At the same time since the most ancient times in public thought of India certain atheistic tendencies were traced also. Development of capitalist relations of production, industrial proletariat growth, more and more a wide circulation of natural-science knowledge as a result of a prompt development of education, activity of communists and other progressive left forces in the big degree promote strengthening of this atheistic tendency. To me the meeting with the priest of the Syrian orthodox church in the small town Sultan Beteri which has got lost in Western Ghats is recollected. He complained of loss of interest to church at many parishioners, on strengthening of disbelief among youth. Steady easing of religiousness is observed in the environment of the working large enterprises, among an intelligency and students part.
However these processes mention while in general an insignificant part of the population. And early still to speak about essential narrowing of influence of religion for a public life in India.
