A battle for freedom

 

The conception of the secular state is derived from the liberal democratic tradition of the west. No institution which is maintained wholly out of state funds shall be used for the purpose of religious instruction, irrespective of the question whether the religious instruction is given by the state or any other body.

 

My ideal would be a society based on liberty, equality and fraternity. An ideal society should be mobile and full of channels for conveying a change taking place in one part to other parts. To idealise the real, which more often than not is full of inequities, is a very selfish thing to do. It is only when a person finds a personal advantage in things as they are, that he tries to idealise the real. To proceed to make such an ideal real is nothing short of criminal. It means perpetuating inequity on the ground that whatever is settled is settled for all times. Such a view is opposed to all morality. No society with an ideal conscience has ever accepted it.

 

In every country, the intellectual class is the most influential class. This is the class which can foresee, advise and lead. In no country does the mass of the people live a life of intelligent thought and action. It is largely imitative and follows the intellectual class. There is no exaggeration in saying that the destination of the country depends upon its intellectual class. If the intellectual class is honest and independent, it can be trusted to take the initiative and give a proper lead when a crisis arises. It is true that the intellect by itself is no virtue. It is only a means and its use depends upon the ends. 

 

Educate, agitate and organise; have faith in yourself. With justice on our side I do not see how we can lose our battle. The battle to me is a matter of joy. The battle is in the fullest sense spiritual. There is nothing material or social in it. For ours is a battle not for wealth or for power. It is a battle for freedom. It is a battle for the reclamation of the human personality.