Page 88 - Constitution

70 Years of Indian Years of Indian

Constitution
Constitution

ince 1950, the Constitution of India has remarkably Though it was drafted in first half of 20th
century (1947-1950) yet its compatibility to
guided the people of this nation in testing times
to respond to several challenges and crisis Agenda for Sustainable Development, 2030

Sconcerning governance, political upheavals,
participatory democracy, threat to human rights etc. Its distinguishes it from its contemporaries,
resilience to dynamic socio-politic forces at international, including all, excluding none
regional, national and local level is unique.
This is the right time to give a pause and self-introspect. As
Though it was drafted in first half of 20th century (1947-
Article 51-A (h), imposes a fundamental duty upon every
1950) yet its compatibility to Agenda for Sustainable
citizen of India to develop the scientific temper, humanism
Development, 2030 distinguishes it from its contemporaries.
and the spirit of inquiry and Reform.
Including all excluding none is the foundational principle
Fair and unbiased evaluation of functioning of the
around which wheel of governance revolves. Its relevance
Constitution demands its effect on the people–who adopted
is strengthened by its adaptability in contemporary contexts.
it. The first expression of the preamble is ‘We the people….’.
Articles 14-18 in immediate years of independence drew
It certainly gives one a sense pride, dignity and self-respect
the curtain of equality to apply balm on the sufferings
to be the part of lofty ideals to be achieved. Regarding the
of millions caused by inequalities, oppression and
form of government to be established, the words ‘sovereign,
victimization. In contemporary times of gearing towards
socialist, secular, democratic and republic’ have been given
sustainable development goals, the significance of above
the foremost place. Attempts to attack sovereignty of the
articles has multiplied to ensure inclusive, qualitative, anti-
nation have been given befitting reply. Socialist, though
discriminatory access to opportunities in a socially unequal
inserted through 42nd amendment, indicates a pattern of
world. The flexibility and relevance of the Constitution is
economy not only after its insertion but also before and
certainly an outcome of integrated efforts of three organs
giving adequate room to all to progress and imbibe the
of the government- legislature, executive and judiciary.
values of democracy in one’s life.
All the three organs have been striving hard to perform
The emergence of regional political parties is viewed
their job to strengthen the roots of democracy and
negatively yet it cannot be ignored that these helped to
constitutional governance on Indian soil. The instances
strengthen the democracy on Indian soil. Election of three
of friction between governmental organs- are natural and
tier mechanism of government affords an opportunity to
universal phenomenon. However, the constitutional morality
the people of India to decide the fate of their own republic
continually lightened the path in the dark times and enabled
and themselves. Justice is among the primary promises to
to meet the challenges with wisdom gained from experience.
the individual is followed by the resolves to secure liberty,

88 70 Years of Indian Constitution