I-Day: Activists pledge to protect values of Constitution

On the eve of 71st Independence Day today, social activists and representatives of marginal communities from across the country resolved to preserve the democratic values enshrined in the Constitution.
A 1,000-strong congregation from various districts such as -- Baduan, Shahajapur, Taran Taran, Mogha, Amritsar Madhubani, Katihar, Darbhanga, Hazaribagh, Ghumla and Chennai congregated to redeem many of the principles and precepts articulated in the Indian Constitution.
Organised by the National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW), the event titled- 'Reclaiming India' brought together leading activists such as Annie Raja, Aruna Roy, Bezwada Wilson, Syeda Hameed, Anjali Bhardwaj, Ram Puniyani, Nandini Sundar, Revathi and multiple mass-based organisations.

Roy said in a statement, "The most enduring aspect of the Constitution is the fact that it got shaped by representatives of all caste, creed, religion and language and demonstrated that it is this idea of India that we need to preserve and strengthen at all costs."
Annie Raja, secretary of the NFIW, said that it was necessary not to take invaluable democratic principles of liberty, equality and social justice for granted.
She urged everyone "to re-engage with these principles, reclaim the values and if necessary fearlessly fight against its subversion."
Activists from various movements and associations also spoke about how despite celebrating the 70th anniversary of India's Independence, the aim to achieve equality and social justice were far from realised and reached.