HYDERABAD: Over the past 75 years, India has made steady and significant progress, said Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, highlighting how the Constitution has served as a powerful instrument of social and economic transformation.
Delivering a lecture titled “Constitution of India: The Contribution of Babasaheb Dr B R Ambedkar,” at Osmania University on Saturday, he emphasised that Ambedkar’s constitutional vision continues to serve as a timeless moral compass for modern India.
The highlight of the event was the release of a commemorative special cover and postcard by Justice Gavai and Dr P Vidya Sagar Reddy, chief postmaster general of Telangana. The special cover and accompanying information sheet offer a vivid overview of Dr Ambedkar’s life and his seminal role in drafting the Indian Constitution. A set of 22 picture postcards, inspired by the book “Art and Calligraphy in the Constitution of India” — published by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India — was also unveiled.
In his address, Justice Gavai reflected on key aspects of the Constitution, including the importance of one nation – one constitution, Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles of State Policy, and the necessity for timely constitutional amendments. He underscored the transformative power of the Constitution in advancing equality, liberty, and social justice, particularly for marginalised communities.
He particularly stressed the significance of Article 32, which empowers citizens to approach the Supreme Court in the event of a violation of their fundamental rights. Calling it the “heart and soul” of the Constitution, he remarked that rights without remedies are meaningless, and judicial recourse is essential for safeguarding democratic freedoms.
Justice Gavai also noted that although the Indian Constitution drew inspiration from various global models, it was uniquely adapted to India’s needs. “Unlike the dual legal systems seen in countries like the US, India has a strong federal structure with one Constitution applicable to all states and citizens,” he stated.
Addressing law graduates, the CJI urged them to uphold constitutional values and resist the pressure to pursue foreign degrees merely to follow trends. “Excellence lies in strong foundations, not just in foreign credentials,” he advised, stressing the need to strengthen India’s own legal education system.
Also speaking at the event, Justice Sujoy Paul, acting chief justice of the Telangana High Court, highlighted the resilience of the Indian Constitution, which despite initial criticism for being overly long and rigid, has endured and thrived for over 75 years.
Justice Paul recalled the rigorous two-and-a-half-year drafting process of the Constitution and noted how early skepticism — such as that voiced by Sir Ivor Jennings —was proven wrong. “We, the people of India, adopted, enacted, and gave ourselves this Constitution. And we, the people, are also its keepers,” he affirmed. Later, Justice Gavai expressed interest in visiting the university again after November 25 to further share insights into the life and legacy of Dr BR Ambedkar.