Since its independence, India has been guided by a meticulously drafted Constitution, ensuring both governance and the protection of individual freedoms. The Constitution, the bedrock of India’s democracy, was crafted under the leadership of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, who studied the constitutions of various countries to produce a document that would meet India’s unique needs.
The importance of the Constitution in guiding the nation cannot be overstated. While more than 75 years have passed since Independence, a significant portion of India’s population remains unaware of the rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Many citizens are unfamiliar with its contents, which creates a yawning gap between the promises of democracy and the lived experience of many Indians. This lack of awareness is particularly concerning because knowledge of the Constitution is essential for safeguarding individual rights and ensuring fair governance.
In an effort to remedy this, retired chartered officer E.Z. Khobragade has been at the forefront of a movement to spread constitutional awareness. Khobragade, who served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nagpur Zilla Parishad, initiated efforts to make the preamble of the Constitution a visible part of daily life, starting with its installation in schools and government offices. His persistence paid off when the Maharashtra government declared November 26 as Constitution Day in 2008. Seven years later, this initiative expanded nationwide, with the central government recognizing Constitution Day in 2015.
Even after retiring, Khobragade has continued his efforts, collaborating with organizations like Catalyst Foundation to educate the public about the Constitution. Together, they have advocated for a ‘Har Ghar Constitution’ initiative.
In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November 2023, Khobragade and his team proposed a nationwide campaign to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Constitution (2023-2025). The campaign, titled ‘Constitution Ka Amrit Mahotsav,’ aims to raise awareness of constitutional rights and duties through programs in schools, colleges, and government offices. The initiative seeks to impress the Constitution into the national consciousness.
This call for constitutional awareness comes at a critical time. With the approaching Assembly election, the social justice department of Maharashtra has issued an ordinance mandating awareness campaigns in government institutions. While this is a positive step, Khobragade cautions that constitutional literacy must not be reduced to a political tool. They argue that more needs to be done to ensure that the Constitution’s protections, especially for marginalized communities. Khobragade has highlighted the misallocation of funds intended for the welfare of these communities, particularly in Maharashtra, where resources have been diverted to religious tourism.
He pointed out that the central government had not released funds earmarked for these communities for the past ten years, a sum totalling nearly Rs. 5.54 lakh crore. This shocking revelation underscores the need for citizens to be not only aware of their constitutional rights but also vigilant about how these rights are protected or ignored in practice.
As we approach the 75th anniversary of the Constitution, the need to educate and engage the public is more pressing than ever. Dr. Ambedkar warned in his final speech to the Constituent Assembly that the mere existence of the Constitution is not enough - citizens must be vigilant and informed, for only then can they hold those in power accountable.
(The author runs an NGO Catalyst Foundation in Pune. Views personal.)
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