Jakkur bookstore hosts discussion on how ordinary citizens shaped Indias Constitution

The inaugural 'Constitution Corner' monthly book discussion was held at a bookstore in Jakkur, Bengaluru on Saturday, bringing readers together to explore how ordinary citizens helped shape the Indian Constitution.

The event focused on the book 'Assembling India's Constitution' by Rohit De and Ornit Shani. The book highlights the active role of average citizens in the Constitution-making process between 1946 and 1950.

Drawing on archival records, the authors detailed how people from diverse regions and social backgrounds sent letters, petitions, and telegrams to the Constituent Assembly. These historical documents expressed public views on critical issues ranging from fundamental rights and language to representation and governance.

Vinay Kumar, the founder of #ReclaimConstitution, spoke at the event about the origins of the initiative. Launched in 2023, the initiative was born out of a concern that citizens were increasingly distancing themselves from their constitutional responsibilities.

According to Kumar, thousands of ordinary people participated in framing the Constitution to make it their own document, rather than treating it as something meant only for governments and politicians.

The 'Constitution Corner' initiative seeks to revive a public reading culture by creating dedicated spaces in bookstores. In these spaces, people can engage with books focused on the Constitution, democracy, politics, and public life.

Attendees at the Jakkur event also had the opportunity to view a replica of the first hand-calligraphed Constitution of India, a document that is otherwise not easily accessible to the general public.

Beyond these monthly bookstore discussions, the #ReclaimConstitution initiative conducts educational programmes in schools, colleges, and community spaces. The group also organises postcard campaigns, exhibitions, and public events across Bengaluru and other cities.

Kumar explained that the organisation relies on volunteers to encourage informed civic participation through real-world dialogue that extends beyond social media. He noted that understanding the Constitution is the essential first step toward meaningful democratic participation.