The Indian Constitution has been given by the people unto themselves. It is an evolving document that encapsulates certain universal principles. It has been amended 106 times till now to be in accord with the nation’s requirements. It should not be held up as some holy book that is a final message from the heavens. That is disrespectful to the people’s sovereignty. It is good that India has begun to celebrate the Constitution on a particular day to remind the people of their power and responsibility.
It is important for every citizen to know how the constituent assembly created the world’s longest constitution. It was a unique gathering of people representing almost every section of society that had a stake in the country. The contribution of Dr BR Ambedkar, the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, is rightly acknowledged, but there were many others whose wisdom, learning and experience provided direction and depth while preparing the draft, and when it was discussed in detail by the assembly. The speeches delivered on various aspects of Indian society, history, civilisation and national aspirations are gems of learning and intuition. The members had the good sense to study and include elements from other constitutions of the world. The Preamble lays out the essence of its purpose and functions. This too was altered as an expression of political will, and this change was upheld by the judiciary only recently.
It is very necessary that young people, particularly those in school, are enlightened on the manner in which the Constitution was framed, the debates that took place, and how some proposals were accepted and others rejected. Many of the speeches by the delegates were shining examples of patriotism, hope and even sacrifice. All the members had the experience of being colonial subjects who had participated in one way or another in the freedom movement. Many also wished to be liberated from social, religious and patriarchal restrictions but understood that there had to be give and take in forging a constitution acceptable to all. Some sections that put their faith in the consensus were later divested of the privileges accorded to them, as politics over a period took a ‘socialist’ turn, and this too must be remembered. Those who, today, pose as ‘high priests’ of this book should be mindful of these realities and be humble in their approach, for the spirit of the constitution is noble and open to the changes that will come.
