Cuttack, Nov 30:
Prof. Kamaljit Singh Flags O
ff Constitution Sensation Initiative in Cuttack
In a remarkable initiative aimed at deepening constitutional awareness among citizens, the Thinkers’ Club on Sunday inaugurated its Bimonthly Constitution Sensation Programme, a two-month-long intellectual series that will span from November 26, 2025, to January 26, 2026. The programme is designed to highlight the values, vision, and evolving relevance of the Indian Constitution.
The opening ceremony was graced by Professor Dr. Kamaljit Singh, Vice Chancellor of Madhusudan Law University, Cuttack, who formally inaugurated the series during the Club’s 139th webinar, conducted via Zoom. Over the last five years, the Thinkers’ Club has consistently organised such webinars to promote informed discussions on national issues.
Importance of Constitutional Literacy Highlighted
In his inaugural address, Prof. Singh underscored the role of the Constitution as the backbone of Indian democracy. He praised the Central Government’s 2015 initiative to officially observe November 26 as Constitution Day, calling it a milestone in promoting constitutional literacy. He expressed appreciation for the Club’s commitment to public awareness and assured full support from the academic community in making the two-month programme successful.
Presiding over the session, Sj. Bibek Pattanaik, IAS, former Chairman of OPSC, elaborated on the philosophical and historical foundations of the Indian Constitution. He described it as a living document shaped by diverse influences and rooted in India’s democratic aspirations.
Prof. S.N. Mishra Delivers an Insightful Keynote Address
The keynote address was delivered by Professor Dr. Surjya Narayan Mishra, former Head of the Department of Political Science at Utkal University. Prof. Mishra provided a comprehensive chronological overview of India’s constitution-making journey—from the Cabinet Mission Plan and the Constituent Assembly debates to the adoption of the Constitution in 1950.
Calling the Constitution the “Supreme Law of the Country,” Prof. Mishra emphasised that the observance of Constitution Day is a significant step toward ensuring that citizens understand the rights and duties governing them. He reiterated that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s 125th birth centenary being marked as Constitution Day was a fitting tribute to the principal architect of the Constitution.
He also spoke in detail about the Preamble and how India drew inspiration from established democracies such as the USA, UK, France, Australia, Soviet Russia, Germany, and Switzerland. Prof. Mishra noted that several constitutional amendments over the years were politically driven. He cited the continued extension of reservations beyond the initially mandated 10-year period as an example of divergence from original intentions. Similarly, he argued that the addition of the word “Secular” in the Preamble was redundant, as freedom of religion already implied a secular character—suggesting that some amendments were influenced by political motivations.
Active Participation by Eminent Personalities
The webinar witnessed active participation from a number of noted personalities and intellectuals, including:
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Advocate Sanjib Mohanty, Supreme Court practitioner
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Dr. Nanda Nandan Das, former Chief Engineer and Works Secretary
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Prof. Umasankar Misra
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Mr. Janmejaya Sahoo
Participants raised several insightful queries related to constitutional provisions, which were duly addressed by the speakers.
The programme was moderated by Barada Prasanna Das, President of the Thinkers’ Club, who ensured smooth conduct of discussions. Technical arrangements for the virtual meet were managed by Sj. Jyoti Malla.
Next Session Scheduled
The Club announced that the second session of the series will be held on the upcoming Sunday, featuring Prof. Manas Behera as the Chief Speaker, to further explore different dimensions of constitutional governance.
The meeting concluded with a warm vote of thanks delivered by A.B. Mohapatra, former Governor of the Rotary Club.
