The Punjab Pulse Constitution Day Special – 2
News Bureau
Our Constitution is inspired by our history, our values and our requirements. It is certainly a truth that many of the elements of organizational structure of Institutions like Parliament, Judiciary etc. are inspired by other countries, but the soul, values and principles which guides them or must pave way for the future are Indian values.
During the entire course of our history, we have been run by clearly articulated and written systems of rules and regulations supported by unwritten principles, customs, traditions and practices. From the times of Vedas to the present times, our civilization and culture has believed in the idea of a rule-based society. The large number of Smritis and Granths easily leads to this conclusion. Much before Magna Carta of the West, we have very advanced development of jurisprudence and legal principles in our country.
It is only due to usage of English and easy understanding that we have proceeded with the term ‘Constitution’ but the Hindi word ‘Samvidhan.’ The Constitution, therefore, cannot be seen as a gift of the West or mere export of better values of the west. As a basic document of governance it is not an exported idea but an Indian idea based upon our rich history.
Drawings and paintings used in the original copy of the Constitution
- It was done by famous artist Shri Nand Lal Bose from Shantiniketan.
- Illustrations provide us an insight into values and intent of the Constitution-makers.
- The historical illumination in Constitution certainly suggests a historical connection and provides a clear message about continuum and connection to our Cultural roots.
- It is the only our Constitution which has illustrations. No other Constitution has such features.
A few of the drawings and paintings are embedded in the article to exemplify the context
Scene from Ramayan
Chatrapati Shivaji and Guru Gobind Singh Ji
Scene from life of Mahavira
Motto’s of Constitutional bodies and other agencies
When India got independence from the British imperialism, she made a conscious and clear choice to revitalize, reinvigorate and inspire herself from the eternal Indian civilization. The institution builders in the first decade of post-independence laid down a tradition that our institutions will be identified and driven by our own values and principles enshrined and inscribed in our rich and prosperous heritage of culture and knowledge. Over the course of time, India has continued this tradition. A cursory study of motto’s of these agencies clearly establish this fact.
- Many agencies of the Union as well as States have motto’s derived from Indian Knowledge Tradition.
- National motto of India: Satyamev Jayat (Truth alone Triumphs)
- Supreme Court of India: Yato Dharmastato Jayah (यतोधर्मस्ततोजयः) (Where there is Dharma, there is victory)
- CAG: Lokhitrartha Satyanishtha (Dedicated to truth in public Interest)
- Archaeological Survey of India: प्रत्नकीर्तिमपावृणु(Let us uncover the glory of the past)
- All India Radio: बहुजनहितायबहुजनसुखाय
- Intelligence Bureau: जागृतंअहर्निशम्[Wide awake day and night]
A simple exercise aimed at merely finding these motto’s and their interpretation can be basis of good literature to drive home the point.
National Motto of India
Inscriptions in Parliament
A number of scholars assert that Parliamentary building and their structures, designs, inscriptions have an impact on the working of the institution. They believe that it contributes to the political culture of the country. Our Parliament has several quotations from our past.The new building is also going to have similar inscriptions
- Shloaks from Geeta, Mahabharta, Upnishadetc. have been used. Few Persian couplets have also been used.
- New Building will also have inscribed Shloks etc.
- Dharma Chakra Pravartnaya, the noble words, ‘Heavens Light Our Guide’ are inscribed on the Chairman’s Chair of Rajya Sabha.
- 58 paintings in outer corridor of Parliament.
- Gate 1 of Builiding: The English equivalent of the same is: “Open the door to thy people And let us see thee For the obtaining of the Sovereignty”
- Some photos are also attached here.
There has been conspiracies and fraudulent attempts by the Left cabal and some others to interpret the Constitutional values through the lens of the West or ideologies and concept originating in the West.
The fact is that Constitutional values and ideals like Democracy, Secularism, Socialism, Justice, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, Republic, Sovereignty are Indian values and ideals. Their content, expanse, and interpretations is based upon the ideals and practices of India. Our texts in various languages and practices during different times across India should provide the content of these ideals.
In the light of our constitutional history post 1947, ‘Constitution as a living and organic document’ must be seen, interpreted and evolved in values and ideals of India. There is a need to interpret our Constitution in a manner which is rooted in our rich history, culture, ethos and also forward looking towards newer challenges and opportunities. It should not be subjected to interpretations and analysis which are driven by clutches of the colonized mindset, blind imitation and conformist attitude towards the West.
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