1. Reclaiming the Republic, and the Constitution
On January 22, 1947, the “Objective resolution” of the Indian Constitution was unanimously adopted by the Constituent Committee. This became the inspiring and powerful Preamble to the Indian Constitution. And now, as the Indian Republic enters its 75th year, a mammoth state-sponsored spectacle has undermined the determined resolve of both the Preamble and the basic structure of the Indian Constitution for India to be a secular nation.
The flattening of multidimensions
However, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s agenda being presented at this time, is not just making the state ‘theocratic’ and the majority religion ‘political’. It is part of an unprecedented effort to create a unidimensional culture in a nation that has been the home of a multitude of cultural practices. Indians will also have to decide whether to walk the path of a top down, politically imposed Hindutva; or respond culturally to ensure that the vibrant cultural landscape including a myriad of religious practices prevails , nurturing our diversity and building tolerance, rather than suspicion and hate for the ‘other’.
The political nature of the Hindutva effort is to flatten our multidimensional imagination into a two-dimensional vision of “ourselves” and the rest of the world. Even the somewhat clichéd messages of “unity in diversity” have gone. It is now one nation, one market, one colour, one language, one election, and, of course, one official religion. Even within the majority religion, which has never had one set of laws, or a high priest, we are witnessing a concerted, centralised effort to determine its “national norms”. Others will be allowed to exist, but either through official or unofficial fiat, the attempt is to make them all subservient to the dominant identity. Even religion is being centralised.
Freedom of faith and worship is intrinsic to humanity, individually and in groups. Some of the most powerful manifestations of the diversity of faith have been continually played out in India.
To be Indian was to be complex, to represent differences. There was anticipation about the context, cultural nuances and political alliances of every Indian you met. The person unravelled the nuances of language, food, clothes and cultural choices, weaving together a vibrant and colourful tapestry. Why, if we are proud of our heritage, do we rush to follow others who do not have the richness of diversity? It is perhaps because the ones driving this are attracted by the power and the control that centralisation and identity politics helps exercise.
Post-Independence, and Partition, we have grown up with the flavour of multiple choices including the liberty to opt-out of what we were born into. It was the freedom to choose. We defined choices as those that liberated us from the narrow definitions of stereotypes — including religious, caste and racial identities. Liberation included the right to step out of those two-dimensional definitions, to realise our potential, and have the freedom to eat, wear, sing, and think in multiple ways. For those of us living in cosmopolitan ‘Indian spaces’, it meant understanding the plural ways in which one celebrated even a ‘Hindu’ festival. Dusshera was celebrated in many ways — with a Durga pandal, a Tamil Navaratri with dolls, the north Indian Ram Lila, and the nuanced differences of every State and language group represented there. One looked with pity at cousins trapped in a single identity and who had to live in a single language zone.
The Constitution’s space for diversities
India’s Constitution adopted 75 years ago, recognised and incorporated space for these diversities and differences, not just in politics but also in culture, and how we led our lives. What we count as progress has been built on sanctified objectives of tolerance and solidarity even as we faced the seemingly insurmountable challenges of competing interests. This was a sophisticated perspective written into the Constitution, that knew that differences had to be tolerated, if not welcomed to make India something more than a collection of kingdoms or a “former colony”.
The heroes of the nascent nation saw an India emerge with understanding the need to break caste, language and religious barriers. They celebrated cultural differences, and worked to overcome arrogance and prejudice. B.R. Ambedkar recognised the huge challenge presented in the search for economic and social equality. These values shaped and defined the Constitution. A document which is a democratic and ethical pledge, now critically important to India’s future. The Preamble resolves that we will practise fraternity “assuring the dignity of the individual, and the unity and integrity of the Nation”. To every Indian this document is a guarantee of our right to live with liberty, equality, and justice.
The idea of a ‘Hindu Rashtra’ is in direct contradiction to the Indian Constitution, but its proponents have used the political and democratic freedom provided by the Republic to propagate their conception of Hindutva aggressively. January 22, 2024 saw a brazen crossing of many red lines of the Indian Constitution, with every arm of the state giving in, and even endorsing the violation and marginalisation of secular principles.
B.R. Ambedkar warned us with uncanny wisdom, “Will Indians place the country above their creed or will they place creed above country? I do not know. But this much is certain that if the parties place creed above country, our independence will be put in jeopardy a second time and probably be lost forever …This eventuality we must all resolutely guard against.”
S. Radhakrishnan, the second President of India, was also wary of what could happen in a situation of majoritarian assertion and said: “our national faults of character, our domestic despotism, our intolerance which have assumed different forms of obscurantism, of narrow mindedness, of superstitious bigotry… Our opportunities are great, but let me tell you that when power outstrips ability, we will fall on evil days.”
India faces stark choices
With the state-driven consecration of the temple in Ayodhya sending reverberations through our polity, and the celebration of the 75th year of our Republic upon us, we are faced with stark choices. Our choice for a Constitutional republic over a Hindu Rashtra has to be reasserted. These assertions made now will enable or cripple our children from claiming their place in the Republic of India.
The Indian Constitution has been conceived in a way that extends our rights and shared values far beyond the five-year cycle of elections and governments that come to power with an electoral majority. The Constitution sought to build a social democracy that protected the views and dignity of all — particularly if they were marginalised groups or communities, at all times. As we enter the 75th year of the Republic, perhaps more than ever before, we have a collective duty to reassert the values and central role the Constitution has played in determining the dreams and the vision of a united and plural India.
The Constituent Assembly had the wisdom and the ability to understand that this subcontinent called India, will survive only if there is equal respect for all its citizens. It is the commitment to tolerance in its principles, and the grace inherent in its practice, that helps us overcome the challenge of bigoted religious expression and insecurities. It enables us to include and embrace religious differences and the vast and complex history, architecture and culture that makes India unique in the world. It will also help India retain its space in the globe, as a true ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ rather than hurtle towards becoming a helpless particle in a fast-shrinking global economy and culture.
2. Temple testament to trust in judicial process: President
Murmu hails India’s emergence as the voice of the Global South; says it will be a proud day for India when it could be counted among the nations ‘where homelessness is a rarity’
The Ram Temple at Ayodhya, believed to be the god’s birthplace, is a testament to people’s “enormous trust” in the judicial process, President Droupadi Murmu said on Thursday in her address to the nation on the eve of India’s 75th Republic Day. She added that this week’s ceremony to consecrate the idol at the temple will be considered a landmark in India’s continued rediscovery of civilisational heritage.
“The construction of the temple commenced after the due judicial process and the decision of the highest court of the land. Now it stands as a grand edifice, giving a befitting expression not only of people’s faith but also as a testament to people’s enormous trust in the judicial process,” Ms. Murmu said.
In her address, the President emphasised the importance of citizens carrying out the fundamental duties outlined in the Constitution in order to make India a developed nation by 2047; mentioned several welfare schemes of the Union government; and asserted that it would be a proud day for India when it could be counted among the nations “where homelessness is a rarity”.
The President also talked about social justice and referred to former Bihar Chief Minister Karpoori Thakur as a “tireless champion” of social justice.
Referring to the January 22 consecration ceremony of Lord Ram at the newly constructed temple at Ayodhya, she said that when this event is seen with a wider perspective, “the future historians will consider it a landmark in India’s continued rediscovery of its civilisational heritage”. ‘Trust in judicial process’
Hailing the “magnificent” G-20 Summit, the President said it had “boosted India’s emergence as the voice of the Global South, adding a necessary element to the international discourse”. She noted that the Summit also provided valuable lessons on how to make citizens participants in strategic and diplomatic matters.
Touching upon on the conflicts that have emerged in several parts of the world, the President cited the wisdom of Vardhaman Mahavir, Samrat Ashoka, and Mahatma Gandhi, and hoped the regions engaged in hostilities would find a peaceful way to resolve the conflicts.
“When each of the two conflicting sides believes that it is right and the other is wrong, the way out should be found in the light of reason. Unfortunately, instead of reason, fears and prejudices have fuelled passions, leading to relentless violence. There have been a series of humanitarian tragedies on a large scale, and we feel aggrieved over the human suffering,” she said.
‘Duties are essential’
With regard to the Indian economy, she said that the country was moving ahead with confidence.
“Our GDP growth rate has remained the highest among major economies in recent years, and we have all reasons to believe that this extraordinary performance will continue in the year 2024 and beyond,” she said.
Time of transformation
Stating that the nation was in the early years of Amrit Kaal, the period leading to the centenary of Independence, Ms. Murmu said this was the time for an epochal transformation in which every Indian citizen would play a part.
“These [fundamental] duties are essential obligations of every citizen towards making Bharat a developed nation when it completes 100 years of independence. Here, I think of Mahatma Gandhi who had rightly said, ‘No people have risen who thought only of rights. Only those did so who thought of duties’,” she said.
The President hailed the passage of a law to reserve 33% of seats in State and central legislatures for women as a revolutionary tool for women’s empowerment. She also talked about unleashing the potential of the youth and changes made in the national education policy, hailed the performance of women sportspersons, and mentioned Amrit Kaal as a period that will witness unprecedented technological changes.
3. Padma Vibhushan for Padma Subrahmanyam, Venkaiah, Chiranjeevi, Vyjayanthimala
Former Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu, actors Chiranjeevi and Vyjayanthimala Bali, and Bharatanatyam dancer Padma Subrahmanyam will be conferred the Padma Vibhushan, the country’s second-highest civilian award, the Union government announced on the eve of Republic Day. Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of Sulabh International, will be conferred the award posthumously.
Vijayakanth awarded
Late actor Vijayakanth, M. Fathima Beevi, the first woman judge to be appointed to the Supreme Court of India, Satyabrata Mookherjee, former president of Bharatiya Janata Party in West Bengal, and Togdan Rinpoche, spiritual leader of the Drikung Kagyu tradition in Ladakh, will be conferred the Padma Bhushan posthumously.
Young Liu, chairman of Taiwan’s Foxconn Group, has also been conferred a Padma Bhushan.
Actor Mithun Chakraborty; singer Usha Uthup; O. Rajagopal, BJP leader from Kerala; Tejas Madhusudan Patel, cardiologist from Gujarat; Ram Naik, veteran BJP leader and former Uttar Pradesh Governor; Hormusji N. Cama, senior publisher leading the Gujarati newspaper Bombay Samachar;industrialist Sita Ram Jindal; veteran Marathi film director Dattatray Ambadas Mayaloo; Hindi music director Pyarelal Sharma (of Laxmikant-Pyarelal duo); and senior journalist Kundan Vyas have been conferred the Padma Bhushan this year.
The Padma Shri awards were announced for 34 individuals whose work has been “unsung and unique”. Dukhu Majhi, a tribal environmentalist from Purulia, West Bengal; K. Chellamal, organic farmer from South Andaman; Sanghthankima from Mizoram, who runs the largest orphanage in Aizawl, are among the Padma Shri awardees this year.
In sports, tennis star Rohan Bopanna, veteran squash player Joshna Chinappa, hockey player Harbinder Singh, Mallakhamb practitioner Uday Deshpande, archer Purnima Mahato, para badminton coach Gaurav Khanna and para swimmer Satendra Singh Lohia were chosen for the Padma Shri honour.
For the year 2024, the President approved conferment of 132 Padma awards, up from 106 such awards last year.
The list comprises five Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan and 110 Padma Shri awards. While 30 awardees are women, the list also includes nine persons from the category of “Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI” and nine posthumous awardees.
Shah congratulates
Union Home Minister Amit Shah congratulated the “change-makers” who were selected for the Padma awards for their distinguished contribution to different fields.
Mr. Shah posted on X, “PM Shri @narendramodi Ji has rationalized the Padma Awards ceremony to make it a platform to appreciate individuals setting pioneering examples for social change. The individuals conferred with the Padma Awards have not only created brilliant examples for others to follow but also have elevated the pride of the nation with their service.”
4. French President Macron begins India visit from Jaipur; joins PM for roadshow
The two leaders hold first round of bilateral discussions in Rajasthan capital on multiple issues, including security and defence, ahead of the Republic Day celebrations in Delhi, where he will be chief guest; in a first, French Air Force will participate in fly-past over Kartavya Path
Slogans of Jai Shri Ram, large saffron flags, colourful folk dance teams of Rajasthan, along with a large number of people, greeted French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a “shobha yatra” (public procession) at Badi Chaupar on Thursday evening at the heart of the Old City of Jaipur.
Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra received Mr. Macron at the airport here late afternoon, which was followed by the French President’s visit to the Amber fort where he met with Indian students.
Heritage tour
“A captivating journey through India’s history and heritage for our esteemed guest! President Emmanuel Macron of France kickstarts his visit to India with a tour of Amber Fort in Jaipur. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fort stands as a symbol of India’s architectural prowess and rich cultural tapestry,” said official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, welcoming the French President, who will be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade in New Delhi on Friday.
During the parade, the French Rafales will fly along with the Indian Rafales over Kartavya Path, a first for a foreign air force. In 2016, France was the first foreign marching contingent at the Republic Day parade.
Mr. Modi met Mr. Macron at Jaipur’s Jantar Mantar, the solar observatory built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh in the 18th century. Jantar Mantar of Jaipur is on the world heritage list of UNESCO which is headquartered in Paris. The two leaders then moved to the Hawa Mahal, an iconic landmark of the city and greeted admirers in an open vehicle. The two leaders also spent some time drinking tea together in the Old City.
Gifts temple replica
The Prime Minister gifted a replica of the Ram Temple at Ayodhya that was inaugurated on January 22.
Among those who welcomed Mr. Macron in Jaipur were External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Rajasthan’s Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari.
France, which has a history of relations with the Rajput royal families in present-day Rajasthan, is expected to strengthen its cultural links with the important and strategically located western State.
Tight security
Jaipur prepared for the event for most of the day as policemen were summoned from various parts of the State to be on duty for the high security hours that began to unfold early in the morning as traffic movements to the Old City were gradually restricted.
Mr. Macron and Mr. Modi held a round of bilateral discussions on multiple areas, including security and defence, at the Rambagh Palace.
Mr. Macron left Jaipur on Thursday evening for New Delhi.
On Friday, at the Kartavya Path, President Droupadi Murmu and Mr. Macron will be escorted by the President’s Bodyguard – Rashtrapati Ke Angrakshak. The President’s Bodyguard is the senior-most regiment of the Indian Army. This Republic Day is special for this elite regiment as the Angrakshak have completed 250 years of service since its raising in 1773. The two Presidents will arrive in the ‘Traditional Buggy’, a practice that is making a comeback after a gap of 40 years.
On July 14, 2023, Mr. Modi was the chief guest at the French Bastille Day parade that saw 242-member tri-service contingents of the Indian armed forces marching on Champs-Élysées as well as the Indian Air Force Rafale jets in the fly-past.
