Gopalkrishna Gandhi Highlights India’s Unified Spirit at JGU's Constitution Day Lecture
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Sonipat, 28 Nov (NationPress) “The Preamble of the Indian Constitution stands out as a beacon of optimism and philosophical uniqueness. It empowers us to be the authors, custodians, and recipients of this remarkable document. We, the People of India… while penned in English, its translations into various languages profoundly reveal our identity (Vayam Bharatasya Jana). This fosters a sense of India’s collective spirit. It has been observed that the Constitution of India was crafted by the principled for the innocent and by the aspirational for those with ideals. Along with the Constitution, we received four essential symbols: the national flag, the national anthem, the national motto – Satyamev Jayate – and the emblem. The motto, which signifies that truth alone triumphs, is impeccable as it transcends personal rights or wrongs,” stated Professor Gopalkrishna Gandhi, Former High Commissioner & Ambassador, and Former Governor of West Bengal, during the Constitution Day Lecture commemorating India’s 75th anniversary of the Constitution's adoption on November 26, 1949.
“The National Anthem, penned by Guru Rabindranath Tagore in 1913, was derived from a longer poem, created without any foresight of the anthem or India’s forthcoming independence (34 years later!).” Gandhi went on to recite excerpts from Gurudev’s poem, translating it from Bengali for the captivated audience, emphasizing that the anthem embodies a triumphant spirit. This was an enlightening session on the historical underpinnings of some of India’s most revered symbols as a Republic.
“The Constitution of India is a magnificent treasure that has enriched us Indians. Notably, the Constitution envisioned aspects far ahead in time,” he remarked. Prof Gandhi highlighted the alarming depletion of our natural resources – glaciers, rivers, and forests – noting that the Directive Principles of the Constitution advocate for the protection of our forests. “The Constitution must address the severe decline of our natural resources,” he asserted.
Prof Gandhi acknowledged the presence of several relatives of the original members of the first Constituent Assembly, expressing that their presence elevated the significance of the gathering and the day the Constitution was adopted in 1949.
In welcoming Prof Gopalkrishna Gandhi for the important Constitution Day Lecture, Prof. (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, the Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, stated, “It is my privilege to host India’s leading public intellectual for this lecture. As we celebrate our university's 15th anniversary, it coincides with India’s 75th anniversary of the Constitution’s adoption, leading us to embark on a journey to create India’s first Constitution Museum. It is important to note that there is a strong desire to promote the Constitution Museum throughout India, fostering a connection for ordinary citizens and democratizing access to the Constitution. The museum will be an engaging destination for understanding the Constitution, featuring various sections dedicated to each part of the document and its significance. Every member of the Constituent Assembly will be recognized in the museum, showcasing dynamic debates and discussions that shaped this forward-thinking manuscript. Through diverse formats – textual, audio-visual, and experiential – it ignites visitors’ interest in the Constitution, its evolution, and its various components.”
The museum’s art displays are a major attraction, featuring pieces that were integral to the original handcrafted Constitution. The Academy boasts an archive of expert interviews exploring various facets of the Constitution, especially the evolution of fundamental rights for Indian citizens. A Children’s Corner, equipped with interactive installations, quizzes, graphic pamphlets, and novels, will introduce these complex concepts in an enjoyable, experiential, and accessible manner. The Constitution Academy aims not only to document Constitutional heritage but also to contribute to it. On this 75th Constitution Day, it pays tribute to those who crafted this extraordinary document and ensures that it remains a vibrant guide for future generations.
Professor R. Sudarshan, Dean of the Jindal School of Government & Public Policy, welcomed Prof Gopalkrishna Gandhi, stating, “We are honored to have Prof Gandhi, who connects us to our history and India’s journey to independence. The founders of the Republic of India established a framework for political discourse that is civil and respectful. The Constituent Assembly itself exemplified great courtesy extended to members with differing opinions. Prof Gandhi is a prolific writer and scholar, awarded honorary degrees by numerous universities.”
Professor (Dr.) Mohan Kumar, Dean of Strategic & International Initiatives at O.P. Jindal Global University, delivered the vote of thanks, and Prof. Dabiru Sridhar Patnaik, the Registrar of JGU, concluded the session.
