Why didn’t Dr. Ambedkar, the father of the Indian constitution, include the word “secularism” in the constitution which he wrote? Why was it later added in 1976 as an amendment to the constitution by Indira Gandhi?
Model Answer Introduction The Preamble of the Indian Constitution articulates the nation’s core values, declaring India as a "Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic." Each adjective reflects the aspirations of the founding fathers and serves as a guiding principle for the country's governanRead more
Model Answer
Introduction
The Preamble of the Indian Constitution articulates the nation’s core values, declaring India as a “Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic.” Each adjective reflects the aspirations of the founding fathers and serves as a guiding principle for the country’s governance and societal framework.
Body
Sovereign
Sovereignty indicates that India possesses the ultimate authority to govern itself, free from external interference. In contemporary times, India has demonstrated its sovereignty by addressing border disputes, such as the Doklam standoff with China in 2017, and asserting its authority through the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. These actions illustrate India’s ability to maintain its sovereignty amidst regional challenges.
Socialist
The term “Socialist” was incorporated into the Preamble via the 42nd Amendment in 1976, signifying India’s commitment to social justice and the welfare of its citizens. Social welfare programs like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and Ayushman Bharat reflect this commitment. However, persistent issues such as income inequality and unemployment reveal the ongoing challenges in achieving true socialism.
Secular
Secularism in India denotes the state’s neutrality towards all religions, ensuring religious freedom. The Supreme Court’s judgment in the Ayodhya case exemplifies this commitment by balancing the interests of different religious communities. Nonetheless, rising incidents of religious intolerance and communal violence challenge the secular fabric of society, necessitating a renewed commitment to uphold secular principles.
Democratic
Democracy represents the principle of governance by the people, characterized by regular elections and political equality. As the world’s largest democracy, India has maintained a vibrant electoral process, as seen in recent state elections in West Bengal and Kerala. However, concerns about the erosion of democratic values and media freedom highlight the need for strengthening democratic institutions.
Conclusion
The adjectives attached to “Republic” in the Preamble remain defendable today, despite the challenges faced in practice. The ongoing commitment to these values demonstrates India’s resilience and dedication to upholding the principles enshrined in the Constitution, forming the foundation of its democratic ethos.
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Though Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the principal architect of the Constitution, he never used the term "secularism" in the original document. The reason behind this was that he believed its essence was already instilled in the working of the Constitution through various provisions that ensured freedom ofRead more
Though Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was the principal architect of the Constitution, he never used the term “secularism” in the original document. The reason behind this was that he believed its essence was already instilled in the working of the Constitution through various provisions that ensured freedom of religion and equal treatment of religions. Articles from 25 to 28 ensured freedom of religion, and the Preamble laid emphasis on justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, which implicitly acknowledged the concept of a secular state.
The term “secularism” was inserted into the Constitution through the 42nd Amendment under Indira Gandhi’s prime ministership in 1976. This was a broader attempt at underlining the country’s commitment to secularism and socialism at a time when the polity was getting increasingly satiated with political and social disturbances. It was reiterated in the Preamble itself, reiterating the fact that India shall remain committed to the cause of religious neutrality by treating all religions equally so that the State does not show any partiality towards any particular religion.
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