A Blue Print of Secular Nationalism

Dr J. M. Waghmare’s book is more than a history lesson—it’s a call to reclaim the secular, inclusive spirit that built modern India.

Dr J. M. Waghmare’s INDIA—In Search of a Nation explores the true spirit of Indian nationalism about the Constitution’s core ideals. Author of over 75 books in Marathi, Hindi, and English, Dr Waghmare writes in clear, persuasive language. This book highlights the key roles of democracy, religion, science, and secularism in shaping India’s national identity.

He rightly notes that both science and religion are essential for human progress. As Einstein said, “Science without religion is lame; religion without science is blind.” Today, people often lean solely towards science, leading to unbalanced progress. Religion encourages restraint and self-control. Gandhiji believed in God, respected all religions and cultures, and held that “Truth was his God.” Religion is meant to unite, not divide.

The author states that the Constitution’s basic structure rests on secular values. The Preamble outlines India’s path as a secular nation. The Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950, marking the true beginning of nationhood. Liberty and sovereignty are essential to any nation, and sovereignty, socialism, and secularism form the core of our democratic republic.

In the first chapter, Dr Waghmare traces religion from Dravidian cultures to Sikhism and reviews the Islamic invasions and the East India Company's rise in Bengal. British rule marked the start of modern India. After the 1857 revolt, the Crown took over from the Company. English education spurred reform, leading to the rise of movements like Brahmo Samaj, Arya Samaj, Prarthana Samaj, Theosophical Society, Satyashodhak Samaj, Ramkrishna Mission, and others promoting social and religious reform.

The 1857 revolt sowed the seeds of nationalism. In 1885, the Indian National Congress was formed to voice public grievances and demands. Leaders like Justice M. G. Ranade, Dadabhai Naoroji, Tilak, and Gandhi later joined, aiming to build a secular national identity. Throughout the freedom struggle, India upheld values of truth, non-violence, tolerance, and inclusiveness.

In the second chapter, Dr Waghmare explores the meaning and nature of nation and nationality. Nationalism gained strength in the 18th century, uniting people through strong patriotic feelings. In a sovereign state, its people are the true centre of gravity.

Chapter three covers ‘India’s Freedom Struggle and Nationalism.’ Dr J. M. Waghmare describes it as a modern Mahabharata. The legacy of leaders like Chandragupta Maurya, Ashoka, Shivaji, Maharana Pratap, Ranjit Singh, and others inspires national pride. Thinkers like Mahavir, Buddha, Basaveshwara, the Sikh Gurus, Kabir, Tukaram, and Gandhi shaped India’s identity through their words and deeds.

Chapter four explores ‘The Two-Nation Theory and the Partition of India’. Dr Ram Manohar Lohia lists eight causes behind the partition. Jinnah’s rigid stance, he argues, was key to this historic tragedy.

The fifth chapter of this book explains ‘Building a Secular Nation’. After independence, Pakistan declared itself to be an Islamic state and India a secular state. The word secular or secularism is an integral part of the basic structure of the constitution. It is, therefore, a permanent feature of the constitution.

The next chapter, namely the sixth, elaborates on the ‘Process of Creating a Secular Nation.’ The word ‘secularism’ has different shades of meaning. Secularism means that religion and state have different spheres. Religion should not interfere in the sphere of the state, and the state should not interfere in the sphere of religion. The second meaning of secularism is this. The state gives equal treatment to every religious group without interfering in their religious affairs. A society based on caste cannot be dynamic and progressive. A society based on liberty, equality, and fraternity is considered the dynamic and ideal society.

The seventh and last chapter deals with ‘The Road Ahead.’ The journey was long, tedious, and most difficult. There were many complex and complicated problems. But the National Congress had to take the first step anyhow for that long and trackless journey. According to Prof. Anand Kumar, a social thinker, India needs five things: 1) Justice, 2) Self-respect, 3) Identity, 4) Peace, and 5) Progress. But today, the weaker and marginal sections of society have been denied these things. Nationality is the breath of the state as well as the society. After all, a nation stands on nationality.

I would like to end by expressing my wholehearted compliments to Dr. J. M. Waghmare (who is considered to be the ‘Gem of social, literary, educational, and cultural aspects of the Marathwada Region) for writing such a remarkable book. I pray God gives a long and healthy life to our beloved dynamic hero in the field of literature. I equally express my gratitude to Mrs. Geetanjali Digole, the publisher of Creative Publication, Nanded, for publishing this monumental book.

(The writer is a resident of Latur. Views personal.)