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Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasized the importance of understanding the Indian Constitution, stating that greater awareness of it would strengthen the spirit of nationalism among citizens. He made these remarks on Saturday at the inauguration event of the Constitution Awareness Year celebrations.
Nationalism as the Highest Duty
Speaking at the event, the Vice President urged people to consider nationalism as their greatest responsibility, above politics and personal interests. He called on citizens to perform their duties sincerely, especially in the face of challenges.
“There is a challenge before the country. By getting funds from outside, the democratic system is being made unholy. The persons of their (donors’) choice are made to win polls. This is dangerous and cannot be tolerated,” Dhankhar warned, referencing recent allegations about foreign funding influencing Indian elections.
The Role of the Constitution in Democracy
Highlighting the foresight of the Constitution’s framers, he said they were visionaries who worked to create a system that met the expectations of all citizens.
“Awareness of our Constitution is what is of utmost need today. Our Constitution creators were ascetics who fought for the country’s Independence. They wanted to create a Constitution that would meet the expectations of all. They resolved challenges through meaningful dialogue, high levels of debate, and not through boycotts. They never let the prestige of the temple of democracy go down,” Dhankhar stated.
Concerns Over Parliamentary Disruptions
The Vice President expressed concern over frequent disruptions in parliamentary proceedings. He stressed that without meaningful discussions in the Houses of Parliament, citizens would have no way to address their concerns.
“Why is there stress on the temples of democracy when dialogue can resolve every problem? Elected representatives must perform their duties faithfully, think of nationalism as their religion, and Indianness as their identity,” he asserted.
Importance of Remembering History
Dhankhar highlighted the significance of observing Constitution Day for the past decade, emphasizing its role in educating the younger generation about the sacrifices made for India’s independence and their democratic responsibilities. He also reminded the audience of June 25, 1975, the day Emergency was imposed in India under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s government, calling it the “darkest hour” in Indian democracy.
“Nine High Courts of the country in one voice said fundamental rights cannot be put on hold during Emergency. But the Supreme Court overturned the decisions of these nine courts and said the government will decide till when Emergency will be in force. Hence, to ensure the new generation remembers, June 25 is observed as Samvidhan Hatya Diwas,” he explained.
The Constitution as a Guide to Nationalism
Reiterating his belief in the power of the Constitution, Dhankhar said, “The more we learn about the Constitution, the more it will turn us towards nationalism. The Constitution has given us fundamental rights. But these fundamental rights should be nurtured.”
Dhankhar also spoke about the rich cultural heritage embedded within the Indian Constitution. He pointed out that besides the signatures of those involved in drafting it, the document contains 22 symbolic images, including those of Satyamev Jayate, the Harappan bull seal, Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya, Lord Krishna, and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, all of which highlight India’s 5,000-year-old cultural legacy.
Who Can Amend the Constitution?
The Vice President clarified that only Parliament and, in some cases, state assemblies, have the power to amend the Constitution. He emphasized that no other institution, including the judiciary, has the authority to make such changes.
“No one else has this right, not even the judiciary. If there is a need to define something, then the Supreme Court can express its opinion, but the power to amend remains with the legislature,” he said.
