Future Holds Promise with Secular Upbringing: Kerala High Court Justice VG Arun's View on Caste-less and Religion-free Child Rearing
In a recent event organized by the Kerala Yukthivadi Sangam, a rationalist organization, Justice VG Arun of the Kerala High Court expressed his belief that children raised without the influence of religion or caste represent the real hope for the future of society. The event was held to commemorate the late rationalist and writer Pavanan, whose ideologies were deeply rooted in secularism and rationality.
Justice Arun praised parents who choose to raise their children independent of religious labels, stating that these children embody "tomorrow's promises" because they are more likely to question and challenge the status quo in society, even when faced with opposition. He emphasized that such children grow up unbound by traditional notions of religion and caste, which enables them to ask the right questions and foster a society that is more just and less divided.
This approach, according to Justice Arun, aligns with the constitutional goal of secularism and the pursuit of a classless society. In his judgment, he reiterated that declaring oneself and one’s progeny as non-religious is a bold step toward achieving the constitutional objective of secularism, ultimately aiming for a society where such distinctions do not define opportunities or relationships.
Justice Arun's father, TKG Nair, was closely associated with Pavanan, and under the pen name Anilan, was inspired by the writer's works. Another rationalist author, Vaisakhan, was also felicitated at the event.
However, Justice Arun finds it disturbing that certain social media posts pollute the Malayalam language and express distress over the unsavoury language and thoughts found in these posts. He has been presiding over cases that involve the quashing of criminal proceedings based on social media comments.
In 2022, Justice Arun delivered a significant judgment upholding the right to be recognized as 'non-religious' in a secular country like India. This judgment was passed in a case filed by a group of students who sought community certificates in the non-religious category for college admission. Justice Arun believes that the objective of secularism is to ultimately reach a classless society, and he believes this is due to the lack of rationalists like Pavanan and Vaisakhan, who regularly face attacks on social media.
Justice Arun stated that these children will question the status quo in the future, and he believes that they will play a crucial role in shaping a more just and equitable society. By raising children outside the influence of religion and caste, parents are fostering a new generation of individuals who will challenge traditional norms and work towards a more inclusive and rational society.
- Justice Arun, in his judgment, advocates for personal growth and social-media awareness, expressing concern over the inappropriate use of language on social media, particularly in the Malayalam language.
- Pursuing education and self-development in a secular context, as advocated by rationalists like Pavanan and Vaisakhan, aligns with the constitutional goal of secularism and the aim for a classless society, believes Justice Arun.
- In the realm of politics and general news, Justice Arun's significant 2022 judgment recognized the right to be recognized as 'non-religious' in India, a decision that he believes will contribute to the pursuit of a more just, equitable, and rational future society, shaped by children raised outside the influence of religious labels and caste.
