Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday, 10 July 2026 launched the Kannada and English editions of 'Memorable Trials — Avismara­neeya Prakaranagalu', a book authored by retired Karnataka High Court judge H.N. Nagamohan Das, and used the occasion to speak on constitutional literacy, social inequality, and the culture of reading.

Context

Speaking at the launch, CM Siddaramaiah said he was 'extremely happy' to release the work, and called on citizens to cultivate a culture of purchasing and reading books rather than seeking free copies. He added that while time constraints had prevented him from reading all books he wished to, he intended to develop a stronger reading habit going forward.

The book, written by Justice H.N. Nagamohan Das, chronicles 21 landmark legal cases — covering individuals who fought for the common person, those who sacrificed for the nation, and those who championed the cause of the marginalised. Siddaramaiah called on youth in particular to read the work alongside other case studies.

Policy Backdrop

Justice Nagamohan Das, despite being retired, remains active in public life, authoring works in both Kannada and English on socially relevant themes. His 2018 book 'Samvidhana Odu' (Read the Constitution) was a significant effort to build constitutional awareness among students and youth, and he has continued to organise study and awareness programmes on constitutional values.

CM Siddaramaiah recalled that when he assumed office as Chief Minister, he mandated that the Preamble to the Constitution be read daily in all schools and colleges across Karnataka. He said this initiative had ensured that students today not only know the contents of the Preamble but have memorised it. 'The Constitution is supreme above all individuals,' he said. 'Every citizen must understand its vision, values, and principles — only then will they know their responsibilities and duties.'

Invoking Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Siddaramaiah cited the constitutional architect's assertion that 'those who do not know history cannot build the future,' and linked this to the persistence of social inequality in India. He said that as long as inequality exists, building an equal society — as Ambedkar envisioned — remains impossible. He also noted that the Constitution has been in force for 76 years and that India's independence completes 79 years next month, yet the Constitution has not been fully implemented.

Stakeholders and Impact

Siddaramaiah defended his government's 5 Guarantees welfare schemes — implemented after the 2023 Karnataka assembly elections — as instruments of inequality eradication, noting that even members of his own party had initially criticised them but were now recognising their significance. The schemes cover areas including women's support, food security, and direct financial assistance.

The Chief Minister also made pointed political remarks, stating that comparisons being drawn between former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru — who served 17 years as Prime Minister — and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has completed 12 years, amounted to 'false propaganda.' He argued that such comparisons were misleading and that without open discussion and written records, falsehoods go unchallenged. He urged citizens not to view his remarks as political but as a call for honest historical discourse.

What's Next

Siddaramaiah pledged to remain engaged with citizens and continue raising public awareness on key issues even beyond his current term, saying he would 'work to stay in contact with the people until the very end.' He wished Justice Nagamohan Das continued good health and longevity, and encouraged him to press on with his work of bringing constitutional values to ordinary citizens. The Karnataka government's Preamble-reading directive in schools and colleges will continue to be a touchstone for how the state institutionalises constitutional literacy.