Description
Nagamohanadas provides a compelling explanation of the democratic system, emphasizing that one of the core intentions of the constitution is to uphold freedom of expression. His reference to the French thinker Voltaire is particularly poignant: “I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” If those with distorted modern views could reflect on and internalize Voltaire’s words, they would become more humane. In his book, Nagamohana Das also mentions the Soviet Constitution’s notion that “country means people,” highlighting that our constitution, too, is a vital document embodying human values. He suggests that the constitution should be viewed as a matter of sensibility rather than mere science, arguing that the fusion of emotion and thought should make the constitution the voice of the heart. Kuvempu’s idea—“What if science of which period says what? Is there a science greater than the heart’s voice?”—should be applied to our constitution as well.
If the constitution represents the heart of our nation, then Nagamohana Das’s book is its inner voice. Let us read it often and strive to embody the principles of a constitutional citizen.
* Baraguru Ramachandrappa
