Page 80 - Constitution

70 Years of Indian Years of Indian

Constitution
Constitution
Compared to number of nations
am a surgeon by profession, not a lawyer. But I am
achieving freedom along with us,
deeply interested in the study of the Constitution that
we are far ahead in establishing as
I is so much necessary for anybody with social and
national outlook, and commitment. a nation, true to its parliamentary
The indian Constitution elaborates the way of life for
any Indian citizen. It makes one aware of his rights as democratic system
well as duties. This awareness further enhances national
document of other country. But it is an excellent blend of
outlook, and sense of integrity.
our rich old culture, and some modern constitutions like
Ours is a culture that is over 5000 years old. It was not
that of US, France and UK traditions.
in a form of modern nation. But most certainly there are
In the past 70 years, our Constitution has been
many - many signs, manifestations of oneness, integrity,
instrumental in establishing and consolidating our national
common concepts and herd instincts, in this widespread
integrity. The process is ongoing. The pace is rather
land. That itself is a manifestation of its nationhood. Our
slow. But certainly we are marching ahead. Compared
constitution has put it an orderly way to befit modern
to number of nations achieving freedom along with us,
times.
we are far ahead in establishing as a nation, true to its
A team of 284 selected, distinguished learned leaders,
parliamentary democratic system. We as a nation are
from the entire length and breadth of our vast country,
getting more and more mature, to follow the Constitution
was formed to prepare the Constitution. Actually, the first
in letter and spirit.
team was of 389 members. After the decision of partition
The 284 members came from all nooks and corners of
of British India, 284 members formed the committee for
the country. They represented various ideologies. It was
India and rest for Pakistan.
dominated by the Congress as an organisation.
Dr BR Ambedkar was elected to the committee
But then, Congress was wide-mass movement, where
from East Bengal, which after partition became part of
in persons from extreme right to extreme left were
Pakistan. Hence Dr Ambedkar lost his membership. But,
accommodated. Almost all of them were involved in
though politically opposite, Congress leaders were keen
freedom struggle movement, having no vested interests.
that he should be included in the committee. So he was
Discussions in the meetings used to be thorough, often
sent on to the committee from then Bombay Presidency
hot. But consensus used to be achieved each time. Dr.
which was very subtle and judicious move.
Rajendra Prasad was the Chairman of the Constituent
This team of 284, worked relentlessly for over two years
Assembly but the deliberations were dominated by Pandit
and shaped our constitution. It is not a copy of any such
Jawahrlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Maulana Azad and Dr.

80 70 Years of Indian Constitution