The adoption of the Indian Constitution on 26 January 1950 marked a major milestone in the history of our nation. It enshrined the core values of liberty, equality, fraternity, and justice. While the Constitution was celebrated by most, it was met with resistance from Hindu nationalists, who claimed it lacked Indian values and dismissed its principles as incompatible with the teachings of Manusmriti. They argued that Manusmriti should be the guiding law of the land (Savarkar). Fortunately, the nation was led by forward-thinking leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and B.R. Ambedkar, who championed democratic values and steered the country toward progress. Nehru, the architect of modern India, ensured that the focus of Indian policy revolved around the public sector, education, scientific research, irrigation, and healthcare, among other priorities.
The directive principle of promoting scientific temper was followed, albeit with significant gaps. Despite the immense tragedy of Partition, which saw the migration of millions of Hindus and Muslims across borders and widespread violence, the nation was guided toward addressing basic needs such as hunger, health, education, and employment. These foundations were firmly laid by India’s early leaders. Communal groups, though active behind the scenes and occasionally orchestrating violence, remained a marginal force until the 1980s. While efforts to promote social justice were commendable, they fell short of eradicating the caste system, and deep-rooted biases against Dalits persisted.
Another major flaw was the spread of misconceptions against religious minorities, particularly Muslims, and later Christians, who were drawn into the orbit of hate and violence. The Shah Bano case became a rallying point for communal forces, who accused the government of appeasing minorities, especially Muslims. The implementation of the Mandal Commission report, which granted 27% reservations to Other Backward Classes (OBCs), was exploited by Hindu nationalists to advance their agenda. They pushed the narrative that the Ram Temple lay beneath the Babri Masjid and should be rebuilt there. This issue was used to mobilize Hindus on a massive scale, with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliates spreading the idea far and wide. This culminated in the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992 and widespread violence against Muslims, particularly in Mumbai, Surat, and Bhopal.
This wave of violence was followed by further carnage in Gujarat (2002), Delhi (2019), Uttar Pradesh (2013), and Kandhamal (2008). In Keonjhar, Odisha, Father Stains was burned alive by Rajendra Pal (Dara Singh) of the Bajrang Dal, and anti-Christian violence erupted in Kandhamal. Issues such as the sanctity of the cow, beef consumption, and "love jihad" have been weaponized to intimidate Muslims, forcing them to live in constant fear. Muslim ghettos have become a reality in many cities. Post-communal violence, the BJP has often gained electoral strength in affected areas. A similar sense of fear is now growing among sections of the Christian community.
The trajectory of India’s journey, which began with democratic values and pluralism at its core, has been gradually undermined. The last decade, in particular, has seen a significant decline under BJP rule. Although nominally under the NDA coalition, the BJP’s agenda of establishing a Hindu Rashtra has dominated. State institutions such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Income Tax Department, Intelligence agencies, the Election Commission, and even the judiciary have been influenced by the Hindu Right, weakening the foundational values of the Constitution.
Rising poverty, income inequality, and the deterioration of education and healthcare are deeply concerning. Minorities are being relegated to second-class citizenship, and the political representation of Muslims has plummeted. There is not a single Muslim MP from the ruling BJP, nor is there a Muslim minister in the Cabinet. Scientific temper, a key directive principle of the Constitution, has been abandoned. Top academic institutions have hosted lectures on concepts like creating a "master race" (*Garbh Sanskar*), and centers promoting such ideas have proliferated. Even the director of IIT Madras praised cow urine as a cure for diseases. The rise of self-styled "babas" dispensing dubious wisdom, often indirectly supported by the state, is a worrying trend.
The values of the Constitution are being subtly eroded, with claims that India achieved true independence not on 15 August 1947 but on 22 January 2024, with the inauguration of the Ram Temple. There is a growing narrative that the Constitution does not align with India’s "civilizational principles," and demands to scrap laws like the Places of Worship Act (1991) are gaining momentum. This act ensures that the status of religious places remains as it was on 15 August 1947.
Amid this bleak scenario, where does hope lie? Some relief has come through initiatives like the Bharat Jodo and Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra (Unite India for Justice). A growing section of the population is realizing that political parties using religion for electoral gains pose a grave threat to democracy and the Constitution. This awareness is coinciding with efforts by various political parties to form the INDIA coalition.
Additionally, numerous social groups are working to promote harmony and unity. Many organizations that have long fought for people’s rights are coming together to raise awareness about the dangers of communal narratives and to educate the public about the true meaning of constitutional morality. The increasing awareness of these issues among the general public is heartening. These efforts to uphold fraternity and other constitutional values are moving in a positive direction.
Neighboring countries that have embraced fundamentalism and communalism are in dire straits. Communal forces in India are attempting to push the nation down the same path. It is imperative to reaffirm the values of the Constitution with greater vigor and determination.
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