The Constitution reflects the nation's deepest values: Vinay Sahasrabuddhe

Vinay Sahasrabuddhe

No constitution can survive for several decades without reflecting the ethos of its country, and the Indian Constitution is certainly no exception. It is more than a legal document; it is a living testament to India’s profound cultural heritage. It weaves together the threads of history, philosophy and social reform, creating a framework that resonates with the nation’s deepest values.

India’s identity reflects our conviction that our apparent diversity is nothing more than diverse manifestation of our innate unity. Our constitutional values like socialism and secularism—inserted in the Preamble during the dark days of Emergency—were not removed, although considered needless by the framers of our Constitution, simply because they reflect our commitment to egalitarianism. For millennia, various belief systems like Hinduism, Islam, Sikhism, Christianity, Jainism and Buddhism not only existed here but also flourished. This could happen because of our unshakeable belief in ‘Ekam Sat Vipra Bauda Vadanti’, which means that the supreme element or God is one, but the wise describe the same differently. However, framers of our Constitution were deeply conscious of the fact that the message of ‘Ekam Sat’ needed to be accepted by all. Sections of society that choose to oppose the same would add to the vulnerability of our national and cultural integration. Provisions for Uniform Civil Code in the guiding principles underscore this fact. It is an undeniable fact that political democracy in India has its origin in our spiritual democracy, which is just another name for Hindu philosophy where not just accommodation of but also the celebration of diversity dominates in every aspect of our worldview.

Same is true with ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ or the world is one family. Everyone in the global community needs to have this broad-minded, accommodative approach. Framers of our Constitution have given due importance to our nationalistic aspirations. Our national motto—satyamev jayate—reflects the supremacy of truth.

Similarly, justice—social, economic and political—reflects the ancient Indian concept of dharma, which encompasses fairness, righteousness and social order. The idea of nyaya (justice) further aligns with the Preamble’s vision of equitable governance. Also, liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship resonates with Indian traditions that emphasise individual freedom, such as moksha (liberation) in Hinduism and personal enlightenment in Buddhism. Our commitment to equality comes from our scriptures where we pray for all. As explained by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, the mainspring of his emphasis on values like unity, equality and fraternity was not in the history of French Revolution but in the teachings of Buddha.

No wonder then that provisions in Articles 25 to 30 in our Constitution guarantee fundamental rights related to freedom of religion (Article 25), freedom to manage religious affairs (Article 26), freedom from taxation for promotion of any particular religion (Article 27), freedom as to attendance at religious instruction or religious worship in certain educational institutions (Article 28), and cultural and educational rights (Articles 29 and 30). These provisions ensure that minorities, whether religious or linguistic, have the right to preserve their distinct cultures, languages and educational institutions.

Remember, we have not borrowed humanist value from elsewhere, which is why our Constitution also directly addresses historical injustices braved by many of our brethren from the SC and ST communities. For example, Article 14 guarantees “equality before the law” and “equal protection of the laws” within the territory of India. It prohibits discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. Also, Article 17 commits ourselves to the abolition of untouchability, which is a landmark achievement. Same is true with Articles 15(4) and 16(4) as they empower the state to make special provisions for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. These provisions form the basis for reservation policies in education and employment, aiming to uplift historically disadvantaged communities and bring them into the mainstream.

Yet another key reflection of our philosophy is mirrored through our emphasis on ‘duties’, almost equally as on ‘rights’. Ancient Indian philosophies, particularly the concept of dharma, emphasise the importance of duty, righteous conduct and moral obligations. Dharma is not simply religious duty; it encompasses one’s responsibilities towards oneself, family, society and the world.

This emphasis on duty finds adequate expression in the Constitution. For example, Article 51 A enumerates fundamental duties, which were added to the Constitution in 1976. These duties, among others, obligate citizens to abide by the Constitution; respect national symbols; cherish and follow the noble ideals which inspired our national struggle for freedom; uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India; promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood among all the people of India, transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; and to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women. These duties, though not legally enforceable in the same way as fundamental rights, serve as a moral compass for citizens and reinforce the idea that rights and responsibilities are intertwined.

One of the most unique features of the Indian worldview is reflected in our philosophy of confluence with Mother Nature. Indian traditions have long held a deep respect for nature, viewing it as sacred and interconnected with human life. Practices like worshipping trees, rivers (Ganga, Yamuna), and mountains reflect this reverence. This respect for the environment is now enshrined in the Constitution. Take the case of Article 48 A that directs the state to “protect and improve the environment and to safeguard forests and wildlife”.

By incorporating principles like unity in diversity, social justice, duty, Gandhian ideals and respect for nature, the Indian Constitution provides a robust framework for a just, inclusive and sustainable society.

—With Atharva Aggarwal, law student

Vinay Sahasrabuddhe is senior BJP leader and former president of Indian Council for Cultural Relations