The fact remains that secularism is inherent in the Indian system, in the Indian ethos and culture. India cannot but be secular.
Interpretation
Secularism is a fundamental aspect of Indian identity and culture.
In this quote, Pranab Mukherjee emphasizes that secularism is not just a political stance in India but an intrinsic part of its social and cultural fabric. He suggests that the diverse and pluralistic nature of Indian society makes it impossible for India to be anything other than secular, reflecting its long-standing values of coexistence and respect for various beliefs.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of secular values in governance.
Propelled by freedom of faith, gender equality and economic justice for all, India will become a modern nation. Minor blemishes cannot cloak the fact that India is becoming such a modern nation: no faith is in danger in our country, and the continuing commitment to gender equality is one of the great narratives of our times.
Mankind's true moral test, its fundamental test (which lies deeply buried from view), consists of its attitude towards those who are at its mercy: animals. And in this respect mankind has suffered a fundamental debacle, a debacle so fundamental that all others stem from it.
Bringing people together is what i call 'ubuntu,' which means 'I am because we are.' Far too often people think of themselves as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole world. When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity.
Our culture peculiarly honors the act of blaming, which it takes as the sign of virtue and intellect.
My mother took us to services at the Episcopal church. Yet she always said that God was not just inside the four walls of a house of worship, but everywhere - in the rising sun over Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, a splash of water along the nearby Salt or Verde rivers, or clouds driving over the Estrella Mountains, south of downtown. I've always thought of God in those terms.
A clash of doctrine is not a disaster, it is an opportunity.
And who are you, the proud Lord said that I must bow so low? Only a cat of a different coat, that's all the truth I know. In a coat of gold or a coat of red, a lion still has claws. And, mine are as long and sharp, my Lord as long and sharp as yours. And so he spoke, and so he spoke, that Lord of Castamere, but now the rains weep o'er his hall, with no one there to hear. Yes, now the rains weep o'er his hall, and not a soul to hear.
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