Constitution Day 2024

The Department of Political Science, in collaboration with the Political Science Society, the National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit, and AICUF, commemorated Constitution Day on November 26, 2024 at Loreto College, Kolkata. The theme for this year’s celebration was "Voices of the Nation: Constitutional Dreams and Ray’s Cinematic Reflections."

The programme centred around three key debates from the Constituent Assembly, which remain highly pertinent to India's contemporary socio-political landscape. These debates served as a reminder of the objectives and intentions of the Constitution's framers. Simultaneously, the event paid homage to Satyajit Ray, whose works as a filmmaker, writer, artist, and thinker captured the human condition with unparalleled depth and nuance. Ray's relatable characters, crafted to mirror the common Indian experience, embody the aspirations and challenges of navigating the expanding divide between constitutional ideals and citizens' responsibilities.

The debates presented during the programme included exchanges between Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and Sardar Patel, Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, and Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer and K.M. Munshi. These debates were creatively juxtaposed with multiverse scenarios inspired by Satyajit Ray's characters to address contemporary issues. The characters Gupi and Bagha explored the theme of manual scavenging, a practice that continues to affect underprivileged and marginalised communities. They also discussed systemic issues such as wage disparity and labour exploitation. The court of King Hirak depicted debates on immigration and citizenship, raising questions about eligibility and belonging in their fictional kingdom. An intense dialogue between Feluda and Topshe delved into the pressing issue of women's safety in India. The discussion highlighted Supreme Court verdicts on sexual violence and judicial delays, which remain critical concerns in the justice system.

The programme sought to illuminate the challenges India faces today while rekindling the aspirations expressed in Rabindranath Tagore's iconic poem, "Where the Mind is Without Fear". The focus was on examining the functionality of constitutional machinery and reviving hope for a better future. The event concluded with a solemn pledge-taking ceremony, reaffirming a collective commitment to the Constitution and its ideals.

Overall, the Constitution Day commemoration was an enriching and thought-provoking experience. It not only highlighted the social, political, and economic realities of India but also inspired hope for a future aligned with the vision of the nation’s founding leaders.