Introduction:

India’s Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949, at a time when the country was vastly different—around 370 million people, with over 80% of the population illiterate. At that time, women on average had six children, and higher education was restricted to a privileged few. In 1947, there were only 20 universities and about 500 colleges, with 250,000 students and 20,000 teachers.

·       However, today India has made significant progress in education. Currently, more than 40 million students are enrolled in higher education, and over 1.5 million teachers are working in this sector. There are now over 1,100 universities and around 50,000 colleges in India. Higher education is no longer limited to a specific class; it has become widely accessible. Along with this, the demographic profile of India has also changed dramatically. Approximately 47% of the country’s population is under 25 years of age, with a large portion born after economic liberalization. Amid these changes, Indian universities have played a significant role in shaping society.

Challenges in Higher Education in India:

Despite the progress made in higher education, the Indian education system still faces some serious challenges:

1.    Quality of Education: Currently, most of the focus is on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Medicine) subjects. While these fields are essential, relying solely on STEM is insufficient for the holistic development of society and for embedding humane values.

2.    Lack of Constitutional Awareness: Many schools and universities do not emphasize the importance of the Constitution and its values, despite its necessity for nation-building and social transformation.

3.    Lack of Diversity and Inclusion: Although the Constitution promotes equality, the higher education system must better integrate diverse experiences to produce sensitive and informed citizens.

The Need for Constitutional Study: A Demand of the Times:

As India approaches the 75th anniversary of its Constitution, it has become crucial for schools and universities to prioritize its study. The Constitution is not only the legal framework of India but also a significant pillar for social justice, equality, and the protection of human rights. Studying the Constitution builds national consciousness and offers students the opportunity to understand India’s diversity and unity.

5 Key Reasons to Study the Constitution

1.    Building Collective Consciousness: The Constitution fosters a collective consciousness among Indian society. In a country as socially and economically diverse as India, studying the Constitution helps promote progressive social ideas. Universities must take the responsibility of strengthening this collective consciousness to build a forward-thinking society.

2.    Framework for Identity: The Constitution has shaped Indian identity, promoting unity in diversity. Its various provisions ensure the protection of rights and freedoms. Through this, universities can encourage "constitutional patriotism" in students, which increases awareness of equality, freedom, and human rights.

3.    Celebrating Diversity: The Constitution emphasizes equality and anti-discrimination provisions. Universities should promote diversity that nurtures educated and sensitive citizens. Studying the Constitution familiarizes students with different experiences of diversity, making them part of an inclusive society.

4.    Means of Social and Political Empowerment: Through Article 17, the Constitution has made a significant step in eradicating untouchability, thereby fighting social inequality. Studying the Constitution in universities will help students understand how they can contribute to society by embracing the values of freedom, equality, and fraternity.

5.    Foundation for Social Justice: Every provision of the Constitution is focused on social justice. Universities must prioritize the study of the Constitution in their curriculum to help the younger generation recognize and accept their role in building an egalitarian society.

Conclusion:

As India approaches the 75th anniversary of its Constitution, universities must focus on the principles of this great document. Studying the Constitution is not just about gaining legal knowledge, but also about instilling a sense of responsibility towards the nation, embracing constitutional values, and being dedicated to social change. Universities must take special care in this direction to ensure that the future of the country becomes even brighter.