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What's the article about?
- It talks about the importance of the Constitution to inculcate values in society on the occasion of Constitution Day.
Relevance:
- GS2: Indian Constitution—Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure;
- GS4: Constitutional Morality;
- Essay Paper
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What is Constitution Day?
Article 15 says:
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Analysis:
- Lack of awareness:
- Despite the fact that we have been celebrating Constitution Day every year since 2015, there is a general lack of understanding about the importance of the Constitution among all sections of society.
- Constitution in our day-to-day life:
- The Constitution has a clear imprint on day-to-day life, though we may not be really conscious of it.
- The freedom of movement, freedom of expression, freedom to choose a calling of our liking, freedom to buy, sell and carry-on any trade, freedom to wear garments of our choice; all these freedoms emanate from the Constitution in the form of fundamental rights.
- Value of equality:
- When we were on the verge of Independence, our freedom fighters wanted to make a clean break with the past and build a brave new society through the Constitution.
- Thus, the Constitution declared with the stroke of a pen that all Indians are equal citizens irrespective of caste, creed, colour, gender, estate, education, etc.
- Social Change through the Constitution: By making our children aware of the values enshrined in the Constitution, we can bring social change.
- The Constitution is a holistic doctrine. Rights bring responsibilities with them. There is a chapter on Fundamental Duties in Part IVA of the Constitution.
Way Forward:
- The Constitution should get due recognition across the educational system.
- Celebrating November 26 as Constitution Day is fine, but we should not restrict ourselves to symbolism. We should look at the substantive issues dealt with by the Constitution, thereby enriching our life.
- Our ancient texts teach us that Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which means the entire humanity, is one large family. Every man is related to every other person. We should first learn to treat fellow Indians as a fraternity.
