Discussion
Republic at 76: Upholding Constitutional Values in a Changing India
Recent years have witnessed a surge in communal violence, hate speech, and discriminatory policies that undermine their constitutional rights.
As India completes 75 years as a Republic, it is an opportune moment to reflect on the essence of this occasion. Republic Day goes beyond commemorating the adoption of the Constitution; it embodies the vision of a just, inclusive, and equitable society. Yet, the public consciousness often blurs the distinction between Republic Day and Independence Day. While Independence Day marks our liberation from colonial rule, Republic Day reminds us of the ideals enshrined in the Constitution and the aspirations and responsibilities we bear as citizens of a republic. The 26th of January mostly focuses on routine activities such as flag hoisting and cultural programs. However, the day’s true significance lies in understanding how the Indian Republic functions and how it must continue evolving to protect all citizens' rights, especially the marginalised.
The idea of a ‘republic’ is fundamentally distinct from a democracy, though the two terms are often used interchangeably. Democracy, derived from the Greek words “demos” (people) and “kratia” (power), emphasizes governance by the people. In practical terms, India’s representative democracy ensures that citizens elect their leaders at various levels of governance. However, a republic goes a step further in its spirit by safeguarding individual rights and ensuring that these rights are not subject to the whims of the majority. The idea embodies a resolute rejection of arbitrary power in all its forms—political, social, and economic—championing the principles of fairness, accountability, and justice.
The Roman Republic, which existed from 510 to 27 BCE, is an early example of this concept. It prioritized individual rights and limited the power of the majority to override them. This distinction remains crucial, especially in a diverse country like India, where the voices of minorities can often be drowned out by the majority. A republic ensures that every citizen, regardless of their background, is treated with dignity and respect. However, these principles are not without challenges despite India having a strong constitutional mechanism.
A republic, at its core, is not merely a form of governance but a conviction to the primacy of constitutionalism over populism. Unlike a system that risks succumbing to transient majoritarian impulses, a republic is anchored in enduring values and institutions that safeguard the delicate balance between collective will and individual liberty. This manifests the necessity of a vigilant and participatory citizenry, capable of holding power to account while resisting the erosion of constitutional safeguards by unchecked authority or societal complacency.
India’s struggle for independence was itself rooted in the ideals of justice and equality. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, B.R. Ambedkar, Nehru and Sardar Patel emphasized the importance of inclusivity in nation-building. Gandhi’s vision of “Sarva Dharma Sambhava” (equal respect for all religions) and Ambedkar’s advocacy for social justice remain eternally relevant.
The partition of India and the subsequent communal violence serve as stark reminders of the consequences of division and exclusion. These historical lessons underline the need to foster unity and protect the rights of all citizens, irrespective of their religious or cultural identities.
The Indian Constitution, adopted on January 26, 1950, lays the foundation for a republic that celebrates diversity and guarantees equality. It enshrines the principles of secularism, protecting the rights of all religious and cultural groups. Being the supreme law of the land, it offers a robust legal framework for safeguarding the rights of individuals, particularly minorities and upholding the principles of equality and justice. Articles 14, 15, 19, 21, and 25 guarantee equality before the law, prohibit discrimination, and protect religious freedom. Articles 29 and 30 empower minorities to preserve their culture and establish educational institutions while ensuring the right to seek judicial remedies if these rights are violated.
Further, Articles 46, 17, 15(4), 15(5), and 16(4) provide additional protections for socially and educationally backward communities, enabling special provisions for their advancement. Article 23 safeguards individuals from trafficking and forced labour, reinforcing the dignity of every citizen. Together, these provisions establish a vital institutional structure aimed at the protection of all, particularly vulnerable and marginalized groups in India. However, this vision of India’s founding fathers is increasingly under threat today.
According to the last conducted National Census of 2011, minorities constitute 19.3% of India’s population. Among them, Muslims form the largest group, making India home to the second-largest Muslim population in the world. Despite their significant presence, minorities often face marginalization and exclusion. Recent years have witnessed a surge in communal violence, hate speech, and discriminatory policies that undermine their constitutional rights. Mob lynchings over beef consumption attempts to alter places of worship, and divisive rhetoric by political leaders have created an atmosphere of fear and alienation. They are not isolated incidents but part of a broader pattern and divisive political project that erodes the foundational principles of the republic. For instance, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) explicitly excludes a particular religious community, Muslims, undermining the secular ethos of the Constitution. Similarly, the discontinuation of scholarships for minority students hampers their educational progress and deepens socio-economic inequalities.
Human Rights Watch's 2024 report criticizes the Modi government's discriminatory policies, noting that they have fostered a climate of fear among minorities and suppressed dissenting voices. The U.S. Department of State's 2023 Report on International Religious Freedom also underscores numerous attacks on religious minorities, particularly Muslims, with brutal killings, assaults, and vandalism of places of worship.
Atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) also remain disturbingly common, with thousands of reported incidents of violence, discrimination, and land dispossession each year. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reported a 13.1% increase in crimes against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and a 14.3% rise against Scheduled Tribes (STs).
These communities face systemic neglect and exclusion, further exacerbated by caste-based violence. The differently-abled population also faces substantial barriers, from inaccessible infrastructure to discrimination in education and employment, further marginalizing them from mainstream society. Such trends tarnish India’s global image as a pluralistic democracy and raise concerns about the country’s commitment to its constitutional ideals.
Alongside these issues, India continues to grapple with widespread gendered violence, where women and girls are often subjected to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. In 2024, the National Commission for Women received a total of 25,743 complaints, with 24% of them on domestic violence. Addressing these challenges becomes imperative to safeguarding the principles of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity that form the foundation of our Republic. Protecting the soul of India requires a constant commitment to ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their identity and faith, feel safe, valued, and respected within an inclusive and harmonious system rooted in mutual tolerance and understanding.
To safeguard the Indian Republic and its constitutional ethos, a multifaceted approach is indispensable. Strengthening legal frameworks must take precedence—existing laws protecting vulnerable groups should be rigorously enforced, while new legislation must address emerging issues such as online hate speech, economic discrimination, and gender-based assaults. Education and awareness are equally vital; schools and universities must instil constitutional values and celebrate diversity, while public campaigns can counter misinformation and promote social harmony. Enhancing representation for minorities, women, Dalits, tribals, and the differently-abled in legislative and executive bodies is crucial to amplifying their voices and addressing their concerns effectively. Interfaith dialogues and community initiatives can further bridge divides, foster reconciliation, and build trust across different communities.
National institutions are pivotal in protecting the republic. The judiciary, Election Commission, and National Commission for Minorities must be empowered to uphold constitutional values and safeguard individual rights. However, institutional weaknesses—such as politicization, delays in judicial processes and the underrepresentation of marginalized groups in decision-making—undermine their effectiveness. Strengthening these institutions and safeguarding their independence is critical to preserving the republic's integrity.
Accountability is another cornerstone of a resilient republic. Leaders must be held responsible for divisive rhetoric and actions that threaten national unity, and civil society and the media must play a proactive role in promoting transparency and accountability. As Dr Ambedkar aptly advised, “We must resolve to remove the contradictions in our social system and ensure that equality and liberty will not be denied to any citizen.”
This principle forms the bedrock of the Indian Republic. Protecting the rights and dignity of the vulnerable is not only a moral obligation but a strategic imperative as it reflects our nation’s character. History has repeatedly shown that exclusionary policies lead to unrest, economic stagnation, and long-term instability. Therefore, let us renew our commitment to these foundational ideals. By embracing diversity, empowering institutions, and ensuring the dignity of every citizen, we can build a resilient and inclusive republic that serves as a global example of hope, progress, and unity.
About the authors
Amal Chandra is an author, political analyst and columnist.
Thirunavukkarasu S. is a Junior Research Fellow and Doctoral Research Scholar at the University of Madras. He served as a consultant for the Indian Political Action Committee.
You can also join our WhatsApp group to get premium and selected news of The Mooknayak on WhatsApp. Click here to join the WhatsApp group.