Bab 32: Ch.31: Constituent assembly - II
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New Delhi, Bharat, October 20, 1942
As the assembly settled into the next agenda, the reorganization of Bharat's provinces into states and union territories based on linguistic majorities, the air was thick with anticipation. Aryan, seated at the front, felt the weight of the momentous task ahead. The chairman, Birbal Singh, rose to address the gathering once more.
"Honorable members, our next objective is to discuss the reorganization of our provinces. This reorganization is crucial for ensuring effective governance and representation. We must consider the linguistic majorities of each region, as this will help preserve our cultural heritage and promote administrative efficiency," he began, his voice steady and authoritative.
Jawaharlal Nehru was the first to speak. "Honorable members, I believe that the linguistic reorganization of states is essential for fostering a sense of belonging and identity among our people. It will ensure that administrative units are more cohesive and that governance is more effective in a country like Bharat which is so diverse and vast. However, we must also ensure that this does not lead to further divisions within our nation," he said, his tone measured and thoughtful.
Sardar Patel, with his characteristic pragmatism, spoke next. "I agree with Nehru that the reorganization based on linguistic lines will help in administrative efficiency and better governance. However, we must also ensure that the economic viability of these states is taken into account. Each state must be able to sustain itself and contribute to the overall prosperity of Bharat," he emphasized, his voice firm.
B.R. Ambedkar, known for his sharp intellect, added his own thoughts. "Yes, but, we should also ensure that the rights of minorities within these linguistic states are protected. The reorganization should not lead to the marginalization of any community. Proper safeguards must be in place to ensure that every citizen, regardless of their linguistic background, feels represented and included," he argued, his voice resonating with conviction.
As the debate continued, Aryan felt a deep sense of responsibility. He knew that the decisions made today would have far-reaching implications for the future of Bharat. He rose to speak, his voice filled with determination.
"Honorable members, the reorganization of our provinces is a step towards ensuring that every citizen feels a sense of belonging and identity. However, we must ensure that this reorganization promotes unity and not division. We must strike a balance between recognizing linguistic identities and ensuring economic viability and administrative efficiency. Let us work together to create a Bharat that is united in its diversity," he said, his words resonating with the assembly.
The room fell silent as the members absorbed Aryan's words. The debate continued, with members passionately voicing their opinions and concerns. Finally, after hours of deliberation, a consensus began to form.
Birbal Singh rose to announce the decision. "Honorable members, we have reached a consensus. We will reorganize our provinces into states and union territories based on linguistic majorities, with the necessary safeguards to ensure economic viability and the protection of minority rights. This reorganization will be tailored to our unique needs and values," he declared, his voice filled with a sense of accomplishment.
The room erupted In applause, a testament to the collective resolve and shared vision of the members. Aryan felt a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility. The foundation for a new Bharat was being laid, one that honored its diversity while striving for unity and progress.
New Delhi, Bharat, October 21, 1942
The assembly hall was abuzz with anticipation as the members reconvened for the second day of deliberations. Aryan, seated at the front, felt the weight of the discussions ahead. Today, they would tackle some of the most critical aspects of the new constitution: fundamental rights, caste reservations, and the preservation of cultural values.
As the session began, Birbal Singh addressed the assembly. "Esteemed members, today we will discuss the fundamental rights that will form the bedrock of our constitution. These rights must ensure the dignity, freedom, and equality of every citizen of Bharat."
Jawaharlal Nehru, with a determined expression, was the first to speak. "Honorable members, we must ensure that the fundamental rights guarantee equality before the law, freedom of speech and expression, and the right to practice any religion. These rights are essential for the harmonious development of our society."
Mahatma Gandhi nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Nehru. We must also ensure the right to education and the right to constitutional remedies. Every citizen should have the means to seek justice if their rights are violated."
Sarojini Naidu, raising her voice with passion, added, "We must also address the rights of women. Gender equality is crucial for the progress of our nation. Women must have equal opportunities in all spheres of life."
"Yes, I would also like to point out that there are still cases of discrimination against people of lower castes and those who belong to backward tribes," said B.R. Ambedkar with equal passion. He further continued, "We must ensure that such practices are prohibited and proper measures are in place so that the marginalized can uplift themselves in society."
Aryan at this point decided to make his stand on caste reservations clear, "Honorable members, you are all right about these points made and I am also in support of these points. However, we must be careful while granting reservations. While it will be beneficial for the marginalized groups to uplift themselves right now, in the future this will hamper the opportunities of the truly meritorious and deserving. Hence, I am in support of giving a fixed timeline for the upliftment of the marginalized communities while making sure that after, say, twenty or thirty years, these reservations and benefits are removed, allowing equality to prevail among the citizens."
Sardar Patel and Subhash Chandra Bose both supported Aryan's words wheras members like BR Ambedkar and Nehru were critical of the need for fixed timeline pointed out by Aryan.
The debate on the topic of reservation became more heated after Aryan's statement, with voices rising and emotions running high. Members passionately argued both for and against the fixed timeline, each presenting compelling points about justice, equality, and the future of Bharat. Despite the intensity of the discussions, a consensus on fundamental rights was finally reached, ensuring the dignity, freedom, and equality of every citizen. Also, the contentious issue of caste reservations after much deliberation was finally accepted with reservations benefiting marginalized communities for a fixed time period of twenty-five years.
The discussion then shifted to the issue of forced religious conversions. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, another significant member of the assembly, felt a deep sense of responsibility as he addressed the assembly. "Honorable members, I would like to point out that forced religious conversions are a violation of personal freedom and dignity. We must ensure that every citizen has the right to practice their faith without coercion."
Sarojini Naidu, with her eloquent voice, supported Savarkar's stance. "Yes, I wholeheartedly support this as Bharat's strength lies in its diversity. We must protect the freedom of religion and ensure that no one is forced to change their faith against their will."
The assembly unanimously agreed to include strict provisions against forced conversions, ensuring the protection of religious freedom for all citizens.
Finally, the members turned their attention to the revival of Bharat's cultural values. Aryan, with a voice filled with pride and determination, said, "Our constitution must reflect the rich cultural heritage of Bharat. After hundreds of years of cultural suppression, a lot of cultural values and knowledge which were beneficial for our society were forgotten. We must promote our languages, arts, and traditions while embracing modernity."
Rajendra Prasad added, "Yes, we also should keep in mind that education will play a crucial role in this revival. We must ensure that our educational system includes the study of our history, literature, and cultural practices."
The members discussed various ways to integrate cultural preservation into the constitution, from promoting regional languages to supporting traditional arts and crafts.
As the day drew to a close, Aryan felt a deep sense of accomplishment. The assembly had made significant progress in shaping the future of Bharat. The foundation they were laying was not just for a nation but for a civilization that honored its past while embracing the future.
The room was filled with a sense of unity and purpose. Aryan knew that the journey ahead would be challenging, but with the collective resolve of the assembly, they would build a Bharat that stood as a beacon of hope, justice, and cultural pride.
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