Srinagar, Nov. 28 -- Throughout history, philosophers and scholars have debated the role of religion in human life. Many argued that institutional religion curbs personal freedom and imposes conformity. This critique culminated in secularism, which sought to separate religion from the state, politics, and governance. Religion was redefined as a private matter, not to interfere with administration or public life.

Two seminal spheres of the state-education and politics-were deliberately alienated from religion. The prevailing belief was that religion's influence on these domains would be harmful and unproductive. Yet, this separation has not produced the harmony or progress its advocates envisioned. Instead, it has led to serious repercuss...