Where is the line between the religious and the secular in schools? Lessons from Sweden and India

What is it about?

This article compares how two secular countries—Sweden and India—handle religion in their school systems. In Sweden, religious education is a compulsory, non-confessional subject focusing on knowledge about religions. Religious practices, such as prayer or blessings, are excluded to protect objectivity and neutrality. In India, there is no formal subject called religious education, yet religion is present across the curriculum and school life. Morning assemblies, festivals, and moral lessons often draw from multiple faiths to express shared values. By comparing these systems, the study shows that “secular” means very different things in different contexts. Sweden separates religion from education, while India includes all religions equally. Both face distinct challenges in a globalised, multicultural world.

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Why is it important?

The article deepens understanding of how secularism and education interact in different cultural contexts. It challenges the assumption that “secular” automatically means excluding religion and demonstrates how inclusive approaches can also coexist with secular principles. The findings are relevant for educators, policymakers, and researchers seeking to balance neutrality, diversity, and inclusion in schooling. By analysing how Sweden and India draw the line between the religious and the secular, the study contributes to international debates on religious education and comparative secularism.

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