BENGALURU: The inaugural Constitution Corner monthly book discussion was held at a bookstore in Jakkur on Saturday, and brought together readers to explore public participation in the making of the Indian Constitution.
The discussion centred on Assembling India’s Constitution by Rohit De and Ornit Shani, which explores the role of ordinary citizens in the Constitution-making process between 1946 and 1950. Drawing on archival records, the book highlights how people from different regions and social backgrounds sent letters, petitions and telegrams to the Constituent Assembly, expressing their views on issues ranging from fundamental rights and language to representation and governance.
Vinay Kumar, founder of #ReclaimConstitution, said the initiative, launched in 2023, was born out of a concern that citizens were increasingly distancing themselves from their constitutional responsibilities. “Thousands of ordinary people participated in framing the Constitution as their own document, not merely as something for governments and politicians,” he said.
Constitution Corner seeks to revive reading culture by creating spaces in bookstores where people can engage with books on the Constitution, democracy, politics and public life. The initiative also features a replica of the first hand-calligraphed Constitution of India, which is otherwise not easily accessible to the public.
Beyond the monthly discussions, #ReclaimConstitution conducts programmes in schools, colleges and community spaces, besides organising postcard campaigns, exhibitions and public events across Bengaluru and other cities. According to Kumar, the organisation relies on volunteers and aims to encourage informed civic participation through dialogue that extends beyond social media. “Understanding the Constitution is the first step towards meaningful democratic participation,” said Vinay Kumar.
Participants also reflected on how public engagement shaped the framing of the Constitution and discussed the relevance of historical debates.
