Why secularism?

Secularism is often considered to be the absence of religion but in reality it only means that religion shall not interfere with thebpublic life. It is a separation between the religion and the government. It simply means that while a private individual is free tonpractice whichever religion he wishes, the public office shall not have any religion. It means that the country shall not promote one religion at the expense of other nor will it demote another and punish its adherents.
Secularism ensures that religion will not interfere with a country's governance. By adopting secular values, a country ensures that the principles of religion shall not dictate the policies of that country. It means that a country shall not interfere with the relationship between its citizens and whichever god they choose to follow, if at all. Secularism ensures that the minority group will not be persecuted but rather protected to safeguard its own traditions and culture. Secularism helps protect customs and languages from being washed away in the tide of the majority.
Secularism is essential because in a plural society it is important that the principles of equality are practiced to their core. It is important to protect the munorities from being persecuted. Without secularism, a country cannot protect the most vulnerable groups in its land. Secularism ensures that a country is just and fair in all its dealins.