Aligarh: The Department of Philosophy at Aligarh Muslim University organized a University Extension Lecture on ‘Gandhi’s Secularism’, by renowned Political Theorist, Prof Rajeev Bhargava, Founder Director, Parekh Institute of Indian Thought, Centre for Study of Developing Societies of New Delhi.

Prof Bhargava reflected upon the key differences between the Western idea of secularism and Gandhi’s secularism, stating that the West is more inclined towards the idea of individual autonomy and liberty, while Gandhi advanced the idea of communal fraternity.

“Gandhi’s secularism reflects in his efforts in striving to inculcate the ideals of peace, harmony and oneness amongst the members of both religions of Hinduism and Islam. His fraternal approach was to eradicate the power dominance and humiliation faced by the members of the ‘other’ religious communities, and suggested that voices should be raised against those who encourage differences and divisions which are believed to evoke communal animosity,” he said.

Earlier, Dr Aquil Ahmad, Chairperson, Department of Philosophy introduced the lecture’s theme and highlighted two different models of secularism, the one which was enunciated by the West of which chief proponents are Taylor, Rawls and Rorty, etc., and, the other, the distinctiveness of secularism within the framework of Indian civilizational and constitutional ethos, for which he credited Prof Bhargava to expose it to the Indian audience.

After the interactive session, Dr Aamir Riyaz delivered the concluding remarks, emphasizing the four-fold classification of Gandhian life and his thoughts.

In his presidential remarks, Prof Arif Nazir, Dean, the Faculty of Arts, traced back the ethos of secularism in the work of the great Indian Epic ‘Mahabharata’ and mentioned several medieval Indian poets to highlight the importance of communal harmony and secularism.

Zaid Ahmad Siddiqui conducted the session while Dr Shahidul Hoque extended a vote of thanks.