Topic: Indian Constitution—historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
2. Explain the meaning of “fraternity” as it appears in the preamble of our Constitution and why the founding fathers included it. Do you believe that the concept of fraternity is more important now than ever before in our country? (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: The Hindu , Insights on India
Why the question:
The Constitution of India was drafted by the Constituent Assembly. The idea was initially proposed in December 1934 by M.N. Roy, a pioneer of the Communist movement in India and an advocate of radical democracy. It became an official demand of the Indian National Congress in 1935 and was officially adopted in the Lucknow session in April 1936 presided by Jawaharlal Nehru, who also drafted the Objectives Resolution. The proceedings of the Constituent Assembly show the richness of ideas that characterised it. The Drafting Committee was presided over by B.R. Ambedkar.
Key Demand of the question:
To explain Fraternity and the reasons as to why it was included in the constitution and to comment on its relevance in the present day.
Directive word:
Explain – Clarify the topic by giving a detailed account as to how and why it occurred, or what is the context. You must be defining key terms wherever appropriate and substantiate with relevant associated facts.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by defining Fraternity.
Body:
Write about how Fraternity mentioned in the constitution has been interpreted in India. Fading of divisions of caste and religion, ideology of friendship, mutual respect, despite all our differences, of religious belief, caste, language, culture, ethnicity, class and gender which leads to unity of the nation.
Mention the reasons why constitutional makers chose to include Fraternity in our preamble. Especially the arguments of Dr B.R Ambedkar in this context.
Write about the relevance of fraternity in the present day, especially in the times of pandemic. striving for a just and humane society, collective caring, social protection and reducing intolerance and communalism etc.
Conclusion:
Summarise the importance of Fraternity as the conclusion.
