Can Understanding the Constitution Change Lives? This Online Series Thinks It Can—Launching Constitution Day

New Delhi- On November 26, celebrated as Constitution Day or Samvidhan Divas in India, an online lecture series titled Bring Home the Constitution (BHTC) will launch, aiming to deepen citizens' understanding of the Indian Constitution. This 12-week program, organized by the Barefoot Academy of Governance, will be held every Wednesday from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm on Zoom. The course is facilitated by notable experts in the field, including Dr. V. Suresh, General Secretary of the People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL), human rights activist D. Nagasaila, and legal scholar Arvind Narrain.

This initiative arrives at a time when India’s democratic framework faces continuous challenges, with growing concerns about erosion of constitutional values, rising human rights violations, and perceived abuses of the rule of law. Bring Home the Constitution seeks to address these issues by revisiting the foundational principles set during the historic Constituent Assembly Debates, offering participants an opportunity to engage with the rich legacy of ideas and values that shaped India's Constitution.

Why This Course Matters

The Constitution, a document designed to safeguard democratic values, justice, and liberty, was adopted by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949, and came into force on January 26, 1950. Constitution Day commemorates this event, and in light of recent societal and political challenges, the study circle emphasizes the importance of reaffirming commitment to these ideals. Organizers hope to inspire educators, lawyers, students, and other citizens to understand and advocate for these constitutional principles.

The program promises a structured exploration of core themes such as secularism, federalism, and nationalism, which are frequently subjects of polarizing public discourse today. Organizers emphasize that the Constituent Assembly Debates offer invaluable insights into the complex negotiations and diverse perspectives that informed the Indian Constitution, a "source code" for democracy that is relevant to today’s issues.

Key Learning Outcomes

The BHTC series offers four primary learning outcomes:

1. Deepened Understanding: Participants will explore differing perspectives and critical debates that shaped the Constitution. This will enable them to think more critically about divisive topics in the public sphere.

2. Heightened Self-awareness: The course aims to foster a worldview grounded in a rights-based approach, encouraging participants to reflect on lived experiences of values like equality, liberty, and fraternity.

3. Empowered Citizenship: Participants will learn about basic legal safeguards and civic remedies, equipping them to assert their rights confidently in public spaces or institutions.

4. Community of Practitioners: The course will foster a strong network of co-learners and professionals, encouraging participants to mobilize collective action for civic issues at the local level.

The program consists of twelve weekly sessions over three months, beginning with an opening session on November 26 and concluding with a closing session. All classes will be conducted online via Zoom to accommodate widespread participation.

Building a Constitution-Conscious Community

The Bring Home the Constitution series emphasizes a dynamic approach to studying India's foundational document, bringing the debates and deliberations of the Constituent Assembly to life. Participants will engage through experiential activities, like simulated debates and role-playing, to feel the weight and intricacies of the issues that shaped the Constitution. This immersive experience is complemented by the examination of select case laws and case studies, which ground theoretical discussions in the practical realities of India’s legal framework. By analyzing landmark judgments and legal precedents, participants will see firsthand how constitutional principles continue to shape contemporary jurisprudence.

Another key feature is the transformative reading of the Constitution, inviting participants to go beyond its text and probe the core principles it upholds, encouraging a perspective that sees the Constitution as a responsive, living document. Small-group dialogues with experts on topical issues will further deepen this understanding, while an emphasis on applying legal concepts equips learners with tools to assert their rights as citizens. Together, these pedagogical approaches aim to build a robust, rights-conscious community that is well-prepared to advocate for democratic principles in today’s complex social and political landscape.