Lecture on the Constitution of India

Introduction

• Original copy of the Constitution of India presented
• Symbol of the nation, reflects its diversity and identity
• Discussion on what constitutes a nation: race, religion, language, flag, and laws
• Indian subcontinent's diversity in languages, religions, cultures, and races

Creation of the Constitution

• Created to unite diverse societies and break old norms
• Led by Shantiniketan's painter Nandalal Bose and calligrapher Prem Behari Narain Raizada
• Constituent Assembly worked for three years

Historical Context

• Early attempts: 1857 War of Independence revolutionaries
• Increased demands during freedom movement under Mahatma Gandhi
• Pandit Motilal Nehru's 'Nehru Report' or 'Swaraj Samvidhaan' in 1928

Role of British and Indian Leaders

• 1935 Government of India Act fell short of self-rule demands
• Dr. Tej Bahadur Sapru's consultations during WWII
• Pressure on British after WWII and Quit India movement

Cabinet Mission and Interim Government

• 1946 Cabinet Mission created by British PM Clement Attlee
• Shimla discussions with major political figures, including Maulana Azad, Nehru, Patel, and Jinnah
• Congress's refusal of multiple Constituent Assemblies
• Establishment of one Constituent Assembly for entire India
• Conflict and negotiations due to Jinnah's demands
• Interim government formed with Nehru as Vice President and Patel as Home Minister

Calcutta Killings and Aftermath

• 'Direct Action' by Jinnah led to violence on 16th August, 1946
• Widespread violence in Calcutta, Bihar, Bombay, and Noakhali
• Interim government instability and Nehru's ultimatum

Constituent Assembly's Formation

• Convening on 9th December 1946
• Muslim League's boycott
• Adoption of Aims and Objectives Resolution by Nehru on 13th December 1946
• Notable figures in the Assembly and absence of Jinnah and Gandhi
• Dr. Sachidanand Sinha as Interim President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad as Permanent President

Challenges and Legacy

• Jinnah's questioning of the Assembly's validity
• Pandit Nehru's regret over absent representatives and acknowledgment of Gandhi's spirit and hard work