Mangaluru: “Secularism is impossible without democracy, same democracy is impossible without secularism. Both are attached with one another and one cannot exist without another,” said Prof Aditya Mukhjarjee, professor of history at JNU University, Delhi.

He was addressing the gathering in a programme at Mangaluru University organized by B V Kakkillaya Foundation, Samadarshi Foundation, Hosathu magazine, M S Krishnan Foundation and University Economics department, on Tuesday.

“Some forces are trying to separate secularism and democracy from each other. Christian and Islam religions were present before Hindu word constituted. History tells that India used to be a secular country. Now a Hindu organization based government is ruling India. RSS tried to gain power through violence during the freedom fight,” he said.

He further said that Mahatma Gandhi was killed by them only. Now the same people are depicting themselves as patriots. The history has showed that no crook ideas can destroy the values of secularism.

“Secularism is India’s power. Freedom fighters thoughts were filled by secularism. India was built on the values of secularism. But now, people are being divided based on caste and religion. Indian political leaders are not bothered about poor people. People should be aware of it,” he added.