In my previous article, I proposed a new religion for the nation, Indiasm and the Constitution of our country as the holy book of this religion. The existing situation of increasing religious intolerance, cow vigilantism, mob lynching, etc, is a compelling factor to think of an alternative to the existing religions. The profane mentality and the mismanagement of the religious leaders have become a real eye-opener to ordinary people. It opens up avenues for a new religion with humanness at its core rather than becoming irreligious or atheist in this modern scenario.

The recent episodes of spitting venom in the name of religion and excavations at particular places of worship to trace the existence of other worship places in the past laugh at the face of true patriots and religion. Yet people accept this, knowing the game of the perpetrators behind it.

Unity in diversity of faith and practices are the hallmarks of our Constitution. The very sovereignty of the nation is undermined by the leaders of the day, who are enthroned only due to this Constitution. Once in position, they exist only for personal gain rather than for the nation and people and consolidate power by employing religious fanaticism.

Petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court to challenge the inclusion of the rich ideas of 'socialist' and 'secular' in the preamble of the Constitution. The ray of hope is still shining as the Supreme Court recently dismissed them. However, an exclusivist ideology based on religion has taken over minds to eradicate the socialist and secularist nature and tradition of the nation.

The common good of the people of the nation, highlighted by the dogma of socialism and secularism, is not palatable to the current government, which is concerned only with the vote bank labelled under religion. They believe it is beneficial to widen gaps among the people into chasms using religion, culture, and creed. Today, we need enlightened leaders, like those of the past, to teach principles to the citizens rather than ones who pass the buck.

The words' democratic' and 'republic' imply that citizens have the inherent power to elect their leaders and hold them accountable for their words and deeds. If we really exercise this power, then the leaders will work for the benefit of the people and nation. The reason they throw pittance at the citizens and keep them fragmented through religious fanaticism is to shackle them with ignorance of their enormous power. Today, we are kept in shadows where horse-trading and muscle power overrule laws.

We live in a land of rich religious practices, sentiments, and cultural diversities. India is not merely a mix of geographical features, diverse cultures, religions, and beliefs but much more a heritage of human coexistence for centuries, with rays of knowledge peeking through ancient, world-renowned study centres where many flocked even from foreign lands. The inspirational leaders of old heralded a life of enlightenment, values, and ethics. This glorious past of the nation is consciously forgotten today for mere political vendetta and personal gain. It is time to think beyond the existing religions and form a new way of faith and living as enshrined in the glorious Constitution of the nation.

The preamble of the Constitution speaks about this Indiasm, standing on the pillars of 'Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic' ideals directed towards Justice, Equality, and Liberty. This religion promulgates and propagates the idea that the nation and its ideologies (enshrined in the Constitution) are supreme, unlike what is vividly seen today.

The deity of this religion must be 'Bharat Mata,' not the personification of India as mother goddess painted by Abanindranath Tagore but every citizen of the nation. This deity, 'Bharat Mata,' would be painted on India's tricoloured background map with the nation's Constitution at its centre. Everyone must be guided in the detailed study of the Constitution and the teachings of every religion. A person thorough with the Constitution and the values each religion proclaims will never get into vehemence of any form. No religion advocates hatred and violence, but blind followers easily become prey to selfish religious gurus and leaders with diabolical intents.

This religion must propagate the idea of brotherhood among citizens and teach them to worship one another in the temple of their own homes. It is not holy places spending crores but the shelters for the homeless of the nation we need to build. The attitude of oneness must guide everyone to work for the decent and respectful life of the other. When one's brother is in the sun and rain, how can one sleep in the comfort of one's selfishness? Even today, quite many people go to bed without daily bread in our nation.

The time and signs must lead to the awareness that the position and possession one has been gifted by the nation, and as citizens of this nation, we must be ready to share with others. The basic need today is a situation of justice, liberty and equality as the Constitution directs. Open-mindedness of the people to embrace these ideas will guide the practice of this new religion, or, in other words, faith in this religion will bring the light of justice, liberty and equality to the nation.

Today, the nation requires visionary leaders to promulgate this religion to eliminate existing abhorrence and ferocity between the people. The awakened must vigorously impart these truths enshrined in the Constitution through different mediums without fear, and only then can they spread light over the darkness of prevailing religious fanaticism.