Recently, India celebrated the 75th anniversary of its Constitution’s enforcement with the Amrut Mahotsav, a nationwide tribute to its ideals. Often overlooked throughout the year, the Constitution calls for its own preservation once a year. The celebrations also mark a moment to pause and reflect on its enduring significance in our lives. In an era where the principles of justice, equality and fraternity are under siege, initiatives that uphold these values are not just commendable, but essential. One such remarkable attempt at preservation and engagement was made by the youth in Ulwe, a newly-built satellite town, in Navi Mumbai.
A group of young volunteers, in their early 20s-40s, representing diverse professional backgrounds, came together with a singular purpose: to honour and uphold the Constitution.
A three-day event celebrating constitutional values was held in Ulwe from November 24th to 26th, 2024, uniting citizens, activists and artists. Organised by local volunteers, the program featured a variety of activities, including speeches, orchestras, street plays, exhibitions, a puppet show, a marathon and health check-up camps.
The rise of a constitutional movement
It all began with casual weekend discussions at Samvidhan Katta, an informal gathering spot in Ulwe, distinguished by a street-corner installation of the Preamble. Initiated by local activists about six months ago, what started as an engaging cultural exchange soon evolved into profound and meaningful conversations.
“I was just passing by when a group singing a folk song with a dafli caught my attention. I stopped to listen, and before I knew it, I had become a regular part of their gatherings,” shares Priya Kharat, an accountant and mother of two. “Many of us had little prior knowledge of the Constitution’s deeper principles, but the personal stories and examples of social justice struggles sparked connections and friendships that kept us returning to Samvidhan Katta week after week.”
Now a core team member, Kharat manages the finances for workshops and larger programs dedicated to constitutional education in Ulwe. Team meetings are usually conducted at her place and her whole family participates.
Discussions at Samvidhan Katta draw from rich historical references, attendees report, highlighting Buddha’s teachings on equality and fraternity, Ashoka’s policies on welfare and justice, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s ideals of equal opportunity across caste and religion, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s efforts in shaping the Constitution by integrating these principles. These conversations also include debates on the gaps between these ideals and today’s realities.
“We saw the Constitution as a powerful tool and realised we could be the ones to spread these ideas. We wanted to empower others to recognise it as their own,” said Saraswati (aka Lara), a 24-year-old student and full-time Samvidhan Pracharak (dedicated to promoting constitutional values) who co-initiated the Samvidhan Katta gatherings in Ulwe.
“We always emphasise one key point: to understand the Constitution, you must first grasp its preamble. It starts with ‘We, the people of India,’ calling on each of us to begin with ourselves. Once you understand the preamble, you realise the Constitution lays the foundation for a simple, just and meaningful life,” she added.
Photo: Author provided.
The movement began with small but impactful activity: a collective reading of the Preamble, a word-by-word analysis of its meaning, and reflection on its relevance in today’s divisive socio-political climate.
In August, these efforts expanded with a one-day workshop dedicated to understanding the Constitution. What started as grassroots engagement has now culminated in an ambitious three-day long celebration aimed at reaching a broader audience on the Constitution’s 75th anniversary. The event is a bold reminder of what binds us together as a nation.
An act of hope and resistance
To expand their civic movement and celebrate their efforts, this group organised a three-day program with the motto: “Learn, Protect, and Celebrate the Constitution.” The events were designed to engage various age groups. The program kicked off on November 24th with the Run for Fraternity. With over 300 participants wearing white t-shirts running through the streets of Ulwe at 6 am, the marathon was a huge success.
Evenings featured impactful cultural performances, including Rang Aman Ke by Nirmik Arts’ folk band Yalgar Sathi. Known for using music and theatre as tools for cultural revolution, their three-hour act addressed societal issues disrupting peace and harmony.
Photo: Author provided.
When asked about the importance of speaking truth to the system and the risks involved, Siddharth, who plays the harmonium and sings for the band, said, “This is not at all a hobby for us. We are part of this complex system, and as citizens, it’s our moral duty to raise these crucial questions.”
Apurva, the only female vocalist in the band of nine, added, “There’s no room for fear. We can either speak out or stay silent, but in both cases, we are at risk. Art has always been political, and as artists, we are being true to our profession and loyal to the nation.”
On all three days, a puppet show titled ‘Samvidhan ki Baat Katputli ke Saath’ was presented by Varanasi’s Creative Paper Theatre in schools across Ulwe.
Among the speakers at the event was Deepa Pawar, a social activist working with nomadic and denotified tribes (NT-DNT) communities. “Don’t you feel disturbed by what is happening around us?” she asked, highlighting the rise of hate in the country, which threatens to deepen age-old disparities and fuel crimes against marginalised and vulnerable communities. Pawar emphasised the importance of holding on to the Constitution as a source of safety and security.
Photo: Author provided.
Ulwe’s Samvidhan Mahotsav is a natural extension of the ground movement, bringing the energy and spirit of Samvidhan Katta to a larger platform. However, this persistent public effort to promote constitutional values has not been without challenges. From indifference to hostility, the volunteers have faced considerable resistance.
Last Monday, while distributing pamphlets for the event, Dhanashree, a core team member and dedicated Samvidhan Pracharak, was intimidated by a group demanding she chant “Jai Shri Ram” to continue her work. “Such experiences highlight the urgent need to talk more about the Constitution. The divisive rhetoric threatens its very essence. If we don’t stand up for it now, when will we?” she says.
In this bleak climate, turning our attention back to the Constitution is an act of hope and resistance. This youth-led initiative transcends mere celebration and stands as a bold counter-narrative and a powerful act of voicing dissent for change.
Mayura Saavi is a freelance journalist and development communications professional.
