Bharat Ratna, Jai Bhim, Babasaheb Dr BR Ambedkar, 134 [14 April 1891 – 6 December 1956]. Chief Architect of the Indian Constitution, as Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution. Building on the first draft by B Narsing Rau. Jurist, Reformer, Leader. Advocate of Marginalized. Inspirer, Dalit Buddhist Movement. His ‘Annihilation of Caste’ and ‘Who were the Shudras’ are iconic writings studied and discussed.
Constitution of India. The basis of Indian Governance. Commenced on 26 January 1950. It is in several (25) parts – The Union and its Territory; Citizenship; Fundamental Rights; Directive Principles of State Policy; Fundamental Duties; The Union; The states; The Union Territories; The Panchayats; The Municipalities; The Cooperative Societies; The Scheduled and Tribal Areas; Relations between the Union and the States; Finance, Property, Contracts and Suits; Trade, Commerce and Intercourse within the Territory of India; Services under the Union and the States; Tribunals; Elections; Special Provisions relating to Certain Classes; Official Language; Emergency Provisions; Miscellaneous; Amendment of the Constitution; Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions. 25 Parts – 448 Articles; 12 Schedules; 5 Appendices. Longest written constitution with 150,000 words (now). Amended 106 times so far.
Its Preamble confirms its basic character. It reads: WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens: JUSTICE, social, economic and political; LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation; IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.
India adopted the Union of States, federated, Parliamentary system of Governance with powers separated in legislative, executive and judiciary. Single citizenship. Adult suffrage.
Citizen of India: Born in the territory of India; or either of the parents born in the territory of India. Persons acquiring citizenship of a foreign state voluntarily are not to be considered as citizens.
Constitution offers fundamental rights to citizens – right to equality – equality before law; no discrimination on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth; no denial of access and use of public places, infrastructure et al; equality of opportunity in matters of public employment; no untouchability in all its forms. Right to freedom – of speech and expression; to assemble; to form associations, unions, and cooperatives; to move freely throughout India; to reside and settle in any part of India; to practice any profession, to carry on any occupation, trade or business. Protection in respect of conviction for offences.
Protection of life and personal liberty. Right to education – free and compulsory education to all children of age of 6-14 years. Protection against arrest and detention. Right against exploitation – no trafficking and forced labour; no employment of children in factories, etc. Right to Freedom of religion – freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion, subject to public order, morality and health. Cultural and Educational rights. Right to Constitutional Remedies – for enforcement of rights conferred.
Constitution sets directive principles for the State to secure a social order for the promotion of welfare of the people; to minimize the inequalities in income, and endeavour to eliminate inequalities in status, facilities and opportunities; policy directives – securing that the citizens, men and women equally, have the right to an adequate means of livelihood; that the ownership and control of the material resources of the community are so distributed as best to subserve the common good; that the operation of the economic system does not result in the concentration of wealth and means of production to the common detriment; that there is equal pay for equal work for both men and women; that the health and strength of workers, men and women, and the tender age of children are not abused and that citizens are not forced by economic necessity to enter avocations unsuited to their age or strength; that children are given opportunities and facilities to develop in a healthy manner and in conditions of freedom and dignity and that childhood and youth are protected against exploitation and against moral and material abandonment.
Other directives include:
Equal justice and free legal aid. Village panchayats as units of local self-government.
Right to work, to education and to public assistance. Just and humane conditions of work and maternity relief.
Living wage, conditions of work ensuring a decent standard of life, etc., for all workers.
Participation of workers in management of industries; Promotion of co-operative societies.
Uniform civil code for the citizens.
Provision for early childhood care and education to children below the age of six years.
Promotion of educational and economic interests of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and other weaker sections.
Raising the level of nutrition and the standard of living and to improve public health.
Organisation of agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines. Protection and improvement of the environment and safeguarding of forests and wildlife.
Fundamental duties include: to abide by the Constitution and respect its ideals and institutions, the National Flag and the National Anthem; to cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom; to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India; to defend the country and render national service when called upon to do so; to promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women; to value and preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture; to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures; to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform; to safeguard public property and to abjure violence; to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity so that the nation constantly rises to higher levels of endeavour and achievement.
Can we be Constitution literate, conscious? All our citizens, children. With ease, without legalese. Can our political parties make this as a basis for their plans, campaigns, promises, and manifestos? Can it be the pocketbook with us? Videos, pictures. Can it be in all our schools, libraries, our computers, laptops, tabs, and phones? Can we all access, secure our rights, entitlements while doing our duties?
Yes, we can. If we coexist, flowing. If we have faith in the Indian soul. In N? ganatantrayoga for 7L.