On 26 January 1950, India became a Sovereign Democratic Republic, and its Constitution came into effect. The Constitution of India, adopted two months earlier on 26 November 1949, is not only the longest written Constitution in the world, but it is generally regarded as the finest one too. The Preamble sets the spirit and tone of the Constitution, describing India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic. It aims to secure justice, liberty and equality for all citizens and promote fraternity, “assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation.”

The Constitution is the only sacred book for the citizens of India. As we celebrate the completion of its milestone 75th year, it is important to whisper a prayer of gratitude for all the members of our Constituent Assembly beginning with its architect Dr. B.R. Ambedkar; among the stalwarts who were part of this great body was also a Jesuit Fr Jerome D’Souza who was instrumental in ensuring the rights of minorities (specially of worship and education) were fully protected in the Constitution.

The values and principles, the rights and freedoms, enshrined in the Constitution are ‘Kingdom values’ which Jesus lived, preached and gave his life for; the Kingdom in which justice, peace, liberty, equality, fraternity and love would reign. The Constitution, therefore, should be embraced by all, protected and promoted in every possible way.

There are several ways to do so, these include:

• to study the Constitution thoroughly: developing an ownership of it in letter and spirit;
• to participate actively and conscientiously in the democratic process;
• to organise in-depth training/s in social analysis and advocacy;
• to display at a strategic/prominent location in our institution the Preamble on a ‘billboard’;
• to create an awareness (through drama, debate, seminars) of important aspects of the Constitution, in all institutions;
• to gift copies of the Constitution, or at least the Preamble, to guests on special occasions;
• to make sure that all policies/legislations which are draconian, anti-people, anti-poor and anti-Constitutional that go against the democratic and pluralistic fabric of the country be rescinded immediately and unconditionally;
• to ensure that our names and all eligible voters are on the electoral rolls (25 January is ‘National Voters Day’);
• to exercise one’s franchise for democratic, secular parties/individuals who will defend the sanctity, the secular and pluralistic ethos of the Constitution;
• to organise/participate in rallies/public programmes/campaigns in support of the human/fundamental/civil rights of all citizens;
• to participate in initiatives of like-minded groups/organisations in defense of the Constitution/common person.

On 25 November 1949, Ambedkar’s concluded his path-breaking speech to the Constituent Assembly with these words, “If we wish to preserve the Constitution in which we have sought to enshrine the principle of Government of the people, for the people and by the people, let us resolve not to be tardy in the recognition of the evils that lie across our path and which induce people to prefer Government for the people to Government by the people, nor to be weak in our initiative to remove them. That is the only way to serve the country. I know of no better.” Powerful words from a visionary leader; he challenges us all today to internalise and actualise the spirit and letter of the Constitution.

Our Constitution, in essence, is ‘good news’ for every single citizen of India.

(Fr Cedric Prakash SJ is a human rights, reconciliation and peace activist and writer.

Contact: cedricprakash@gmail.com )