26th January: Breaking Barriers, Forging a Unified India

As the sun rises, dispelling the darkness of the night, 26th January 1950 became a beacon of hope for every citizen of India, promising justice, liberty, and equality. On this day, India stood at the crossroads of history, breaking free from centuries of shackles imposed by colonial rulers, Mughal invaders, and societal injustices. On the 26th of January 2025, our Constitution is completing 75 years.

The adoption of the Constitution was not merely a political milestone—it was a powerful rejection of the inequities that had festered through ages of oppression. A document that not only safeguarded the rights of all but also worked tirelessly to uplift those long relegated to the margins of society.

The need for a Constituent Assembly emerged from India’s aspirations for self-rule and the inadequacy of British-imposed constitutional frameworks, such as the Government of India Acts of 1919 and 1935. These frameworks restricted self-governance, keeping crucial areas like defence, finance, and foreign affairs under British control, leaving Indians with limited authority over their own governance.

This dissatisfaction fuelled the demand for a sovereign, independent system of governance. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar stressed that
only a constitution created by Indians could adequately represent the country’s diverse cultural, social, and political fabric.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Constitution’s architect, viewed the caste system as a societal scourge requiring systemic reform. Articles 15 and 16 outlaw caste discrimination, ensuring equal access to public spaces and employment, while Article 16(4) introduces reservations to address historical injustices. For the so-called Dalits, this day marked the beginning of a new era, where their voices could no longer be silenced, and their dignity was restored through the abolition of untouchability and the promise of equal rights.

Despite constitutional guarantees, the reality for so called Dalits often diverges from the envisioned ideals. Temple entry movements, such as the Odisha incident where so-called marginalised women were humiliated for asserting their right to worship, highlight the violent resistance they face even today. Similarly, economic exploitation continues unabated, with bonded labour—a practice explicitly prohibited under Article 23—remaining a harsh reality for many Dalits, reflecting deeply entrenched social inequities. However, the judiciary has played a crucial role in upholding marginalised communities rights by emphasizing substantive equality, while Dalit-led social movements tirelessly work to bridge the gap between constitutional promises and societal practices.

The Directive Principles of State Policy (Article 46) urge the state to champion the educational and economic upliftment of Scheduled Castes and Tribes, shielding them from exploitation and social injustice—a promise of progress yet to be fully realized. Yet, caste-based discrimination endures, as seen when a tea was served in an earthen cup to a person from deprived class on the other hand others sipped from proper mugs, a stark reminder of lingering prejudice. Articles 23 and 24 boldly outlaw bonded labour, trafficking, and child labour in hazardous jobs, but these rights often remain distant dreams for Dalits trapped in systemic inequities. The Constitution’s promises are powerful, but the journey toward their fulfilment demands relentless effort. Freedom of Speech and Expression under Article 19(1)(a) empowers citizens to express their thoughts through speech, writing, or other means. It has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, enabling them to demand equality and justice. However, this right is subject to reasonable restrictions for safeguarding India’s sovereignty, public order, morality, and other constitutional values.

The Way Forward: Turning Constitutional Promises into Action

To honour the transformative vision of our Constitution, we must bridge the gap between legal ideals and lived realities. Here’s how:

• Strengthen Affirmative Action: Expand affirmative action beyond employment to critical areas like healthcare, housing, and entrepreneurship. Targeted programs for people from marginalised communities’ entrepreneurs, women, and youth will cultivate a more inclusive economic landscape.

• Ensure Quality Education for marginalised Children: Education is the key to breaking caste-based discrimination. Improve infrastructure, train teachers to combat bias, and provide scholarships, mentorship, and vocational training to ensure marginalised children have equal educational opportunities.

• Launch Campaigns to Dismantle Caste Prejudices: Challenge deep-rooted caste biases through national awareness campaigns. Utilizing media, art, and social platforms can help reshape societal norms, inspiring future generations to embrace equality and dignity.

Empowerment of marginalized communities extends beyond legal protections; it requires a societal transformation where education, economic opportunities, and political representation are accessible to all, breaking the chains of discrimination.

The Constitution stands as a profound testament to the fusion of India’s ancient ideals of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – the belief that the world is one family – with the modern principles of justice and democracy. By dismantling divisive labels like “untouchables” and steadfastly advocating for equality, it laid the foundation for Bharat to emerge as a nation of justice, inclusivity, and unity. The Republic Day celebration transcends mere rituals of parades and speeches; it is a powerful reminder of our ongoing journey toward true social justice. It calls upon each citizen to actively uphold the constitutional promise of equality, ensuring that the voices of the marginalized are not only heard but amplified and respected. The legacy of 26th January lies not in the past, but in its ability to ignite the aspirations of future generations. It challenges us to shape a Bharat where dignity is not an exceptional privilege but an inherent right for all. Let us pledge to carry this vision forward, making equality and justice the living reality of our nation.

Prachi Bandaram(prachibandaram@gmail.com)
Reference: 1) Book – Constitution at work.
2) https://vajiramandravi.com/