Delhi: Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, speaking at the launch of the Constitution Awareness Year celebrations, underscored the importance of understanding the Constitution to strengthen nationalism. He stated that nationalism should be considered above politics and personal interests, urging citizens to uphold their responsibilities.
Expressing concerns over external influences on India’s democratic process, Dhankhar warned against foreign funding aimed at manipulating elections, calling it a serious threat to the nation’s integrity.
Highlighting the vision of the Constitution’s framers, he praised their commitment to dialogue and meaningful debate in shaping the democratic framework. He lamented disruptions in parliamentary proceedings, emphasizing that discussions are crucial for addressing public concerns.
Dhankhar also spoke about the significance of Constitution Day, observed over the past decade, to educate the younger generation about India's struggle for independence and the importance of democratic rights and responsibilities. He recalled the Emergency of 1975 as a "darkest hour" when fundamental rights were suppressed, noting that while multiple High Courts opposed it, the Supreme Court upheld the government's decision.
Referring to the Indian Constitution's rich cultural representations, he highlighted the historical depictions in its design, including figures such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Lord Ram, and Lord Krishna.
The Vice President asserted that only Parliament and, in some cases, state legislatures, have the authority to amend the Constitution, clarifying that the judiciary does not hold such power. While the Supreme Court can interpret provisions, legislative changes remain the domain of elected representatives, he emphasized.
