Importance of educating students about the Constitution

Source: The post importance of educating students about the Constitution has been created, based on the article “Almost 75 years after Constitution was adopted, what does education mean for nation-building?” published in “Indian Express” on 24th October 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Governance-Governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to education

Context: The article emphasizes the importance of educating students about the Constitution. It highlights its role in shaping collective consciousness, fostering national identity, celebrating diversity, promoting social justice, and empowering people, especially as India marks 75 years of its adoption.

For detailed information on Significance of the 75th anniversary of the Constitution of India read this article here

What is the Current State of Higher Education in India?

1. India has over 40 million students in higher education and 1.5 million faculty members.
2. There are more than 1,100 universities and nearly 50,000 colleges.
3. In 1947, India had only 20 universities and 500 colleges, with 2.5 lakh students and 20,000 faculty members.
4. Higher education is now accessible to more than just the elite.
5. Universities play a vital role in shaping India’s identity, diversity, and social justice.

For detailed information on Quality Education for All read this article here

What are the challenges of education in India?

1. Quality of Education: A focus on STEM subjects alone cannot drive the necessary transformation in society’s value system. Broader education on the Constitution is essential.
2. Lack of Constitutional Awareness: Schools and universities often fail to teach the values and importance of the Indian Constitution, which is crucial for nation-building and social transformation.
3. Diversity and Inclusion: While the Constitution promotes equality, higher education must better incorporate lived experiences of diversity to build informed citizens.

Why should universities educate students about the Constitution?

1. Promoting Collective Consciousness: The Constitution binds India’s diverse population. With over 80% illiteracy at independence, universities now must shape this consciousness to build a progressive, unified nation.
2. Identity Creation: The Constitution fosters an Indian identity that respects socio-cultural diversity. It promotes “constitutional patriotism” through education, reflecting values like equality and freedom, as seen in India’s pluralistic identity.
3. Celebrating Diversity: Universities must promote diversity through lived experiences. This builds an enlightened citizenry by allowing students to engage with diverse perspectives.
4. Empowering Citizens: The Constitution abolished untouchability (Article 17), emphasizing liberty, equality, and fraternity. Universities are ideal places to teach these values, shaping a socially aware and empowered population.
5. Advancing Social Justice: Social justice is a core theme of the Constitution. Universities, by embedding constitutional values, can drive societal transformation and create a new generation committed to equality, aligning with India’s evolving educational ecosystem of over 40 million students.

Question for practice:

Discuss how universities in India can promote constitutional values to foster social justice and empower citizens.