Our Constitution Day

Our nation is observing

Today the Constitution Day. 

Our Constitution is 

One of the most progressive in the world. 

It enshrines political and civil rights, 

Termed as Fundamental rights,

Such as the right to freedom,

Right to life,

Right to Liberty,

Right to equality,

Right to speech,

Right against exploitation 

And

Right to constitutional remedies.

Our Constitution goes further, 

Enshrining a vast array of 

Socio-economic rights,

That ensure equality 

Of opportunity 

In our economy. 

On this 72 anniversary 

Of our Constitution,

I asked my students

To look at one of those 

Socioeconomic rights –– 

The right to social protection schemes. 

With our economy being

Influenced by Global capitalism,

Our commitment is 

To uphold our socioeconomic rights

Social and economic justice,

That sacred right is to be tested,

By the time of serious need 

Across India. 

And we are to meet

That challenge 

With historic levels of support

To the Indian people. 

Challenge to meet

Education subsidized water, 

Electricity 

And transportation to school.

Can welfare state meet by

Capitalist path,

The poverty benefit scheme, 

Social pension scheme, 

Disability allowance, 

The child protection allowances, 

The food voucher program

For rural pregnant women, 

And subsidized bus fares

For the elderly 

And those living with disabilities, 

And the unemployment benefits, 

Including those in the informal sector,

Food rations, 

And the subsidized treatment

At private general practitioner clinics 

Can government provide

All form a social safety net 

Can protect most vulnerable

 In Indian society. 

And 

I received many wonderful 

Thoughts

From the young people,

Telling us these challenges 

Are to be met by all people of India.

 

Challenge is how to meet

The right to Social Justice,

A right is given to every individual,

This right has helped people survive, 

To support themselves and 

Their families, and 

It has upheld 

The dignity of the 

Most vulnerable.

I am glad that 

Our constitution includes

 Such a right that protects 

Our fellow vulnerable citizens.

I have full faith

And belief 

That we will remain 

A caring and compassionate 

Indian 

For generations to come. 

We would protect our 

Constitution,

From any assault,

Anybody, 

Inside or Outside.