Citizens must uphold constitutional values: Karnatak University Vice-Chancellor

Dharwad: Constitution of India is the most important document guiding the functioning of the country and it is the responsibility of every citizen to understand and practice the values enshrined in it, said Karnatak University Vice-Chancellor A M Khan.

He was speaking after inaugurating a walkathon and seminar organised as part of the programme ‘Constitution is Light – Step Forward with Dharwad-Hubballi’, hosted by Deccan Herald and Prajavani in association with the Social Welfare Department on the Karnatak University campus on Friday.

Prof Khan described the Constitution as the most sacred document prepared by “We, the People” and accepted by them. He said that the Constitution not only guarantees rights to citizens but also emphasises their duties as responsible members of society.

“Rights and duties must go hand-in-hand to realise the aspirations of the Constitution,” he said, adding that every student should make it a habit to read at least one page of the Constitution every week to understand its essence.

Speaking on the occasion, KU Registrar (Evaluation) N Y Mattihal observed that even after 75 years of adopting the Constitution, the goal of equality has not been achieved to the expected level.

“The Constitution promotes humanity, brotherhood and truth. However, many people are still unaware of its values. It has become essential to sensitise society about the principles enshrined in the Constitution,” he said.

Delivering the special address, thinker and former chairman of Gandhian Studies Centre Shivanand Shettar said that soon after independence India faced several challenges such as poverty, unemployment, lack of opportunities and agricultural distress. Constitution has served as a comprehensive framework to address these issues and has been a guiding force for society.

He emphasised that the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution cannot be taken away and continue to guide the nation. “Despite divisions based on caste and religion, the Constitution treats everyone equally. No individual is inferior or superior,” he said.

Shettar stressed the need to build a casteless society where individuals are not discriminated against based on caste or creed.

He pointed out that over 100 amendments have been made to the Constitution in the last seven decades, but its fundamental principles remain unchanged. “No government in power can alter these core principles, as upheld by the Supreme Court,” he added.

Declining moral values

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Expressing concern over the declining moral values in society, Shettar said there has been a silent threat to the rule of law. He also noted widening economic disparity and increasing human rights violations.

“Under such circumstances, the Constitution remains the only solution that can address societal challenges and provide justice and relief to people,” he underlined.

Appreciating Deccan Herald and Prajavani for organising the initiative, he urged the youth to read, understand and follow constitutional values.

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Social Welfare Department Joint Director Shubha P was also present.

The walkathon organised as part of the ‘Constitution is Light’ campaign elicited enthusiastic response.Participants walked through the main roads of the KU campus and concluded the event at Gandhi Bhavan.