Uttar Pradesh Marks Constitution Day with Celebrations and Renewed Commitment to Constitutional Values

Lucknow- Constitution Day was celebrated across Uttar Pradesh with a variety of programs and discussions highlighting the enduring significance of the Indian Constitution. The events, held in cities and rural areas alike, saw politicians, activists, legal professionals, and youth groups come together to pay tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's vision and the empowering framework of the Constitution.

At a program organized by the Dr. Ambedkar Mahasabha in Lucknow, Dr. Lalji Prasad Nirmal, Legislative Council Member and former Chairman of the UP Scheduled Caste Finance and Development Corporation, underscored the Constitution’s permanence.

“As long as this country exists, the Constitution and reservation will also prevail,” said Dr. Nirmal, dismissing opposition claims of threats to the Constitution as baseless. He accused certain groups of historically opposing reservation and Dr. Ambedkar’s principles, citing their failure to implement the Kaka Kalelkar and Mandal Commission recommendations or honor Dr. Ambedkar with a Bharat Ratna during his lifetime.

Dr. Nirmal elaborated on the transformative provisions of the Constitution, including Article 17 (abolition of untouchability), Article 330 (reservation in Parliament and legislative assemblies), and Articles 16(4) and 335 (reservation in government services). “The Constitution is the soul of India,” he said, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for convening a special parliamentary session on Constitution Day.

The program, presided over by Pramod Saroj, President of Dr. Ambedkar Mahasabha, saw enthusiastic participation from various dignitaries. The event highlighted the role of the Constitution as the "lifeline of Dalits" and was attended by activists and academics, including former Judge Jagdish and Dr. R.R. Jaiswar.

Indian Constitution: A Global Inspiration

At a separate event organized by the Dharmodaya Buddha Vihar Trust, BJP MLA Dr. Neeraj Vora emphasized the Constitution’s global influence. He noted that while constitutions of other developed nations had deficiencies, the Indian Constitution—crafted through 113 meetings under Dr. Ambedkar’s guidance—was an exemplary model of equity and justice.

“The Constitution granted voting rights to women at a time when many developed nations excluded them. This forced other countries to incorporate similar provisions,” said Dr. Vora.

Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s journey, he added, “Without the Constitution, a tea seller could not have dreamt of becoming the Prime Minister.”

Legal professionals in attendance, including High Court lawyer K.C. Sagar, underscored the role of advocacy in safeguarding constitutional values. “Advocacy goes beyond litigation; it involves protecting the Constitution, which empowers the poor and weak against the privileged,” said Sagar.

Kamini Gautam, who attended the event said that it is only due to the constitution prepared by Dr.Ambedkar that the women are taking significant strides in all fields in India and abroad. She pointed out that Babasaheb valued the empowerment of women and therefore he said that he measures the progress of a country with the progress achieved by the women in that country and it was in that vein that he resigned as a law minister after the government failed to pass the Hindu Code bill.

Youth-Led Campaign Promotes Constitutional Awareness

In Bundelkhand, youth organization Yuva Dastak marked Constitution Day with a vision for the next 25 years (2022-2047). Founder Kuldeep Kumar Bauddh led a program at Dr. Ambedkar Park in Jalaun district, fostering discussions on constitutional rights and social issues like patriarchy, violence against women, and youth migration.

Nikhat Parveen, an advocate, and Rashmi Verma highlighted the Constitution’s role in ensuring justice and access to rights for women and minorities. Letters addressing these issues were sent to key public representatives, including the President, Prime Minister, and Chief Ministers.

Bauddh urged collective action to uphold constitutional values, saying, “We need to pledge ourselves to building an India rooted in the ideals of justice, equality, and liberty.”

The celebrations extended beyond urban centers, reflecting the Constitution’s unifying role in Indian society. From legal professionals to grassroots activists, participants emphasized that the Constitution is not just a legal document but a powerful tool for empowerment and societal transformation.