Role of Learning in Nation Building

Demographics at Independence

• In 1947, India’s population was around 370 million, and women had an average of six children.
• 80% of the population was illiterate, and the educational infrastructure was minimal, with only 20 universities and around 500 affiliated colleges.
• Student enrolment was about 5 lakh, and the total number of faculty members was around 20,000.
• Higher education was a privilege reserved for the elite.
• Today, India has over 40 million students and 5 million faculty members in higher education.

Present Scenario and Demographic Context

• India now has the largest population in the world.
• 47% of Indians are below the age of 25, and two-thirds of them have been born after liberalisation.
• This demographic transition positions universities as essential institutions in the transformation of society.

Need for Constitutional Education

• The focus solely on STEM and medical education is not enough for societal transformation.
• Education must go beyond job opportunities and appreciate the intrinsic value of knowledge, particularly constitutional knowledge, which should be a policy priority in schools and universities.
• More than 1,100 universities and nearly 50,000 colleges in India must prioritise teaching about the Constitution’s history, philosophy, and evolution.

Five Compelling Reasons for Educating Students About the Constitution

• Constitution as a Site for Creating Collective Consciousness: India is not a traditional federation and faces ongoing struggles in defining deliberative democracy.
  • The economic and social diversity across Indian states has created disparities in human and economic development.
  • A collective consciousness of the Constitution is needed to promote progressive nation-building and shield against sectarian perspectives.
• Constitution as a Framework for Identity Creation: The Constitution helps create and nurture an Indian identity, reflected in its pluralistic values.
  • Alfred Stepan, Juan Linz, and Yogendra Yadav introduced the concept of “state-nations,” where the Constitution promotes a sense of belonging and protects socio-cultural diversities.
  • Universities must promote constitutional patriotism, shaping nation-building ideas.
• Constitution as a Reason for Celebrating Diversity: The Constitution recognizes and promotes diversity through provisions on equality and non-discrimination.
  • Universities should encourage understanding and appreciating India’s diverse cultures by studying the Constitution and interacting with people from different backgrounds, fostering an informed and enlightened citizenry.
• Constitution as an Instrument of Social and Political Empowerment: The Constitution, through Article 17, abolished untouchability and made it an offence to practise caste-based discrimination.
  • The document promotes the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity, emphasising the need for universities to instil these constitutional values in students.
  • Constitution as the Basis for Social Justice
  • Social justice is a central theme of the Constitution, and higher education institutions play a crucial role in promoting these ideals.
  • Universities must challenge societal structures and inspire young people to work towards an egalitarian society.
  • By embedding constitutional ideals in their education, universities can advance the cause of social justice.

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