Filling the Religion Column as an Atheist: Navigating Indian ID/Passport Forms

India is a diverse country with a rich tapestry of religious beliefs. However, the ID and passport forms occasionally prompt individuals like you, atheists, to fill in the religion column. The options available often include HUMANITY or NONE/NIL, or you can draw a line through the section. Whether to disclose your beliefs is a personal choice, and no one needs to know unless it is mandated by the application process.

Personal Choices and Beliefs

I, personally, go by Hindu most times. Much as I detest being asked, I often quote my parents' caste as well. Hence, religion, as a concept, does not hold much importance for me. Sometimes, when I am particularly irked with Hindu fundamentalists, I label myself as irreligious or non-religious. Ultimately, my beliefs, or lack thereof, are not of interest to anyone else.

The government is supposed to be secular, which means it should not discriminate based on religious affiliations. Despite this, the stigma and societal norms surrounding religion in India can make it challenging for atheists to navigate such forms. In such cases, you are entirely within your rights to mention Non-Religious, Atheist, or Agnostic.

Passport Application and Agnosticism

Interestingly, the passport application does not ask for religious information, providing a convenient avenue to bypass this section without any repercussions.

Humanity as an Option

While it would be ideal to have Humanity as a selection, currently, the options are limited. However, you can always write Humanity in the section, effectively casting a meaningful statement about your worldview.

Peaceful Coexistence and Secularism

Being an atheist and filling in Hindu in the religion column is acceptable if you wish to align with your cultural roots. Many atheists in India come from Hindu backgrounds and can specify their religion as Hinduatheism. The Indian constitution supports secularism, and myriad atheist leaders have held significant political offices, such as Prime Ministers and Presidents. Discrimination on the basis of religion is not common in India, provided you do not mock or belittle others' beliefs.

Therefore, if you are an atheist from Hindu roots, it is absolutely correct to write Hindu. Just because you are from Hindu roots does not mean you must identify with a religion. Your beliefs are your own, and it is your choice whether to disclose them on official forms.

In conclusion, navigating the religion column as an atheist in India can be challenging, but understanding the options and your rights can help you make informed choices that align with your personal beliefs and values.