Seventy-five years ago, adopting the Indian Constitution marked a historic turning point. It was more
than a legal framework for governance—it was a bold vision for an equitable society born from the sacrifices and dreams of a nation newly liberated from colonial rule. Drafted with meticulous care, debated with vigour, and formally adopted on November 26, 1949, the Constitution was an ambitious experiment in democracy, justice, and inclusion. As India celebrates this milestone, it is a moment of pride and introspection—a chance to reflect on whether we have upheld the ideals it enshrined or faltered in addressing old and emerging challenges.
At the heart of the Constitution lies its Preamble, a powerful declaration of intent that pledges justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity to all citizens. It is a testament to universal principles while deeply anchoring in India’s unique social, cultural, and political context. In his iconic “Tryst with Destiny” speech, Jawaharlal Nehru envisioned the Constitution as a gateway to “greater triumphs and achievements” for a free India, a framework designed to dismantle entrenched inequalities and exclusions of the past. Yet, as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Constitution, wisely cautioned, “However good a Constitution may be, if those who are implementing it are not good, it will prove to be bad.” Today, this warning echoes with unsettling relevance as we confront the stark gap between the Constitution’s lofty ideals and the realities of our society.
The Constitution envisioned a just society where social, economic, and political inequalities would be steadily erased. Yet, economic justice remains an unfulfilled dream. In a nation where the wealthiest 10% control over 77% of the wealth, the promise of equity feels hollow to millions who struggle for basic sustenance. Recent years have witnessed an extraordinary concentration of wealth, with billionaires growing richer by leaps and bounds, even as many languish in poverty. Between 2018 and 2022, an astonishing 70 new millionaires emerged daily, a testament to growing inequality. Social justice, too, has remained elusive. For Dalits, Adivasis, and other marginalised communities, constitutional guarantees have often been reduced to rhetoric, with systemic discrimination and violence persisting unabated. These are not just lapses in governance; they are betrayals of the Constitution’s moral imperative to create a society where justice is not a privilege but a right.
The erosion of liberty in recent years is perhaps the most glaring deviation from the constitutional vision. The framers of the Constitution recognised freedom as the lifeblood of democracy. Nehru warned, “Without freedom, democracy is dead. Without equality, it is a farce.” Yet, freedoms fundamental to a vibrant democracy—speech, expression, and dissent—are increasingly under threat. India’s fall to 159th place in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index is symptomatic of a broader assault on liberty. Journalists, activists, and academics who challenge the status quo face censorship, harassment, and imprisonment. Dissent is painted as disloyalty, and patriotism is often reduced to performative gestures devoid of substantive engagement with democratic principles.
The Constitution’s commitment to equality, as outlined in Article 15, prohibits discrimination based on religion, caste, gender, or place of birth. Yet, inequality remains deeply entrenched. Women, who constitute nearly half the population, remain underrepresented in positions of power and decision-making. Despite the passage of the Women’s Reservation Bill, the structural barriers that impede gender equality persist, often compounded by denial of the very existence of patriarchy. Similarly, caste-based inequality continues to undermine the dream of a society built on equal opportunity. The daily indignities and exclusions faced by Dalits and other marginalised communities expose the gap between constitutional promises and their realisation.
Secularism, one of the Constitution’s defining principles, is under siege. The framers envisioned a state that treated all religions equally, ensuring that no faith overshadowed another in the public sphere. Yet, religious polarisation has become a defining feature of contemporary politics. Religious minorities, particularly Muslims, increasingly find themselves marginalised and alienated. The conflation of national identity with majority religious identity poses a grave threat to India’s pluralistic ethos. Ever the visionary, Ambedkar argued that fraternity—unity and mutual respect among citizens—was indispensable for democracy. He warned that “fraternity is the root of democracy.” Today, as communal tensions rise and divisions deepen, this principle of fraternity seems to be slipping through our fingers.
Perhaps the most alarming challenge lies in the erosion of constitutional morality. Ambedkar’s concept of constitutional morality emphasized fidelity to the Constitution’s values, even when they conflicted with populist impulses. Yet, in recent years, governance has often prioritised expediency over principle. Parliamentary debates, once a cornerstone of democratic deliberation, have become rare, with critical legislation rushed through without meaningful scrutiny. The judiciary, envisioned as an independent arbiter, faces mounting pressure to align with the executive, raising questions about its autonomy.
Amid these challenges, it is crucial to remember that the Constitution is not just a document for governments to follow. It is a contract with the people—a call to action for every citizen. Though often overshadowed by fundamental rights, fundamental duties remind us of our collective responsibility to uphold the values enshrined in the Constitution. Ambedkar believed that democracy was not merely a form of government but a way of life, demanding constant vigilance and participation from its citizens.
On this Constitution Day, we must reflect on whether we have truly honoured this legacy. Performative patriotism—renaming streets, invoking the Constitution in speeches, or displaying symbolic loyalty—cannot substitute for a genuine commitment to its principles. As Nehru observed, “Democracy is good because it is self-corrective. Its faults are self-corrected as time passes, and it is, after all, the people who are the ultimate judges.” This self-corrective capacity hinges on our willingness to confront uncomfortable truths and strive for genuine reform.
As a living document, the Constitution is adaptable to society’s evolving needs. But this adaptability must never compromise its foundational values. Justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity are not abstract ideals; they are the pillars on which the edifice of Indian democracy stands. As we look to the future, we must recommit ourselves to bridging the gap between these ideals and the realities of governance and society.
Seventy-five years on, the Indian Constitution remains one of the nation’s greatest achievements—a beacon of hope and an instrument of change. But its strength lies not in its text but in our collective resolve to uphold its spirit. To fulfil the aspirations of those who drafted this remarkable document, we must move beyond celebration and engage in action. The work of democracy is never finished, and the responsibility to defend its ideals rests with all of us. Only by embracing this responsibility can we ensure that the Constitution remains a living force, guiding India toward a future that truly embodies its founding vision.
