The Constituent Assembly first met on 9 December 1946. Provincial representatives were indirectly elected by provincial legislatures; princely states had a different selection route. It was not elected through today’s universal adult voting system. After Partition, its membership was reduced from 389 to 299.

Dr Rajendra Prasad presided over the Assembly. Dr B.R. Ambedkar chaired the Drafting Committee. Other members, committees and advisers contributed too, including women members who argued for equality. The Constitution was a collective achievement, not the work of one person alone.

Examples include equality before law, freedoms, protection against exploitation, and protection of life and personal liberty. Article 21A provides free and compulsory education for children aged six to fourteen under the law. Some rights apply to all persons; some are specifically for citizens.

A promise needs a way to respond when it is broken. Courts can provide remedies when Fundamental Rights are violated. Rights have defined scope and constitutional limits; “freedom” does not mean permission to harm others without consequences.

Justice includes social, economic and political fairness. Liberty protects thought, expression, belief, faith and worship within constitutional limits. Equality means equal status and opportunity, not pretending that everyone starts with the same advantages. Removing barriers can help make equality real.

Fraternity asks us not to treat another person as inferior because of identity. In a classroom, hearing a quieter student, rejecting insulting stereotypes and including a newcomer are ways to practise dignity and belonging. Constitutional ideals guide improvement even when society has not fully achieved them.