WOMEN BEHIND THE MAKING OF THE INDIAN CONSTITUTION

General Studies 2 >> Polity

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EVOLUTION OF CONSTITUTION

1. Background

In the ongoing series of Amrit Mahotsav, we delve into the lives of some important women in the Constituent Assembly of India whose tireless efforts led to the birth of the Indian Constitution.

2.1 Ammu Swaminathan

Ammu Swaminathan was elected to the Constituent Assembly in 1946 and was one of the very few women involved in the drafting of the Indian Constitution.
She attended every meeting of the Constituent Assembly and actively participated in every debate.
She was a strong advocate of women's rights, equality and gender justice. She supplemented Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar's tireless efforts in getting equal legal rights for women.

2.2 Kamla Chaudhry

Kamla Chaudhry, who was one of the 15 women selected from across the country in the Constituent Assembly for drafting the Constitution, remained active in the upliftment of women through literature and politics throughout her life.

2.3. Malati Choudhury

Malati was elected as an important member of the Constituent Assembly in 1946.
She continued to be active in social life even after independence and fiercely opposed the emergency imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

2.4.Dakshayani Velayudhan

She was the first and only Dalit woman to be elected to the constituent assembly in 1946.
She was part of movements that called for the abolition of caste slavery.

2.5 Velayudhan

Velayudhan’s term in the constituent assembly was defined by two objectives, both inspired and moulded by Mahatma Gandhi and Bhimrao Ambedkar.
One was to make the assembly go beyond framing a constitution and offer people “a new framework of life".
Two, to use the opportunity to make untouchability illegal, and unlawful, and ensure a “moral safeguard that gives real protection to the underdogs".

2.6 Hansa Jivraj Mehta

Hansa Jivraj Mehta served in the constituent assembly from 1946-to 49. She was a member of the fundamental rights sub-committee, the advisory committee and the provincial constitutional committee. On 15 August 1947, a few minutes after midnight, Mehta, on behalf of the “women of India", presented the national flag to the assembly—the first flag to fly over independent India.
She was appointed to the UN Human Rights Council after Nehru recommended her for the position. She piloted a change of phrase in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, from “All men are born free and equal" to “All human beings are born free and equal".

CONNECT WITH THE SPIRIT OF THE CONSTITUTION - If there is any biggest source of coordination between citizens, governance and government, then it is our Constitution.
COMPREHENSIVENESS OF THE CONSTITUTION- The hallmark of our Constitution is equality for all and sensitivity towards all. Be it poor or Dalit, backward or deprived, tribal or women, it protects the fundamental rights of all.
INSPIRATION OF DUTY While communicating with people, we should not forget to talk about duties. Our constitution begins with “We the people of India”. We the people of India are its strength. Whatever I am, I am for society, I am for the country. This sense of duty is the source of our inspiration.

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