Context

• November 26, 2024, marks a significant milestone in India’s history, the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of India.
• The Constitution of India is not just a legal document, but a symbol of the country’s deep-rooted constitutional culture.
• As India celebrates this Constitution Day, it is important to examine the core values embedded in the Indian Constitution and that have withstood the test of time.

Values That Have Shaped India’s Constitutional Governance

• People's Respect for Democratic Institutions
  • The first core value that defines India's constitutional culture is the deep respect the people have for democratic institutions.
  • When the Constitution was adopted in 1949, life expectancy in India was around 32 years, a reflection of the economic and social challenges of the time.
  • Over the decades, life expectancy has more than doubled to about 70 years, marking significant improvements in living standards.
  • This progress has strengthened people's trust in the institutions that have guided the nation's development.
• People’s Consistent Participation in Elections
  • Despite frustrations with political leadership and governance, Indians continue to participate in elections in large numbers.
  • Voter turnout has consistently hovered around 60% since the first general elections in 1951-52, with the 2024 election seeing a turnout of 65.79%.
  • This sustained participation reflects a deep-seated belief in the democratic process.
  • The willingness of the electorate to engage in every level of elections, whether local, state, or national, is a testament to their faith in democracy.
  • This respect for democratic institutions is a core constitutional value that has withstood the test of time.
• Smooth Transition of Power
  • Another vital element of India's democratic tradition is the smooth transition of power after elections.
  • Over the past seven decades, India has witnessed numerous elections, resulting in different political parties holding power at the state and national levels.
  • These parties have often espoused differing ideological perspectives, yet the fundamental principle of a peaceful transfer of power has remained sacrosanct.
• Stability of Democratic System Irrespective of Political Rivalries
  • While elections in India are often charged with intense campaigns and divisive rhetoric, the results bring a sense of humility, underscoring the fact that it is the people of India who are the true victors in every election.
  • The electorate’s ability to make informed choices and enable the peaceful transfer of authority from one government to another reflects a core constitutional value.
  • This smooth transition ensures the stability of the democratic system, irrespective of political rivalries or changing leadership.

 Some Other Vital Components of India’s Constitutional Culture

• Protection of Rights and Freedoms
  • The protection of fundamental rights and freedoms is a cornerstone of India's Constitution.
  • The framers of the Constitution, many of whom were deeply involved in the Indian independence movement, were acutely aware of the potential for state overreach.
  • Despite having led the fight against colonial rule, they remained sceptical of concentrating too much power in the hands of the state and instead prioritised the protection of individual rights.
  • This vision is reflected in the establishment of courts as independent institutions tasked with safeguarding citizens' rights.
  • Over the years, India's judiciary has played a crucial role in upholding these fundamental rights, reinforcing the constitutional value of individual freedoms.
  • The foresight of the framers to limit state power and emphasize the protection of personal liberties has only grown stronger, solidifying its place as a central pillar of India's constitutional governance.
• Federalism and Constitutional Governance
  • India's Constitution recognises the extraordinary diversity of the country, especially its linguistic, cultural, and regional differences.
  • The framers were mindful of the need to strike a balance between fostering a national identity and preserving the unique identities of its various states.
  • To achieve this, they enshrined federalism as a core feature of the Constitution, allowing for the autonomy of states while promoting unity.
• Rise of State Level Political Discourse and Grassroots Politics
  • The rise of state-level political parties and their participation in coalition governments at both state and national levels has strengthened federal principles.
  • Additionally, the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, which established local self-governing bodies like panchayats and municipal corporations, have further decentralised governance.
  • This deepening of federalism has contributed to the inclusivity and equity in India's governance, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and represented in the political process.

Role of Media and Civil Society in Shaping India’s Constitutional Culture

• A free and robust media, along with an active civil society, is essential to a functioning democracy.
• In India, the media is diverse, operating in multiple languages and reflecting a wide range of perspectives.
• The evolution from print to broadcast media and the subsequent innovations in digital platforms have expanded access to information, making the media a key player in the democratic process.
• Despite challenges related to media independence and economic pressures on media organisations, the media and civil society continue to play a critical role in holding the government accountable and promoting transparency.
• By creating informed public discourse, the media helps instill faith in democracy, ensuring that citizens can make well-informed decisions.
• This interplay between the media, civil society, and the public is a vital component of India's constitutional culture.

Importance of Freedom and Constitutional Ideals

• Sceptics, like the British commander Claude Auchinleck, once doubted whether a nation as diverse as India could remain united.
• Yet, India has proven that a shared commitment to constitutional ideals can forge a national identity that transcends differences.
• The Constitution has been a unifying force, not only governing the political and social life of the country but also galvanizing the collective conscience of its people.

Conclusion

• India’s 75-year journey of constitutional governance is a story of resilience, progress, and a deep commitment to democratic values.
• The respect for democratic institutions, smooth transitions of power, protection of rights and freedoms, federalism, and the role of media and civil society have all contributed to the country’s democratic success.
• As we commemorate this historic occasion, it is a time to celebrate the values that have guided India’s development and will continue to shape its future.