Unit 1
THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA – CONTINUED
Constitutional values
Constitutional values are the core values that are enshrined in a
constitution and expressed as its objectives.
The Indian Constitution's Preamble outlines many values, including:
1 . Justice: The constitution includes social, economic, and political
justice as constitutional values.
2. Liberty: The Preamble includes liberty of thought, expression, belief,
faith, and worship as a core value.
3. Equality: The Constitution ensures equality of status and opportunity
to every citizen for their development.
4. Fraternity: The Constitution endeavors to promote
fraternity.
(the feeling of friendship and support between
people in the same group.)
5. Secularism: The Constitution declares India a secular
republic.
Secular republics are characterized by:
1. Freedom of religion: People are free to practice religion
or not practice it at all.
2. Equality: People of different faiths are treated equally
6. Democracy: The Constitution declares India a democratic republic.
India is called a democratic republic because it is a democracy
where the people elect their representatives who form the
government , and
It is a republic where the head of state is not a hereditary monarch
but an elected president
7. Sovereignty: The Constitution declares India a sovereign republic.
Republican character: The Constitution establishes the republican
character of the Indian state, with an elected Head of State, the
President, who is not selected based on heredity.
Conclusion
The Constitution also establishes fundamental rights like freedom of
speech and religion, and outlines fundamental duties of citizens.
Directive principles provide a social and economic framework that
includes principles around equitable wages, education, and
nutrition
Constitutional values are important
for many reasons, including
1. Promoting welfare
Constitutional values can help promote the welfare of citizens and
the development of an inclusive society.
2. Resolving conflicts
Constitutional values can help resolve conflicts between personal
and professional ethics.
Guaranteeing peaceful coexistence
Constitutional values, such as individual rights, democracy, and
pluralism, can help ensure peaceful coexistence
3. Educating citizens
Learning about constitutional values can educate citizens about their rights and
responsibilities, which can help them participate in civic activities and
community-building.
Constitutional values can serve as guiding principles for government officials, the
legislature, the executive, and the courts.
Nature of Constitutional values
Constitutional values are ideas and interests that are enshrined in a
constitution and are upheld by its citizens. These values can
include:
Justice
Liberty
Equality
Fraternity
Secularism
Dignity of the individual
Rule of law
Sovereignty
Socialism
Human dignity
Unity and integrity of the nation
Scope of Constitutional values
Constitutional values are ideas and interests that promote citizen
welfare and an inclusive society.
They include core values like justice, liberty, equality, fraternity,
secularism, and the dignity of the individual.
They also include fundamental rights like freedom of speech,
religion, and equality, as well as fundamental duties of citizens.
Constitutional values can also include directive principles that
provide a social and economic framework, such as principles
around equitable wages, education, and nutrition.
Constitutional values can be used to resolve conflicts between
personal and professional ethics.
For example, if there is a conflict between the risk to life that
conservancy workers face and the desire for a clean India,
constitutional values could help people consider their moral and
physical responsibility to clean their own sewers.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Early Life
Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was born on 14 April 1891 (present-day
Madhya Pradesh) to a Dalit family.
His family’s low caste status resulted in his early life being marked by
discrimination, segregation and untouchability.
Ambedkar’s academic life was prolific.
He obtained a Bachelor’s degree in economics and political
science from Elphinstone College, a Master’s degree from Columbia
University in economics, a doctoral degree from the University of
London in 1923, and another doctoral degree from Columbia
University in 1927.
Ambedkar’s higher education in the USA had been sponsored by
the Maharaja of Baroda, therefore he was obligated to return and
serve under the Princely State.
He joined the Accountant-General’s Office in Baroda in 1918, but
he was forced to leave in only 11 days as he was unable to find any
permanent place of residency due to his caste identity.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee
which played an important role in the formation of the Constitution.
Dr. Ambedkar handled the task of presenting the draft constitution,
answering various questions raised on it, and making necessary
changes according to the suggestions of the Constituent Assembly.
Due to his contributions towards the making of the Indian
Constitution, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is called the Father of the Indian
Constitution
Role in India’s Independence
Movement
The Father of Indian Constitution holds a significant place in the
history of India.
This distinguished figure is none other than Independent India’s first
Law minister Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, who is widely recognized
as the architect of the Indian Constitution.
His tireless efforts and visionary leadership played a pivotal role in
shaping the constitutional framework of independent India.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's contribution to the development of the Indian
Constitution is unparalleled and his work continues to inspire
generations.
The Father of Indian Constitution
Dr. Ambedkar was the Chairman, In 1947 he was appointed by the
Constituent Assembly for preparing a draft of the Constitution of
India.
Ambedkar was also a significant figure in social movements fighting
for Dalit rights
In 1924, he established the 'Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha' for the social
upliftment of the ‘marginalised sections,' with the motto "Educate,
Agitate, Organise."
In this article, we will delve into the life, works, and notable
contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who is known as the Father of
the Indian Constitution.
Throughout his life, he battled for the rights of Dalits and other
marginalised people, as well as for social justice, equality, and
human rights.
Dr. Ambedkar was also the first Dalit to become India’s first Law
Minister in the history of the nation.
The Constitution of India was adopted on 26th November 1949 and
came into effect on 26th January 1950, marking the birth of the
Republic of India.
Events and Movements: Dr. Ambedkar actively participated in
various events and movements advocating for social justice and
equality.
In 1927, he led the Mahad Satyagraha, a movement that aimed to
assert the rights of Dalits to access public water sources.
In 1930, he organised the historic Kalaram Temple Satyagraha
demanding temple entry for Dalits.
Poona Pact: Dr. Ambedkar played a pivotal role in the Poona Pact,
1932. This agreement was reached between him and Mahatma
Gandhi to secure enhanced political representation and reserved
seats for the depressed classes (Scheduled Castes) in the legislative
bodies.
Contribution to Dalit Rights: Dr. Ambedkar dedicated his life to
fighting for the rights and welfare of Dalits.
He founded the "All India Scheduled Castes Federation" to represent
their interests and worked tirelessly to uplift the marginalised
communities.
Social Educator - He founded the Bahishkrit Hitakarini Sabha and the
People’s Education Society to promote education and social
welfare of all citizens.
Conversion to Buddhism: In 1956, Dr. Ambedkar renounced
Hinduism and embraced Buddhism along with thousands of his
followers. This conversion was seen as a symbolic rejection of the
caste system and a move towards embracing equality and social
justice.
Legacy: Dr. Ambedkar's contributions continue to inspire
generations. His tireless efforts for social reform, his advocacy for
Dalit rights, and his invaluable role in drafting the Indian Constitution
have conferred him the Bharat Ratna in 1990, posthumously.
Contributions of the Father of Indian
Constitution
Drafting of the Preamble of Indian Constitution: Dr. Ambedkar served
as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, leading the task of
drafting the Preamble, which outlines the core of the Constitution of
India.
Advocate of Fundamental Rights: Dr. Ambedkar played a pivotal
role in the inclusion of fundamental rights in the Constitution. These
rights, such as the right to equality, freedom of speech and
expression, and the right to protection from discrimination, ensure
the protection of individual liberties.
Establishing Universal Suffrage: Dr. Ambedkar advocated for
universal suffrage, which means that every adult citizen has the right
to vote without any discrimination based on caste, gender, religion,
or economic status. This principle of universal suffrage ensures
democratic representation and participation for all citizens.
Rooting for Secular State: Dr. Ambedkar strongly advocated for a
secular state. As a result, the Indian Constitution declares India as a
secular nation, guaranteeing religious freedom to all citizens and
prohibiting the state from favouring any particular religion.
Abolition of Untouchability: Dr. Ambedkar was committed to
eradicating the practice of untouchability and ensuring equality for
the Dalit community. The Constitution explicitly abolished
untouchability and provided safeguards against caste-based
discrimination.
Reservation Policies: Dr. Ambedkar championed the cause of
affirmative action and advocated for reservation policies to uplift
marginalised communities. The Constitution incorporates provisions
for reservations in education, employment, and legislative bodies to
provide equal opportunities for socially disadvantaged groups.
Equal Rights for Women: Dr. Ambedkar emphasised the importance
of gender equality and worked towards the inclusion of provisions
that protect and empower women. The Constitution guarantees
equal rights for women and prohibits discrimination based on
gender.
Social Justice and Welfare Measures: Dr. Ambedkar's vision of social
justice is reflected in various welfare measures enshrined in the
Constitution. These measures aim to uplift the marginalised sections
of society through policies related to education, healthcare, and
social security.
Independent Judiciary: Dr. Ambedkar played a significant role in
establishing an independent judiciary in India. He advocated for a
judicial system that upholds the rule of law, protects the rights of
citizens, and acts as a check on the other branches of government.
Protection of Minority Rights: Dr. Ambedkar was committed to
safeguarding the rights of religious and linguistic minorities. The
Constitution includes provisions to protect their cultural, educational,
and religious rights
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting
Committee which played an important role in the formation of the
Constitution.
Notable Works of the Father of Indian
Constitution
Year Name Description
1916 "Castes in India" A research
paper
examining the
caste system in
India and its
impact on
society.
1936 "Annihilation of A powerful
Caste" critique of the
caste system,
advocating for
its abolition and
promoting
social equality.
1940 "The Problem of A
the Rupee: Its comprehensive
Origin and Its analysis of the
Solution" economic issues
related to the
Indian rupee
and suggestions
for its resolution.
1945 "States and A book
Minorities" discussing the
challenges
faced by
minority
communities in
India and
proposing
measures for
their protection
and
1957 "Buddha and His A philosophical
Dhamma" and historical
work exploring
the life and
teachings of
Gautama
Buddha,
emphasising the
principles of
non-violence
and equality.
1959 "The A
Untouchables: comprehensive
Who Were They study tracing
and Why They the historical
Became origins and
Untouchables?" social conditions
that led to the
marginalised
status of the
Jawaharlal Nehru
Early Life
Jawaharlal Nehru was born on 14 November 1889 in Allahabad to a Kashmiri
Pandit family.
His father, Motilal Nehru, was a wealthy barrister a prominent figure in the Indian
national movement.
Nehru was educated at a number of elite institutions including the Harrow School
and Trinity College, Cambridge.
He trained in law at Inner Temple, London where he encountered Fabian Society
scholars.
Role in India’s Independence
Movement
Nehru began working for the Indian National Congress after returning from
London
He led the Non-Cooperation Movement (noncooperation movement, unsuccessful
attempt in 1920–22, organized by Mahatma Gandhi, to induce the British
government of India to grant self-government, or swaraj, to India. It was one of
Gandhi's first organized acts of large-scale civil disobedience (satyagraha))
The Kisan Movement in the United Provinces in 1920(The Kisan Sabha
movement started in Bihar in order to mobilise peasant grievances against the
zamindari attacks on their occupancy rights, and thus sparking the farmers'
movements in India.)
• participated in the protest against the Simon Commission in 1928(Simon Commission was the Indian
Statutory Commission, which was a group of seven Members of Parliament under the chairmanship
of Sir John Simon.
• The commission arrived in British India in 1928 to study constitutional reform in Britain’s largest
and most important possession
• The Government of India Act of 1919 provided for the appointment of a commission to study the
progress of the governance scheme and suggest new steps after ten years
• Since the British administration had failed to include even a single Indian in the Commission, it
was strongly opposed by national leaders and
moved the Purna Swaraj Declaration in 1930,
Led the Civil Disobedience Movement in the United Provinces in 1930
participated in the Quit India Movement in 1942.
He was arrested and imprisoned by the British multiple times and cumulatively spent close to 9 years
in prison.
In the year 1930, under the leadership of M.K. Gandhi, the Civil
Disobedience Movement began. The Civil Disobedience Movement
was founded on the principle of defying British regulations. From his
ashram in Sabarmati, Gandhiji started his legendary Salt March Dandi
March to the Gujarati seaside village of Dandi.
The Quit India Movement was a movement launched at the Bombay
session of the All India Congress Committee by Mahatma Gandhi on 8
August 1942, during World War II, demanding an end to British rule in
India. Gandhi discusses the movement with Nehru.
The word Purna Swaraj was derived from Sanskrit पूर्ण (Pūrṇa) 'Complete'
and स्वराज (Svarāja) 'Self-rule or Sovereignty', or Declaration of the
Independence of India, it was promulgated by the Indian National
Congress, resolving the Congress and Indian nationalists to fight for Purna
Swaraj, or complete self-rule
He held the post of the President of the Indian National Congress many times and
was the Prime Minister of the interim Indian Government between 1946 and 1950.
Contribution to Constitution Making
On 15 August 1947, Nehru became the first prime minister of independent India.
He held the post until his death in 1964. He implemented moderate socialist
economic reforms and committed India to a policy of industrialisation. Nehru also
served as foreign minister of India.
On 14 November 1889, Jawaharlal Nehru was born in Allahabad to parents with
Kashmiri Pandit lineage. He played a prominent role in the freedom struggle and
became the first prime minister of independent India.
Nehru, as prime minister, advocated a mixed economy. He established heavy
industries believing them to be essential to the development of a country. But there
were also heavy control and regulations of the industry
• He advocated the use of Hindi as the country’s official language but this met with
heavy resistance from non-Hindi speakers.
• He enacted many laws to criminalise certain practices like caste-based
discrimination. He also increased legal rights for women.
• Nehru was leading a newly independent country and initiated many projects like
setting up the IITs, the defence academies, the nuclear energy program and so on.
• He was also keen on having cordial relations with other nations of the world.
• He was a founder and leader of the Non-Aligned Movement.
• Nehru was also responsible for the liberation of Goa after years of failed negotiations with the
Portuguese.
• He was a prolific author and some of his works are ‘The Discovery of India’ and ‘Glimpses of
World History’.
• Pandit Nehru died on 27 May 1964 of a heart attack. He was the Prime Minister of the country
till his death and is the longest-serving prime minister to date. He was 74.
• He was succeeded by Lal Bahadur Shastri as the prime minister. His only daughter Indira
Gandhi would become the prime minister later.
• From 1957, his birth anniversary is celebrated as ‘Children’s Day’ in India.
