A tribute to India’s democratic vision

Based on Gandhian principles, the Indian Constitution continues to guide the world’s largest democracy in promoting a harmonious and egalitarian society

Constitution Day, known as ‘Samvidhan Divas’ in Hindi, is celebrated every year on 26 November in India. This day commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of India, which was formally approved by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949. It later came into force on 26 January 1950, celebrating the birth of India as a sovereign democratic republic.

In 2015, the Government of India officially recognized 26 November as Constitution Day through a gazette notification published on 19 November. This comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement at the groundbreaking ceremony of the ‘BR Ambedkar Statue of Equality’ memorial in Mumbai in October. 11, 2015.

As India celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Constitution in 2024, it is an appropriate time to reflect on this transformative document that underpins the country’s democracy and inclusiveness.

The Vision Behind the Constitution of India

The Constitution of India is more than a legal contract; It is a visionary framework that supports the values ​​of justice, freedom, equality and fraternity. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of truth, nonviolence and grassroots empowerment, it reflects the collective aspirations of a diverse population. Gandhi’s ideals of swaraj (self-government) emphasized moral values, social equality and the welfare of all, and this profoundly influenced the framework of the Constitution.

Gandhi and Dr. Although BR Ambedkar had differences on certain issues, they had a common commitment to social justice and local self-government. This common vision is evident in key aspects of the Constitution such as the Preamble, the Directive Principles of State Policy and the Fundamental Duties.

Preamble: Spirit of the Constitution

The preamble summarizes the essence of the Constitution, emphasizing ideals such as justice, freedom, equality and fraternity. These values ​​align with Gandhi’s lifelong struggle against colonial oppression and social inequality. Historian Judith Brown aptly stated: “Gandhi’s struggle was not just for legal justice but also for ethical and humanistic justice that transcended caste, creed and gender.” The beginning remains a guiding light in India’s quest for a just and inclusive society.

Directive Principles: Vision of Social Equality

Article IV of the Constitution The Directive Principles of State Policy express the vision of economic equality, social justice and the development of marginalized communities. Gandhi’s influence is evident in provisions like Article 40, which advocates the Panchayati Raj system, and Article 43, which supports cottage industries. Historian Anthony Parel observed that these principles were “the most visible expression of Gandhi’s socio-economic vision aimed at eradicating poverty and ensuring dignity.”

Basic Duties: Rights and Responsibilities

Mahatma Gandhi emphasized that rights and duties are interconnected, arguing that rights derive their meaning from duties well performed. Reflecting this philosophy, the 42nd Amendment implemented the Essential Duties in 1976. These missions, such as promoting harmony, protecting the environment, and promoting the dignity of women, are closely aligned with Gandhi’s principles of nonviolence, ecological stewardship, and gender equality. Gandhi’s timeless reminder: “The Earth provides enough to meet every man’s needs, but not every man’s greed”, underlines the importance of responsible citizenship.

Gandhian Values ​​in Modern Context

As India overcomes contemporary challenges, the values ​​grounded in Gandhian philosophy remain extremely relevant. Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, in his book ‘The Idea of ​​Justice’, emphasizes that justice involves removing obstacles that prevent marginalized communities from realizing their potential. Gandhi’s vision of Sarvodaya (welfare for all) is in line with this principle and promotes inclusive growth and equitable resource distribution.

In geopolitics, Gandhi’s commitment to peace and ‘Ahimsa’ (non-violence) resonates around the world. His campaigns, from the Salt March to the Quit India Movement, have shown how unity and empowerment can coexist in a diverse society. Historian Ramachandra Guha noted: “Gandhi’s idea of ​​brotherhood based on empathy and non-violence offers a moral compass for modern democracy.”

Decentralized Governance The cornerstone of Gandhi’s political thought was decentralized governance. He believed that true democracy could only be achieved by empowering local communities. The Panchayati Raj system enshrined in the Constitution embodies this vision. Similarly, Prime Minister Modi’s initiatives such as ‘Local Vocal’ and ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ also reflect Gandhi’s principle of ‘Gram Swaraj’. These programs aim to empower India’s citizens while enhancing its global reputation by encouraging local entrepreneurship, sustainable development and self-reliance.

The Role of Citizens and the Media

Democracy thrives on active citizen participation. Voting, participating in public discourse, and engaging in civic affairs are essential to robust democratic institutions. Equally important is the role of the media as the fourth estate, providing checks and balances while protecting the freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution. Responsible exercise of this freedom ensures accountability and transparency in governance.

A Living Document for a Dynamic Nation

Inspired by Gandhian principles, the Indian Constitution remains a living document that harmonizes individual aspirations with collective well-being. His interests extend beyond legal frameworks to address issues such as social justice, environmental protection and global leadership.

(The writer is Program Manager, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Smriti; views are personal)