Chief Minister Pramod Sawant led the State in paying glowing tributes to the Father of India’s constitution Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar as the nation commemorated his 131st birth anniversary recalling the principles which he stood for and taking solemn vows to uphold the Constitution and walk under its guiding light. In Goa, Sawant reiterated his government’s resolve to move ahead by taking people of all walks of life together without discrimination. At another function, Leader of the Opposition Michael Lobo lamented over “outside forces” trying to stoke communal tensions in the State and break the age-old harmony between communities. Lobo was referring to the violence that erupted in Vasco on Ram Navami day leading to clashes between two religious groups.
The preamble which spells out the guiding purpose, principles and philosophy of the Constitution declares India to be a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic, and the objectives are to secure justice, liberty and equality for all citizens and to maintain unity and integrity of the nation. On every Ambedkar Jayanti, the nation recalls the role of the tall leader as a nation builder and the efforts he put in to promote harmony and social justice.
The question, however, is whether observing Dr Ambedkar's birthday has been reduced to a mere routine. Are our elected representatives truly upholding the Constitution of India in letter and spirit? Are loopholes in the law being exploited for selfish political gains over-riding the very basis of their existence? Are legislators living up to the vows they take or are driven by the gains they make? To what extent are Dr Ambedkar's principles binding on the current political class? On the harmony front, Goa has been a shining example where religious communities have co-existed with mutual respect for one another. But can we as a State hold our head high on abiding by the Constitution at all times?
On the political front, Sawant’s statement of taking along all sections of people together is no doubt a welcome announcement. Call it political compulsion or a sheer coincidence, the representation in the cabinet amplifies his concept of inclusive governance. However, when it comes to delivery, it remains to be seen how the government positions itself, especially on crucial issues and policy decisions involving the environment that people are consistently opposed to. Sawant 2.0 is still in its early days, and time will tell whether the CM manages to walk his talk.
Dr Ambedkar penned a Constitution that united the nation. An erudite social reformer that he was, he championed the causes of the people. One of his famous quotes reads: We must stand on our own feet and fight as best as we can for our rights. So carry on your agitation and organise your forces. Power and prestige will come to you through struggle. While he spoke of harmony, peace, equality and unity, he has also underscored the need to fight for rights. Dr Ambedkar’s remarkable vision and his principles of democracy stand tall for the India of today, we only need to introspect on whether we are using it as a guiding light or are merely paying lip service.
