One of independent India’s most significant achievements post-1947 was the adoption of the constitution. The document was adopted on 26th November 1949, making India a sovereign, democratic republic on paper.
Interestingly, most members in the constituent assembly who pioneered the creation of the constitution were from the Congress party. However, the intensity of the constituent assembly debates also sparked widespread discussions in the newspapers and other media. Congress members involved came from various religious backgrounds and from different parts of the country. According to reports “Over 30 members belonged to the scheduled castes, and Anglo-Indians and Parsis found representation too”; women also played a notable part in the creation of the constitution. India at birth was evidently making progressive strides.
The ultimate result was the creation of a constitution like no other; today, India’s constitution is the longest in the world, and is hailed as one of the most effective constitutions in the Modern World; formulated in just under 3 years, the constitution paved the way for India, achieving a remarkable balance between the desire for a strong state and individual liberty.
The constitution was also the first in the world to grant universal franchise to all, a political experiment that has allowed India to become the world’s largest democracy today.
Modern India undoubtedly faces challenges, yet the efficacy of India’s constitution has over the last few decades put it in strong stead to become an emerging world power.
