The Constitution of India: Showing the Way

Sujit S. Nair

After a hard-won Independence in 1947, the most challenging moment for India was to give shape to the aspirations of its people. A Constitution had to be drafted for the country’s newly-formed status as a guide to securing justice, liberty, equality and fraternity for the generations to come.

e will be celebrating our 73rd Republic Day on January 26, 2022. When India became independent on August 15, 1947, a drafting committee, under the chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, was set up to draft a permanent Indian Constitution on August 29, 1947. And, on January 26, 1950, the Constitution of India came into effect. It was a guide to let all of us know our duties and fundamental rights. As the country’s supreme law, it established the powers, procedures and duties for different Government institutions.

American politician, Patrick Henry, has an interesting view on how the Constitution should be regarded by the common man. He believes that it is not an instrument for the Government to restrain its people; it is an instrument for the people to restrain the Government. I do hope that the Republic of India starts strictly enforcing those laws by which the common man can be empowered to demand answers from people in positions of power, without any fear of retribution. Our Constitution is probably one of the best in the world, but where we lack is in the implementation of the laws mentioned in it. This has led to the common man being let down by the system and not receiving the protection that he has a right to by the laws of the land. I hope that the Republic of India at 73 starts strictly enforcing checks and balances so that the citizens are protected from powerful people in the Government.

Values of the Constitution

I believe that the Constitution of India provides the framework for the Government to carry out a number of positive steps that can address the hopes and aspirations of the common man and help society achieve its goals. Over the course of the past few centuries, Indian society has developed deeply entrenched inequalities based on caste, creed and so on. If the country strictly enforces the laws enshrined in the Constitution, we can evolve into a twenty-first century progressive society that is free of caste and various other forms of discrimination. Basic rights to citizens, which the Government is not allowed to trespass, have been provided by our Constitution. This has been achieved by specifying certain fundamental rights, which the Government cannot violate. I hope that, after 73 years, the country can enforce these aspects of the Constitution so that the people of India can lead a more meaningful life. Given the diversity of our population, the Indian Constitution has set up a few basic rules that will ensure that there will always be minimal coordination among the leaders representing the various strata of society, including religion, caste and so on. These rules of engagement are important because without them we will have a situation where people will feel insecure as they will not know what the members of other groups could do to them. India must intensify those mechanisms which will ensure that these rules are Our Constitution is probably one of the known to society at large and, hence, best in the world, but where we lack is in the provide an assurance to its citizens that implementation of the laws mentioned in it. everybody should follow them and, in

This has led to the common man being let case the rules are not followed, they will down by the system be liable for punishment.

There are strict laws in our Constitution to prevent corruption among public servants who can be imprisoned or fined if they do not adhere to them. I would like to see an India where these mechanisms are further implemented. I believe that our Constitution has a number of provisions to ensure that all citizens get access to adequate nutrition, clothing and housing. If the country can diligently deliver these rights to its citizens, we will not hear stories of people dying of starvation or homelessness. I hope to see a day when India implements these social security benefits so that the basic requirements of its citizens are taken care of by the state, irrespective of the financial situation of the individual.

I hope to see a day when India implements these social security benefits so that the basic requirements of its citizens are taken care of by the state, irrespective of the financial situation of the individual It is important for us as Indians to be aware of our fundamental rights and duties. It is also important for us to carry out our fundamental duties and commitments. Actions performed by even one citizen can change lives; when these actions are amplified by other members of society, it can have a positive impact on the entire country. Therefore, we also have a responsibility to assist the Government in building a strong and powerful nation.

Sujit S. Nair hosts summits at the European Parliament and the UK Parliament to promote trade and relationship in the EU-India-UK trilateral corridor.