Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has articulated a powerful vision of India's Constitution as the fundamental guide for the nation's journey toward becoming Viksit Bharat by 2047. In his comprehensive analysis published on Constitution Day, Birla emphasized how this foundational document continues to shape India's democratic evolution and social transformation.
The Historical Foundation of India's Constitution
The journey of constitution-making began on December 9, 1946, when the Constituent Assembly embarked on the monumental task of creating a governance framework for a vast, diverse, postcolonial nation. After nearly three years of intensive deliberations spanning two years, eleven months, and seventeen days, the Assembly produced what Birla describes as "one of the most enlightened and people-centric" constitutions in the world.
Birla highlights that the Constitution's creation was not confined to the Central Hall of Parliament alone. The founding members demonstrated remarkable vision by opening the process to ideas from global constitutional democracies and incorporating input from countless Indian citizens through petitions, letters, and public discussions. This inclusive approach ensured the document reflected the aspirations of millions.
Constitutional Evolution and Social Transformation
The original Constitution contained 395 articles, 22 parts, and 8 schedules, but has since expanded to 472 articles, 25 parts, and 12 schedules. This growth, Birla notes, demonstrates the document's dynamic nature and ability to adapt to changing national needs through 106 amendments while protecting core principles.
From establishing universal adult franchise in 1950 to enabling progressive judicial interpretations of rights, the Constitution has been instrumental in fostering inclusivity and empowering marginalized communities. Birla specifically mentions its role in promoting gender equality and providing legal space for tribal communities to preserve their unique cultures and socio-political structures.
The Constitution's provisions for social and economic justice have shaped landmark initiatives, including affirmative action policies for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. The commitment to linguistic, cultural, and religious protections underscores its dedication to fostering national fraternity.
Constitution as Moral Compass for Viksit Bharat
Birla positions the Constitution as an ideal guide for India's transformation into an Atmanirbhar and self-confident Viksit Bharat by 2047. He emphasizes that the document embodies the spirit of India's freedom struggle and reflects the deep understanding of the nation's history and ethos among its framers, particularly acknowledging the contributions of B.R. Ambedkar and the Drafting Committee.
The declaration of November 26 as Samvidhan Divas in 2015, during the 125th birth anniversary year of Ambedkar, provides an annual opportunity to reaffirm constitutional values. Birla notes that Parliament has worked tirelessly to meet the aspirations of all societal strata, enacting transformative legislation that serves as a vehicle for social engineering.
As India's economy grows at an unprecedented scale and positions itself to become the world's third-largest economy, Birla stresses that the rule of law remains fundamental to sustained social and economic growth. The Constitution serves not merely as a legal document but as a moral framework that guides all state organs to remain true to constitutional values and responsive to people's aspirations.
Birla concludes with a powerful message that the Constitution belongs to every Indian citizen, transcending caste, class, religion, gender, region, or language. As the nation strives toward becoming more just, equitable, and progressive, he calls for renewed commitment to upholding constitutional principles with greater vigor, honoring the framers' legacy by ensuring the document continues to light India's path forward.
