Bharat Ratna Dr. B. R. Ambedkar was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly. He gifted the nation a Constitution that laid the foundation for making India a parliamentary democracy with a federal structure, an independent judiciary, and fundamental rights. Prime Minister Narendra Modi placed the Constitution at the center of national development policies and conveyed the message that “The Constitution of India is not just a document but a guiding scripture for nation-building.” Today, the Delhi Government is also moving forward with the vision of ‘Constitution, Equality and Social Justice’ as the core of its policies for a developed Delhi. This was stated by Delhi’s Minister for Social Welfare Shri Ravinder Indraj Singh while addressing a programme at Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women on the occasion of Constitution Day.
Ravinder Indraj said that although today there are numerous ways to access and understand the Constitution through technology and digital knowledge platforms, the most important aspect is our commitment, sense of duty, and dedication towards society in the light of the Constitution.
Referring to key constitutional articles such as Article 14 (Right to Equality), Article 19 (Right to Freedom), Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty), Article 32 (Protection of Fundamental Rights), Article 51(A) (Fundamental Duties), and Article 15 (Social Justice), Ravinder Indraj said that these rights and duties can be truly realised only when society, bureaucracy, institutions, and citizens remain equally aware and responsible.
The Social Welfare Minister stated that after independence, for a long period, the government at the Centre neglected the Constitution, democracy, and the ideas of Baba Saheb Ambedkar. Citing the example of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, he said that Patel’s historic role in integrating 563 princely states laid the foundation of India’s unity and the Constitution. Although Patel received more votes for the post of Prime Minister, the then ruling party ignored this mandate and appointed someone with fewer votes to the position. Due to the inadequate implementation of the Constitution for many years, the dream of bringing the poor, marginalised and women into the mainstream of development remained unfulfilled.
Ravinder Indraj said that in the last 11 years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the vision of equality and social justice, central to Baba Saheb Ambedkar’s dream of India has been realised. Along with addressing challenges related to women’s education and health, a constitutional amendment has ensured 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. Today, empowered Indian women have shown exemplary courage by serving in the Indian Armed Forces and displaying valour during Operation Sindoor, destroying terrorist camps.
The Cabinet Minister urged the students and those present that the Constitution is not just a book but a guiding force of our lives. One must understand both rights and duties and actively contribute to nation-building.
—The End
