Washington D.C.: On the occasion of the 76th Anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution, the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C. hosted a special event celebrating the foundational document that unites the nation . Speaking at the event, Gaurav J. Pathania, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University delivered a moving address emphasizing that the Constitution is not merely a legal framework, but a "moral promise" to uphold the dignity of every individual .

The event, organized under the leadership of Ambassador Vinay Kwatra, featured an exhibition showcasing the art and calligraphy of the original Constitution . Pathania expressed his gratitude to the Embassy officials for the initiative to educate and inspire the community through this celebration .

The Trinity of the Constitution

In his address, Pathania focused on the "trinity" of values enshrined in the Preamble: Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity . He highlighted Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s unique contribution to the moral architecture of the nation, noting that for Ambedkar, these values were not borrowed from the French Revolution but were deeply grounded in the teachings of the Buddha .

"Fraternity is the soul of the Constitution," Pathania stated . He explained that without fraternity, liberty could turn into selfishness and equality into resentment . He described fraternity as the "ethical bridge" ensuring that one person's freedom never diminishes another's rights .

Dignity Before Unity

Pathania shared a significant historical insight regarding the drafting process. When debating the Preamble, some members suggested prioritizing "national unity" over individual dignity . However, Dr. Ambedkar firmly refused, arguing that national unity cannot be imposed from above; it must grow organically from the respect and rights of each person .

"India is not a nation because we share a single language, or religion, or region," Pathania remarked. "We are a nation because we share a commitment to the dignity of each individual" .

A Revolutionary Document

The speech drew a sharp contrast between the Indian Constitution and its American and French counterparts . Pathania noted that while other nations proclaimed rights while practicing slavery or racism, India’s Constitution confronted two layers of injustice simultaneously: external colonial rule and the internal hierarchies of caste and patriarchy .

He pointed out that the adoption of "one person, one vote" from the very first day was a revolutionary act, especially for a civilization shaped by centuries of feudalism .

Art and Precision

Highligting the artistic legacy of the document, Pathania shared fascinating details about the original manuscript. The handwritten Constitution, crafted by calligrapher Prem Behari Narain Raizada, is a work of art roughly 251 pages long . Raizada used 432 pen holders with No. 303 nibs imported from England and Czechoslovakia to complete the English version, which contains 146,385 words . The pages were further adorned with artwork by artists from Santiniketan under the direction of Nandalal Bose .

A Living Document

Concluding his speech, Pathania reflected on the modern resonance of the Constitution. He observed a heartening trend where young couples across India are taking their wedding vows upon the Constitution . He called this a profound gesture reflecting a generation that is weaving constitutional values into their personal lives .

"Let us not merely commemorate the Constitution—let us live it," Pathania urged the gathering, reminding them of Dr. Ambedkar’s enduring words: "We are Indians, firstly and lastly" .

Gaurav J. Pathania: Man Wearing Many Hats

Professor Gaurav J. Pathania is an assistant professor of Sociology and Peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Virginia, In United States, . Originally from Haryana in India, Pathania secured A PhD in Sociology from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, before moving to United States. He is an anti-caste scholar, poet, and activist whose research and teaching examine student politics, caste, and diasporic social movements. Pathania has also authored books like  “The University as a Site of Resistance: Identity and Student Politics” Off late, he has dabbled in acting as he portrayed Dr. B. R. Ambedkar (Babasaheb) in Ava DuVernay’s Origin — a widely recognized and appreciated film inspired by Isabel Wilkerson’s Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents — which brought his work to international attention.