against non-Christians also persist in several parts of Europe. Closer to home, the shrinking condition of religious minorities in Pakistan and Bangladesh remains a serious concern. Examples like these are a constant reminder that secularism matters, for people and societies everywhere, not just in India. …