National Constitution Day celebration 2022

Centre for Constitutional Literacy, Chirayinkeezhu to in association with Marian Engineering College, Thiruvananthapuram

About the National Constitution Day

26^th November 1949 is a historical day for India. The Constituent Assembly of India after the long process of drafting and debates formerly adopted the Constitution of India, the framework of all laws in India, the holy book of Indian Judiciary, and sacred entity that protects the people of India from any tyranny granting freedom to live a dignified life.

The National Constitutional Day is celebrated on 26^th November every year to commemorate the adoption of Indian Constitution in 26^th November 1949 that became effective from 26^th January 1950. The day is also referred as Samvidhan Diwas. This day was declared so by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on 19^th November 2015 to promote Constitution values among the citizens of India.

Importance of Centre for Constitutional Literacy

In a survey conducted by Adishree Singh and Richa Dwivedi for an article called ‘Constitutional Literacy in India’, it was found that only around 60 percent of the sample group had direct or indirect understanding or knowledge of the constitution at some level. Nearly 80 percent of the sample group responded positively to a constitutional literacy programme being conducted.

Knowledge of the law is the most priced of all knowledge. For any human being to live his life to the fullest potential he needs to understand the law of the land and must have a fair grasp of it. Hence, we can very well say that knowledge of law is more of a duty than a right. This important dimension of legal knowledge is the very essence of the Latin Maxim ignorantia juris non excusat, which means that ignorance of the law is not an excuse. Thus, it is a duty upon the state to provide proper education and it is a duty on the part of the citizens to learn them. Contrary to all these ideals that the spirit of this nation aspires for, people are unaware even of the basics of law, let alone their rights and duties. Hence the onus falls upon us, the harbingers and baton bearers of the judicial arena to enable the people in our society to understand them and apply them in their lives for their better living.

No knowledge comes free. This concept is very true when it comes to the case of legal knowledge and awareness. It is very difficult to access legal knowledge, let alone understand them. This was and is the very focal point of the issue that resonates with the entirety of the human population. The ignorant are very cunningly kept ignorant by the predators to ensure their survival. Just being aware of the law is not enough. One must be able to ask for his rights when denied and must fulfil his duties even when not asked for. There are many instances around us, where we find denial of justice primarily because of the lack of legal knowledge on the part of the ones being crucified. Hence legal education must be incorporated at the grass root level, that is, among school students as a subject of grave importance.

As reflected in the words of Dr. B R Ambedkar ”Constitutional morality is not a natural sentiment. It has to be cultivated. We must realize that our people have yet to learn it. Democracy in India is only a top-dressing on Indian soil which is essentially undemocratic”, ensuring constitutional literacy is the need of the hour. Centre for Constitutional Literacy aims for 3 main objectives:

1. Imparting Constitutional erudition among college students by organizing classes.

2. Imparting Constitutional Literacy among the students of 11th and 12th standards in Govt and Govt Aided Schools.

3. Conducting Socio-legal Surveys in society to understand various socio-legal issues.