When appeasement becomes the part of social philosophy of the state, it changes not only the dynamics of politics but also the paradigm of policies and expectations of the people. Identity politics takes centre stage and the secular space is challenged by communal demands and discourses. Appeasement then turns into a double-edged sword. The section of the population that is treated as more equal than others is never quite satisfied with the magnitude of doles coming its way, and the section that is treated as merely equal accuses the state of stepmotherly treatment. In the process, the nation stands divided forever. Secular India…is a compilation of essays by country's prominent citizens that go beyond boundaries of religion and caste. Contributors: Asha Das, Subramanian Swamy, Jagdamba Mall, Meenakshi Lekhi, Devang Nanavati, Arif Mohammed Khan, C Issac, Pravin Togadia, S G Godbole, Bal Apte, Hari S Kartha, T N Razdan, Vinod K Shukla