RajeshwariAIR 2 · CSE 2025 · 423 wordsTheir whole copy
Opening · a definition
The phenomenon of 'overt expression of religiosity' refers to the increasing visibility of religious symbols, practices, public celebrations, and the integration of religious identity into daily social and political life in modern India. Contrary to the secularization thesis which predicted the decline of religion with modernization, India has witnessed a resurgence of religious assertion.
Body · points
Reasons for the Spurt of Overt Religiosity:
Political Mobilization and Identity Politics: Religion has become a potent tool for political mobilization. Political parties often utilize religious identity to consolidate vote banks, leading to the public performance of religious rituals by leaders to appeal to the masses.
Reaction to Globalisation and Modernity: Modernity brings alienation, rapid social change, and anomie. In this flux, religion offers a sense of stability, continuity, and an anchor for individual and collective identity. It acts as a defensive mechanism against the perceived erosion of traditional cultural values by 'westernized' consumer culture.
Rise of Mass Media and Communication: Television, social media, and digital platforms have democratized religious content. 24/7 channels dedicated to religious discourses, live streaming of temple ceremonies, and the viral nature of religious content have made private worship a public, shared, and performative experience.
Urbanization and Religious Institutions: Urban centers are hubs of migration where people from diverse backgrounds converge. Religious organizations often provide social support systems (temples/ashrams as community centers), helping migrants navigate the anonymity of urban life while fostering community solidarity.
Middle Class Aspirations: With rising economic prosperity, the middle class increasingly seeks religious patronage. Corporate-sponsored religious events, grand festivities, and the commercialization of religion reflect the aspiration of the middle class to reclaim 'traditional heritage' in a modernized context.
The Secularization Debate: In the Indian context, secularism (sarva dharma sambhava) is not about the separation of religion and state but equal respect for all religions. This has allowed religion to retain a strong space in the public sphere, unlike the strict separation models in the West.
Identity Assertion among Marginalized Groups: Religiosity also serves as a vehicle for assertion among various castes and groups. By adopting mainstream religious symbols or asserting their own distinct religious practices, many groups seek visibility and social mobility within the hierarchy.
Conclusion:
Close · a summary
The spurt in overt religiosity is not merely a decline of secular values but a transformation of the role of religion in a fast-changing society. It represents a negotiation between the forces of tradition and modernity, where religion is re-invented and deployed to define individual belonging and collective political power in the modern Indian state.