29 November 2024 : Indian Express Editorial Analysis

1. Harmonising civilisational Identity with Constitutional Values

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Idea Page; Page: 13)

Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity

Context:

As the Constitution turns 75, a question is, does it embody and satisfy the needs of a nation with a rich history, and one that is on the move or does it have a circumscribed ambit?

Analysis of the News

J Sai Deepak (Civilisation Supersedes Constitution)

This view argues that the Indian Constitution, rooted in colonial frameworks, undermines India’s civilisational identity. It highlights an ongoing tension between traditional markers of identity like religion, culture, and history versus modern constitutional morality and civic nationalism. It warns against losing civilisational consciousness, which sustains societal cohesion and survival instincts.

Key Points:

1. Uneasy Relationship: The Constitution and India’s civilisation coexist uneasily due to the colonial continuity entrenched in constitutional frameworks post-independence. Political decolonisation did not extend to decolonising India’s psyche.

Example: Constitutional morality replaced traditional civilisational ethos with preambular values like secularism.

2. Impact of Civic Nationalism: Prioritising constitutionalism over civilisational consciousness risks erasing India’s sense of self. Traditional markers like religion, language, and culture have stood the test of time and are more deeply rooted in communities.Despite globalisation, these markers remain significant. Displacing them with civic nationalism makes societies vulnerable to ideological takeovers.

3. Role of History and Memory: Civilisational consciousness includes collective memory and historical awareness, which safeguard a society’s identity. Replacing this with civic nationalism is seen as an intentional effort to weaken community vigilance and resilience.

Example: Bangladesh is cited as a case where losing historical memory had adverse consequences.

4. Bharat vs. Neighbours: India’s stability and pluralism are attributed to its dharmic ethos rather than the Constitution. The Constitution has not guaranteed stability or minority safety in neighbouring countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh. Unlike its neighbours, India’s pluralistic fabric stems from its innate civilisational values rather than its constitutional framework.

Faizan Mustafa (Constitution as the Evolving Framework)

This view emphasizes the Constitution as a dynamic document that reflects India’s evolving aspirations and civilisational heritage. It defends the framers’ vision, asserting that the Constitution balances continuity with modernity, borrowing global ideas while upholding India’s pluralistic ethos.

Key Points:

1. Constitution as Evolution: The Constitution is seen as a “living” document that adapts to changing societal aspirations. It integrates civilisational heritage without being a mere colonial artifact.

Example: The framers, like Nehru and Tandon, referenced India’s ancient history and civilisational values while drafting the Constitution.

2. Inconsistency in Hindutva Stance: Hindutva perspectives on the Constitution are inconsistent. While some leaders critique it as colonial, others, like the RSS chief, praise it as a reflection of Indian values. This duality reflects either strategic ambiguity or genuine ideological confusion about the Constitution’s value.

3. Inclusivity vs. Aryan Identity: Critics often equate indigenous identity with Aryan heritage, sidelining other groups like Adivasis. However, Constituent Assembly representatives like Jaspal Singh emphasized Adivasis as India’s original inhabitants.

Example: Adivasis practiced democracy long before the modern constitutional framework.

4. Historical and Democratic Ethos: Ancient Indian assemblies and principles, like Lakshman Rekha (separation of powers), align with constitutional ideals. Concepts like constitutional morality and dharma reflect India’s civilisational heritage. Ashoka’s Dhamma is cited as an example of constitutional morality rooted in ancient practices rather than religion.

5. Adoption of Global Ideas: The Constitution consciously borrowed values like individualism and parliamentary democracy from the West to address inequalities rooted in caste and gender hierarchies.

Example: Individualism was adopted to ensure equality and liberty, correcting ancient practices that denied these values.

6. Forward-Looking Vision: The Constitution aims to shape a progressive future while preserving diversity and tolerance. Learning from the past is essential, but reviving outdated practices uncritically is seen as regressive.The Constitution integrates global and civilisational ideas, reflecting India’s inclusive ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (world as one family).

Coclusion:

• The two views highlight a fundamental contrast between the prioritization of civilisational identity and the role of the Constitution in shaping India’s future.
• The first view sees the Constitution as a colonial imposition that displaces India’s civilisational roots, emphasizing the need to preserve historical memory and traditional identity markers for societal cohesion.
• In contrast, the second view regards the Constitution as an evolving framework that integrates India’s civilisational ethos with modern values, enabling the country to address historical inequities while fostering a forward-looking, inclusive vision for the nation.
• This tension underscores a broader debate on how India reconciles its ancient heritage with the imperatives of modern governance and constitutionalism.