Inaugurating the yearlong programme Samvidhan Safar, Shri Devang Nanavati, Vice President, GLS University and Senior Counsel, High Court of Gujarat, explained that the Indian constitution is primarily evolutionary in nature. It evolved with time and is transient in nature. Citing the discussion in the Constituent Assembly, the speaker gave a vivid account of Constitutional History of India and the issues therein. The speaker informed that maximum provisions of the Indian Constitution were borrowed from the Government of India Act 1935 and the Constitution of Belgium, Ireland., Britain, Australia and Switzerland. Similarly, the egalitarian concepts such as liberty, equality, fraternity were learnt from the 1789 French Revolution.
Fundamental Rights are the basic edifice of the Constitution, without this no law and no enforcement will prevail. Moreover, there will be anarchy and jungle raj in the state, speaker opined. Citing the famous Maneka Gandhi versus Union of India case, the speaker explained the “procedure established by law” enshrined in our constitution. Likewise, citing the 1973 Kesavananda Bharati versus State of Kerala Case, he mentioned that the Government cannot alter the basic structure of the constitution. He further highlighted that the Preamble serves as the heart and soul of the Constitution, empowered by none other than "We, the people of India." In a fitting reflection, he remarked, "History never repeats itself; it is people who repeat the history."
While on challenges, the Constituent Assembly members identified the linguistic diversity of the country as a major challenge to declare any language acceptable to all. After much deliberation, the members finally agreed on three language formulas to be followed across the country. Mentioning the success of Indian democracy, the speaker commented the success is mainly attributed to the Election Commission of India. Concluding the speech, the speaker informed that the Indian Constitution is amphibian in the sense that it can move either on the federal or on the unitary plane according to the needs of the situation. Both federal and ethnic pluralism have given the political system agility, the speaker commented.
Welcoming the guest, Dr Chandni Kapadia, Executive Director, GLS University, emphasized the importance of Samvidhan Safar in cultivating constitutional values and fostering legal awareness among the students. Dr Kapadia expressed her anticipation for the upcoming year, highlighting the profound significance of understanding the Constitution in the context of contemporary India. She highlighted that the Constitution of India, the very foundation of our democracy, is approaching its 75th year,coinciding with GLS University's milestone of completing ten years of its existence. She remarked that this event is a historic occasion for GLS University, as the university embarks on a year-long celebration.
Providing an overview of the programme Dr Mayuri Pandya, Dean, Faculty of Law, mentioned the events of year-long celebration of Samvidhan Safar. In the year ahead, this visionary initiative will feature a series of distinguished events, including a Rally: A Walk for Duties, Panel Discussion on Gender Diversity & Constitution, Constitution Know-how, various competitions and outreach programs, all aimed at fostering a deeper understanding and reverence for the Constitution.
A momentous highlight of the event was the formal unveiling of the Samvidhan Safar logo by Shri Sudhir Nanavati, President, GLS University. The logo, symbolizing the core values and enduring journey of the Indian Constitution, was met with widespread acclaim from the audience.
With the successful inauguration of Samvidhan Safar, GLS University embarks on a profound journey of exploration into the timeless wisdom and enduring principles enshrined in the Constitution of India.