learning perspective
5
Learnings from the
Indian Constitution
by
AKSHAYA GANESH
ParentCircle lists out five lessons from the Indian Constitution that you can teach your child this Republic Day.
T
he Constitution of India – just the mention of it, and many of us would picturise a bulky book with jargons that we wouldn’t understand. However, it is not as complex as you think. It is a book that declares our country a republic, lists out our rights as citizens of free India, and informs us of our duties towards our nation. It’s the perfect time of the year to talk to our children about the Constitution of India. Ashish Patel, CEO, Children’s Movement for Civic Awareness (CMCA), says, “The Constitution is a brilliantly-crafted document that applies to all citizens of India and protects their interests. It clearly establishes the powers of the government and the rights of the citizens of the country. The Preamble to the Constitution is a great place to start for those who are not familiar with it as this section precisely captures its essence. In fact, it pretty much covers values that are vital to human existence – justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. It is a perfect document for parents to use to impart such values to their children.” So, put on your reading glasses, or not, and read on, as we list out five things you can learn and teach your child from the Indian Constitution.
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1. EQUALITY The Preamble to our Constitution states that the Constitution views all Indians as equals. ‘Right to Equality’ is a fundamental right provided for by Articles 14–18 of the Constitution of India. Equality is not just a fundamental right, but is also an important social value that should be taught to children from a young age, especially once they start school. In one of his golden speeches, Dr B R Ambedkar had said, “Democracy is not merely a form of Government. It is primarily a mode of associated living, of conjoint communicated experience. It is essentially an attitude of respect and reverence towards our fellow men.” Only when we learn to respect our fellow humans will there be a great sense of equality in a society Teaching your child… Sit with your child and ask him to fold all the fingers of one hand and form a fist. Then ask him to straighten out the little finger. Explain to him that although the little finger is the smallest in size, without it the hand is incomplete. All the fingers are equally important, irrespective of their size. Similarly, every person should be treated with respect, regardless of his caste, class, or gender. In the words of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, “No two leaves are alike, and yet there is no antagonism between them or between the branches on which they grow.” 2. FREEDOM, WITH RESPONSIBILITY The Constitution of India seeks to give its citizens the ‘Right to Freedom’ through the Fundamental Rights detailed in Articles 12–35. It also elaborates the responsibilities that a citizen has towards his country by elucidating the Fundamental Duties in Article 51(a) of Part IVA of the Constitution. Dr Padma Rani, Associate Professor, School of Communication, Manipal, says, “For every right, there is a corresponding duty. You need to fulfil your duty to enjoy your rights.” This is an important learning for all of us, especially for our children. Teaching your child… Talk to your child and ask her to remember the famous dialogue from the movie, Spiderman – ‘With great power, comes great responsibility.’ While the Right to Freedom empowers her to do a lot of things, she must use this right in a
Equality is not just a fundamental right, but an important social value to teach children from a young age responsible manner. Explain to your child about how the class leader in his school enjoys the freedom to take decisions on behalf of his class, but is also responsible for ensuring the class stays disciplined. In a similar manner, your child too should learn to be responsible. 3. FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND EXPRESSION Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution guarantees the ‘Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression’ to all the citizens of India. This means that every Indian has a right to express his views. Teaching your child… Make sure to explain to your child that he should not fear expressing his views on a subject. However, while encouraging him to be expressive, be sure to tell him that anything that defames someone, or is indecent or immoral, will not be appreciated. Also, tell him that he needs to develop the habit of listening carefully to, and understanding what others have to say. January 2017 | ParentCircle 45
learning perspective
4. UNITY ‘We, the people…’ is how the Preamble to the Indian Constitution begins. These three words stress upon us the importance our Constitution accords to the unity and togetherness of India, while appreciating its differences. Upholding and protecting the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India is a fundamental duty of every citizen, as listed in Article 51(A)(c). Unity is a quality that every child must learn to imbibe, as she would have to work as a part of a team at different stages of her life. Teaching your child… Remember the famous quote, ‘United we stand, divided we fall’? Ensure that your child understands and adopts it. Tell her that when she is a part of a group that is working on projects and assignments, every member of the group may have different ideas. However, regardless of their differences, only if the team works together, would they be able to achieve success. 5. RIGHT TO LIBERTY The Preamble to our Constitution also pledges to secure the liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship of all its citizens. The Indian Constitution also guarantees ‘Right to Life and Personal Liberty’ as a fundamental right, listed in Article 21. The Constitution seeks to ensure that the citizens of India have the right to lead their life normally, follow their own ideologies and express their views, provided they do not violate the fundamental rights of others. It also expects people to show tolerance towards others, as we are a diverse country. Therefore, it is important you teach your child to 46 ParentCircle | January 2017
be liberal in his views. Tell him that in life, he will come across individuals with diverse thoughts and beliefs. Teaching your child… Talk to your child and tell him how India is a secular country where people of all religions, caste, class, gender and creed feel welcome. Make him understand that it is normal for him to meet a classmate whose ideology might be different. But, if his classmate’s ideology doesn’t harm anyone, he should accept it with open arms. As a parent, you should bear in mind that it is the duty of every Indian to abide by the Constitution as it has been framed keeping in mind that the ultimate power rests with the citizens of India. Your child is the future of this country, and thus, it is important for you to familiarise him with his rights and duties towards his country. In the process, you can also teach him important life lessons that will help him become successful in life, regardless of the career he chooses. Jayaram Venkatesan, Convenor, Arappor Iyakkam, says, “It is important to teach children about the Constitution at a young age so they grow up as aware citizens and build a society that is just and equitable.” To conclude, we leave you with the words of Dr B R Ambedkar, the man who framed the Constitution of India – “However good a Constitution may be, if those who are implementing it are not good, it will prove to be bad. However bad a Constitution may be, if those implementing it are good, it will prove to be good.”
(fun facts on next page)
QUICK FACTS ABOUT REPUBLIC DAY
Why 26 January?
What is a Republic?
Republic Day is celebrated on 26 January not just because the Indian Constitution came into effect on that day, but also because of another historic event that had occurred on the same day in 1930. It was on 26 January, 1930, that Indian nationalists had declared Poorna Swaraj (complete independence) from the British rule. The declaration of Poorna Swaraj scared the British and they seriously started considering giving India independence.
A country is deemed a republic when the power to govern rests with the people and their elected representatives instead of a monarch. Although India gained independence on 15 August, 1947, it was still governed by British laws until 26 January, 1950 when India became a republic.
The Constitution of India came into effect on 26 January, 1950 although it was adopted on 26 November, 1949. Dr B R Ambedkar is regarded as the architect of the Indian Constitution.
On Republic Day, a grand parade is held in New Delhi at the Rajpath to honour all the martyrs of the freedom struggle and the brave citizens of India. It is also the day when we celebrate our country’s transition into a republic.
The constitution is a written document that lays down the laws that govern India, while also conferring certain fundamental rights to citizens of India. It is the proof of existence of India as a sovereign, democratic republic.
Not only is it important for your child to know the day India gained independence, but also the day India became a republic. Teach him to respect, celebrate and take pride in being an Indian.
About the Constitution of India