Interaction with School Chairman Mr. Prafull Goradia on Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy

The foundation of being a responsible citizen is laid in the formative years of an individual. To be a responsible citizen, one must know what is expected of oneself and how one can achieve the same. In other words, one must be aware of ones rights and duties granted by the Constitution.

The Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy was the topic of an interactive discussion on 16 May 2018 in the School auditorium.

School Chairman, Mr. Prafull Goradia, engaged the young minds of classes VI and VII on their understanding of the Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy and various aspects of the same. He gave an overview of the fundamental rights of an Indian citizen, especially the Right to Equality.

He elucidated on the Right to Equality with its loopholes, which prevents it from being implemented to provide benefit to its end users. He stated that although the Indian Constitution makes provision for every individual to be treated equally, its implementation largely depends on the citizens themselves. They have the liberty to choose how it is to be executed. It was an erudite session, for both teachers and students, as Mr. Goradia provided an insight into how Rights were framed in the Indian Constitution and their suitability to the Indian ethos. It is necessary to understand that these Rights and Principles were inspired from the British Constitution. These do not necessarily fit the Indian scenario because of its varied cultural beliefs and mindsets.

It is very important to discuss such topics with impressionable minds as they are the future of the country. If we want to bring about a change in our society, then it is imperative that todays generation understands the practical implications of the theories they study in the classrooms.

The session was edifying as the topic was enlivened by Mr. Goradia giving examples which the children could relate to. It was a stimulating session as the students raised questions to seek clarity on the inclusion of Right to Privacy and exclusion of Right to Property from the list of Fundamental Rights or the triple talaq contradicting the right to equality, to why Article 32 is called the heart and soul of the Indian Constitution. Their volley of rapid queries and voracious appetite for knowledge was adroitly handled by Sir!

Needless to say that it was an enlightening and educative interaction which concluded most satisfactorily.

Ms. Vandana Tewari.