Mains Practice Questions

Approach

• Begin with a concise introduction that provides context to the statement.
• Discuss the ideals and principles enshrined in the Constitution that represent the vision of the framers.
• You can conclude by emphasizing that the Constitution continues to guide India toward an ideal future, despite the challenges, making it a dynamic and visionary document.

Introduction

The constitution makers were aware of the realities and the challenges of Indian society, which was marked by poverty, illiteracy, inequality, etc. They did not want to create a constitution that would merely reflect the existing conditions, but one that would aspire to change them for the better. They wanted to create a constitution that would enable the people to realize their potential and to participate in the nation-building process.

Body

The constitution, therefore, laid down the goals and the values that the people of India should strive for, such as:

• Rights and Equality: The Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens, irrespective of their current conditions, aiming to protect individuals from discrimination, oppression, and injustice. These rights are meant to create a society where individuals have the freedom to pursue their own aspirations and are not bound by their existing circumstances.
• Economic Justice: The Constitution's directive principles of state policy also reflect an aspiration for economic justice. While recognizing the economic disparities prevalent in society, the Constitution directs the state to work towards reducing these disparities by promoting economic and social justice.
• Social Transformation: The framers of the Indian Constitution envisioned a society where the caste system, gender discrimination, and other forms of inequality would be eradicated. Therefore, the Constitution includes provisions like affirmative action (reservation) for historically disadvantaged groups and the promotion of social justice.
• Secularism: The Indian Constitution also emphasizes secularism, recognizing that the country is religiously diverse. It envisions a society where all religions are treated equally and where the state does not favour any particular religion. This is in contrast to the prevailing religious hierarchies that existed at the time of independence.
• Democratic Values: The Constitution promotes democratic values, such as equality before the law and universal suffrage, with the aim of fostering a participatory and inclusive democracy. It envisions a society where the voices of all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic background, are heard and respected.

Conclusion

The Indian constitution, therefore, is not a static or a rigid document, but a dynamic and a flexible one, that can adapt to the changing needs and aspirations of the people. The constitution is also not a final or a perfect document, but a progressive and a visionary one, that can inspire the people to work towards the realization of its goals and values.