A gift that addresses global challenges

The Statesman

1. Key Arguments in the Article

a. India’s Constitution as a “living document” with global relevance

The author argues that the Constitution of India—adopted on 26 November 1949—blends:

• Indigenous wisdom,
• Ethical philosophy of Gandhi,
• Civilizational ideals such as Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and Sarvodaya, and
• *Modern constitutionalism.

This unique blend allows the Constitution to respond meaningfully to contemporary global challenges: conflict, inequality, pandemics, and environmental crises.

b. The Preamble as a guiding light for global values

The values of Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity are highlighted as the bedrock of:

• Social harmony
• Peaceful coexistence
• Conflict resolution
• Collective development

The author notes that these principles have universal relevance today.

c. Constitutional support for alternative dispute resolution (ADR)

Articles such as:

• Article 39A (equal justice)
• Article 142 (complete justice)
• Article 51 (promotion of peace and international cooperation)
  are cited as enabling mechanisms that support mediation, community dialogue, and consensus—methods crucial in reducing adversarial conflict globally.

d. Democratic decentralisation as a global model

India’s Panchayati Raj and urban local bodies are presented as:

• Models of people-centric governance
• Mechanisms that enhance participation and accountability
• Frameworks that many nations can emulate to strengthen grassroots democracy

e. Constitutional morality as a solution to global issues

The article argues that adherence to constitutional morality fosters:

• Respect for rule of law
• Ethical conduct in public life
• Social justice
• A sense of responsibility and restraint

These values collectively form an ethical alternative to rising global polarization, xenophobia, economic disparities, and authoritarian tendencies.

2. Author’s Stance

The author clearly takes a laudatory, celebratory stance on the Indian Constitution, emphasizing:

• Its moral and ethical strength
• Its philosophical lineage
• Its potential role in addressing global disorder

The tone is nationalistic but aspirational, presenting India’s constitutional ethos as a model for the world.

3. Potential Biases Present

a. Overemphasis on idealism

The article tends to glorify:

• Constitutional principles
• Gandhi’s philosophy
• India’s civilizational ethos

Without adequately acknowledging:

• Practical constitutional challenges
• Institutional limitations
• Implementation gaps (judicial pendency, rights infringements, bureaucratic delays)

b. Lack of critique of contemporary governance practices

Many current issues contradict the Constitution’s ideals:

• Restrictions on dissent
• Communal polarization
• Weakening of institutions
• Unequal access to justice

The article avoids any mention of these contradictions.

c. Skew toward normative rather than empirical analysis

The piece assumes that:

• Constitutional values automatically translate into effective governance
• Global acceptance of Indian constitutional thought is imminent

Both are more aspirational than evidence-based.

4. Structured Critical Examination

Strengths

• Accurately highlights India’s constitutional philosophy as inclusive, humanistic, and globally relevant.
• Draws meaningful connections between ancient ethics and modern constitutionalism.
• Correctly acknowledges the importance of ADR, decentralisation, and fraternity.
• Provides a visionary and optimistic interpretation of India’s global role.

Weaknesses

• Fails to address implementation challenges such as:
• Judicial delays
• Federal tensions
• Rights violations
• Social inequalities
• Presents an idealized version that may not fully reflect ground realities.
• Overlooks the limitations of the Constitution in resolving complex geopolitical issues.

5. Policy Implications

Domestic Implications

• Stronger push for mediation and ADR to reduce court burden.
• Need to strengthen local governance institutions as per the constitutional spirit.
• Greater emphasis on constitutional morality in public institutions and civil services.
• Making fraternity and peaceful coexistence central to public policy.

Global Implications

• India could advocate for:
• Dialogue-based conflict resolution
• Multilateral cooperation rooted in equality and non-violence
• Ethical governance strategies inspired by its constitutional values
• India’s constitutional philosophy supports its role in climate negotiations, peacekeeping, and global diplomacy.

6. Real-World Impact

Positive

• Can inspire policy reforms to strengthen democratic accountability.
• Promotes India’s image as a responsible and ethical global actor.
• Encourages a culture of peaceful negotiation and inclusive governance.

Negative / Limitations

• Without institutional reforms, constitutional ideals may remain symbolic.
• Excessive idealism can mask structural weaknesses.
• Global influence requires demonstrable internal consistency, not just moral arguments.

7. UPSC GS Paper Alignment

GS2 – Polity & Constitution

• Constitutional values
• Role of Preamble
• Decentralization
• Constitutional morality
• ADR mechanisms (Article 39A, Article 51, Article 142)

GS4 – Ethics

• Gandhian philosophy
• Ethics of dialogue, peace, non-violence
• Values of justice, equality, liberty, fraternity
• Constitutional morality and public service ethics

GS1 (Society)

• Social harmony and unity
• Managing diversity
• Communal coexistence

Essay

Highly relevant for essays on:

• Constitutionalism
• Democracy
• Global peace
• Gandhian principles
• India’s role in the world

8. Balanced Conclusion

The article argues that India’s Constitution is not merely a legal document but a moral guide capable of addressing global crises. Its foundations in justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity—combined with Gandhian ethics and civilizational values—make it uniquely equipped to provide humane solutions for conflict-ridden and polarized societies.

However, while these ideals are powerful, their real-world impact depends on how faithfully institutions and governance systems embody them. The Constitution offers a profound vision, but fulfilling its global promise requires consistent domestic adherence, institutional strengthening, and a renewed commitment to constitutional morality.

9. Future Perspectives

• Strengthening judicial reforms and ADR to uphold equal access to justice
• Deepening decentralization to make democracy more participatory
• Promoting civic education on constitutional values
• Enhancing global diplomacy anchored in India’s constitutional ethos
• Ensuring internal governance aligns with the constitutional principles India seeks to showcase globally