Page 51 - Constitution
P. 51
70 Years of Indian
Constitution
The Constitution of India has achieved unity of the
case (AIR 1973, SCC 1461), the Supreme Court has
country through its vast diversity. Diversity seen in
ruled that Parliament cannot alter the basic structure of
the Constitution. this country, which is multi-religious, multi-lingual,
The Preamble to the Constitution of India is beautiful multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-cuisine in
declaration, which guarantees its citizens Justice;
social, economic and political; Liberty of thought, character, is unknown in any other country
expression, belief, faith and worship; Equality of status
and opportunity, and seeks to promote among them country through its vast diversity. Diversity seen in this
all Fraternity, assuring the dignity of individuals. Our country, which is multi-religious, multi-lingual, multi-
Constitution is a guide to all of us to empower the ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-cuisine in character,
citizens by making them aware of their rights. is unknown in any other country. People professing
Fundamental rights are those rights, which are almost all religious faiths live in this country.
vital for the development of a human being. No one Although 22 languages have been included in the
can attain perfection in life without these rights. Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and two more, 24,
Fundamental Rights have been classified under recognised by the Sahitya Akademi, there are more
seven categories such as Right to Freedom, Right to than 19,500 languages and dialects spoken in India
Equality, Right against Exploitation, Right to Freedom as mother tongues. The diversity of our population is
of Religion, Culture and Educational Rights and Right also reflected in people’s food habits, dress, manners,
to Constitutional Remedies. These Fundamental Rights customs and rituals. India has 28 States and 9 Union
are envisaged in Part III (Articles 12 to 35) of the Indian Territories with a population of approximately 135
Constitution. crore. I want that all Union Territories be converted
I was brought up as a child of independence, inspired to full-fledged States so that they can maintain their
by the great message of Mahatma Gandhi: Sarva unique identities. From Kerala to Kashmir, from Assam
Dharma Sambhav; I grew up in a world of human rights, to Gujarat--we have states that have come together
where all human beings are born free and with equal to form one great country. Thus, the Constitution of
dignity. I consider myself an outcaste and my religion is India provides a beautiful rainbow comprising different
humanity. I follow Mahatma Gandhi and am quoting two colours.
lines of his favourite Bhajan “Ishwar Allah Tero Naam/ The Constitution of India stands on three pillars—the
Sabko Sanmati De Bhagwan”. Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary. Over the
The Constitution of India has achieved unity of the years, the Indian judiciary has proved to be a strong
70 Years of Indian Constitution 51
