Constitutional Values:
Introduction:
India became an Independent country on August 15, 1947 and a democratic constitution was established on January 26, 1950. The Indian society upholds a set of values namely, democracy, socialism and secularism, which guide the life of the individuals and group functioning. These three basic values are stressed in the preamble of the Constitution of India as “We, the people of India, have solemnly resolved to constitute India into a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic Republic” and to provide security to all its citizens.
Meaning of Democracy:
In the famous words of Abraham Lincoln, “Democracy is the Government of the people, by the people and for the people”. According to Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Commission report “Democracy is the way of life and a more political arrangement. It is based on equal freedom and equal rights for all its members regardless of race, religion, sex, occupation or economic status”.
The following are the fundamental assumptions of democracy:
a) Respect for the dignity of the individual.
b) Freedom of action, speech and movement on existing of the society.
c) Equalitarianism.
d) Good citizenship.
e) Faith in change and peaceful methods.
f) National character and sense of tolerance.
g) Scientific temper of mind.
Secularism:
The Indian concept of secularism is concerned with giving equal regard for all faiths and creeds and developing a spirit of reverence and tolerance for all faiths. Secular Values of a Secular-minded Individual:
1. Treating all religions on an equal footing.
2. Implying freedom of worship and tolerance.
3. Encouraging rational thinking and scientific temper of mind.
4. Inculcating moral and spiritual values.
5. Believing in co-existence and discouraging dogmatic ideas.
The Concept of Socialism:
Socialism is concerned with establishing a new social and economic order on the basis of equality of opportunity and on the social, political and economic justice. Education has to be geared for achieving pattern of society. To achieve socialism:
a) General education has to be geared to productivity.
b) Practical and utilitarian aspects to be emphasized in education.
c) Innovative socialized and group instructional strategies to be adopted.
d) Social and national services are to be made as integral components of education.
The democratic social order is our national objective. The Constitution of India, lays emphasis on the above four pillars of democracy. The Indian Constitution has approved the following national values:
i. Justice - social, economic and political.
ii. Liberty - of thoughts, expression, belief, faith and worship.
iii Equality - of rights and opportunities and to promote among them all.
iv. Fraternity - assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation.
