Saare Jahaan Se Achha Hindustan Hamara…….These lines melodiously convey an incredible truth. Be it Republic Day or Independence Day, we spend the day talking about those who fought for India’s Independence, and how India as a sovereign stands tall in the world map. This time, Team Lawgical Shots through Ridhi Khurana and Parth Rachchh seeks to change the plan by introducing you to Constituent Assembly Debates. While the Constitution of India was in the making and talk of the town, India was looking forward to days of independence. An uncertain ambience surrounded our leaders, but they kept their stand to ensure an independent India which never looked back. After 79 years of independence, the debates still bring goosebumps, especially at this time of the year when we are celebrating Swatantrata Diwas – Indian Independence Day!
Let’s take you through a rollercoaster of emotions, where the members of the Constituent Assembly discussed a lot of things which mattered for India’s Independence. There was uncertainty on whether British rulers would agree to an Independent India, something they had been delaying on one excuse or another. There was emotional breakdown on the defiance displayed by the Muslim League, leading to partition and the birth of Pakistan.
Glimpse of Independence in Constituent Assembly Debates
Smashing the British Connection
Source: Volume 2 | January 20, 1947 | 2.12.25 – S. Radhakrishnan
“The British connection will end, it must end. Whether it ends in friendship and goodwill or in convulsions and agony, depends upon the way in which the British people treat this great problem.”
Comments: Reflecting upon India’s strong will to achieve independence, Dr. Radhakrishan clarified that it was upon the British to either end this connection on positive terms, or suffering.
Source: Volume 2 January 21, 1947 | 2.14.30 – Jawaharlal Nehru
“Now, what relation will that Republic bear to the other countries of the world, to England and, to the British Commonwealth and the rest? For a long time past we have taken a pledge on Independence Day that India must sever her connection with Great Britain, because that connection had become an emblem of British domination. At no time have we thought in terms of isolating ourselves in this part of the world from other countries or of being hostile to countries which have dominated over us. On the eve of this great occasion, when we stand on the threshold of freedom we do not wish to carry a trial of hostility with us against any other country. We want to be friendly to all. We want to be friendly with the British people and the British Commonwealth of Nations.”
2.14.33
“If we seek to be a free, independent, democratic republic. It is not to dissociate ourselves from other countries, but rather as a free nation to co-operate in the fullest measure with other countries for peace and freedom, to cooperate with Britain, with the British Commonwealth of Nations, with the United States of America, with the Soviet Union, and with all other countries, big and small. But real co-operation would only come between us and these other nations when we know that we are free to cooperate and are not imposed upon and forced to cooperate. So long as there is the slightest trace of compulsion, there can be no co-operation.”
Comments: Jawaharlal Nehru explains the post-independent India’s relations with other countries to be friendly, not hostile. India will be friendly even with the country that ruled us – Britain, but will not have the dominance of the British emblem.
He further signified that a free nation does not mean it will be isolated from the rest of the world, but a nation which cooperates with all big and small countries , a cooperation which is not forced and free of compulsion.
Source: Volume 4 | July 14, 1947 | 4.22.56 – KM Munshi
“By the 15th August, India will be a free and independent Dominion. We want to attain that stage as early as possible and to secure a constitution of our own which will give us the necessary strength.”
Comment: Shri KM Munshi looked forward to August 15th for India to be independent. He was equally expectant to having our own Constitution, which would strengthen India’s autonomy.
Source: Volume 4 | July 21, 1947 | 4.27.145 – H. V. Kamath
“Sir, I will conclude with the words used on another historic occasion and request this August Assembly to tell the foreigner “We asked you to Quit India five years ago. We now again tell you with more power, more authority in our hands: For God’s sake go. Leave India to its own fate,,. Leave India free to build up a strong Independent Sovereign Republic.” “Jai Hind.””
Comment: Concluding his speech with enthusiasm, Shri Kamath gave a strong message to the British, to leave us Indians on our own, while we embark on the journey to make India a strong, Independent, Sovereign Republic.
Source: Volume 4 | July 29, 1947 | 4.33.43 – Ananthasayanam Ayyangar
“With regard to British India, the Supreme Court is the highest court in the land with, original jurisdiction in regard to inter-State matters and with appellate jurisdiction over all provincial High Courts. Our Supreme Court is to supersede and replace the Privy Council which has been exercising a kind of appellate jurisdiction over all matters both civil and criminal. This jurisdiction of Privy Council may be transferred to the Supreme Court with some restriction regarding appellate jurisdiction in regard to criminal cases in States.”
Comment: Those who have studied Law are familiar with the Privy Council, the top Appellate Court in British India. Since India achieved independence, Shri Ayyangar signified the need to transfer jurisdiction of the Privy Council to India’s Supreme Court.
Source: Volume 4 | July 30th, 1947 | 4.34.85 – Mr. B. Das
“To me, Sir, it is painful that in the preamble of the Union Constitution it has not been clearly laid down that the objective is to maintain peace and well-being of the people and bring prosperity to the people of India–it has not yet been defined; I believe and I hope it will be defined. But I think it should be laid down that the first function of the State is to see to the well-being of the people, –not to rule as the British Government have so long ruled and exploited India for England’s benefit and for India’s misery and death………Those who are in power whether they be my brothers or cousins, are bound to exercise their power in the same way as the British did. The reason is that most of us have grown old in the British tradition. It is very difficult, Sir, to discard that tradition and suddenly visualise democratic principles, so that we may render social justice and secure social security for our teeming millions. I therefore welcome the Union Powers Committee Report, which also will be discussed in the August Session.”
Comment: Growing old in British tradition, where those in power ruled and exploited, Shri Das sought some expression to support brotherhood in the preamble to the Constitution of India. This was the impact of British Government rule which, Shri Das signifies, may not suddenly vanish to visualise democratic principles. Therefore, social justice and security was to be rendered as a goal.
Source: Volume 5 | August 15, 1947 5.37.35 – President
“The period of domination by Britain over India ends today and our relationship with Britain is henceforward going to rest on a basis of equality, of mutual goodwill and mutual profit.”
Comment: Having served Britishers for years, the Constituent Assembly President delineated the relations with Britain post-independence. He remarked that from then on, the relationship would embark on the foundation of equality, goodwill and profit – everything on a mutual basis.
Constituent Assembly for the People of “Free” India
Source: VOLUME 1 | December 17, 1946 | 1.7.17 – Syama Prasad Mookerjee
“Our sanction is not the British Parliament; our sanction is not the British Government; our sanction is the people of India (cheers). And if that is so, we have to say something, not merely to frame rules and regulations- we have to say something concrete to the people of India as to why we have assembled here on the 9th December 1946.
I would certainly say this: that this Constituent Assembly, although it is a British creation for the time being, once it has come into existence, it has the power, if it has the will, to assert its right and to do what is best and proper for the attainment of India’s freedom, for the good of the people of India irrespective of caste, creed or community.”
Comment: Speaking of the Constituent Assembly’s authority, Shri Syama Prasad Mookerjee clarified that it was derived from the people of India, and not the British Parliament or Government. At the same time, he acknowledged that it was a creation of the British working towards attaining India’s freedom.
Source: Volume 1 | December 17, 1946 | 1.7.21 – Syama Prasad Mookerjee
“ if need be, to declare this Constituent Assembly as the first Parliament of a Free and Sovereign Indian Republic. (Loud cheers.) We then may be able to form our own National Government and enforce our decision on the people of this land. As I said a few minutes ago, our sanction is not the British people or the British Government. Our sanction is the people of India and therefore we have to make the ultimate appeal to the people of our country.
Comment: Shri Mookerjee reinstated that the Constituent assembly derives it’s power from People of India and has to make concrete for the people. And it will try to do what is best for its people irrespective of caste, creed or community. Constituent Assembly can be Declared as first Parliament for Parliament of a Free and Sovereign Indian Republic, due to its sanction from It’s people not the British parliament, and ultimately responsible for people of India
Source: Volume 4 | July 21, 1947 | 4.27.144 – H. V. Kamath
“When we are shortly going to witness the dawn of independence we must make a supreme effort to see that the common man is able to grasp the fact that we are out on masters and that there is no foreigner ruling over us. The sooner we do this the better it is for us and for our country. If we achieve this we will have gone a long way towards awakening the ‘shakti’ necessary for building up our Indian Union.”
Comment: Looking forward to the “dawn of independence”, Shri Kamath hinted at accelerating the task of Constituent Assembly. The idea was that the sooner the Constitution comes in place, the common people would know what exactly we achieved, and that we were no longer subjects of British rulers. Since they were entrusted with the crucial task of deciding various significant aspects of rights and governance, the members of the Constituent Assembly were fully aware of their role and responsibilities towards the people of India.
Warriors of Indian Independence
Source: Volume 2 | January 20, 1947 | 2.12.43 – N. V. Gadgil
“Sir, there is a clear necessity for defining the objective. In the past those who have really contributed to this struggle are not the few professors and Privy Councillors, but they are the people who have been toiling in poverty, in ignorance. They have got to know what is it that they have fought for so far, and what is it in the ultimate they will be asked to fight for in case the Constitution we may frame here is not acceptable to the British Government. Now, Sir, in this Resolution, as I see it, there is nothing to which any person or any party, who is anxious to have freedom, can take objection. In the first place, the main objective is defined as an, Independent Sovereign Republic.”
Comment: Shri NV Gadgil sought to define the objective for the Constitution of Independent India. During this, he signified that those who fought for it were people toiling in poverty and ignorance, along with others. Even here, Shri Gadgil hinted at the possibility of continuance of the fight for independence.
Source: Volume 2 | January 21, 1947 | 2.13.65 – Mr. R. V. Dhulekar
“Some say that the Constituent Assembly is not a sovereign body; it is a creation of the British; its very existence has no meaning and the Constitution drawn up by it has no importance. I cannot have the audacity to say that they are devoid of sense but I do say that they are ignorant of Indian history. I need not dwell much on this point. One thousand years ago, India, for some reason, was decentralised or divided and failing to withstand the invasions of foreigners came under their sway. Since that very time the fire of freedom has been, constantly blazing in the hearts of the Indian people. It was never extinguished. On the one hand, this fire appeared in the form of sages. Swami Ramdas, Goswami Tulsidas, Guru Nanak, Swami Dayanand, Ram Krishna Paramhansa, Vivekanand and Ram Teerath are symbols of this very fire. On the other hand, statesmen and politicians like Shivaji, Guru Govin dSingh, Rana Pratap, Rani of Jhansi, Rani Lakshmi Bai, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Lokmanya Tilak, Motilal Nehru and Subhash Chandra Bose were also political symbols of this very fire. Mahatma Gandhi and Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan are saints and politicians both. The Indians owned Babar, Humayun and Akbar to the extent they indentified themselves with India. During the British regime in India not a single day has passed that has not seen some torture done to some Indian in jail for his zeal of freedom. The fight for freedom has been going on continuously for the last two hundred years. The sixty years history of the Congress is a history of sufferings and sacrifices. Khudiram Bose, Bhagat Singh, Rajguru, ChandrashekharAzad and many other patriots in thousands sacrificed their lives for the cause of India’s independence. Millions of Indians have shown wonderful heroism and patience because of the sacrifices made by Congressmen, England is gradually conceding power. The Acts passed in 1899, 1909, 1919 and 1935 go to prove that Indians have been gradually snatching power from the British. The national movement of 1940-52 and the international situation created by the recent Great War, have forced England to quit India. This Constituent Assembly represents the power that has been forcibly taken from the British. It is not their gift. The hands of Britain are not strong enough to take it back. England will have to accept the Constitution framed by us. There is no doubt about it. The recent triumph of India in the Assembly of the United Nations proves that India is no more a family concern of the British Imperialism. India has attained the status of a free and powerful nation. I can find no word to praise the unique work done by Mrs. Vijayalakshmi Pandit in this direction. She has held the head of India high and the immortal glory of Mrs. Pandit shall ever remain in the history of India in golden letters.”
Comments: Shri R. V. Dhulekar clarifies that those questioning the independence of Constituent Assembly are not aware about the history of India. He also quoted several unforgettable personalities from India’s history through sages, Swami Ramdas, Goswami Tulsidas, Guru Nanak, Swami Dayanand, Ram Krishna Paramhansa, Vivekanand and Ram Teerath being the symbols of fire for freedom. On the other hand, statesmen and politicians like Shivaji, Guru GovindSingh, Rana Pratap, Rani of Jhansi, Rani Lakshmi Bai, Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Lokmanya Tilak, Motilal Nehru and Subhash Chandra Bose were also political symbols of this very fire, Mahatma Gandhi and Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan are saints and politicians both. He beautifully conveyed that India’s independence was not a gift from British, but something we forcibly took back from them. They lost their power, as concluded by Shri Dhulekar while hailing the glory of Mrs. Vijayalakshmi Pandit.
Source: Volume 4 | July 21, 1947 | 4.27.143 – H. V. Kamath
“We are today passing from the darkness of servitude to the light of freedom. But there is bound to be an interregnum between our Dominionhood and that Republican Independence for which we are striving. This interregnum may be long or it may be short, and again there will be another time-lag between today and the commencement of this constitution……….We have struggled hard these many years and decades to see the end of foreign rule in India. A few months less than five years ago our cry, our revolutionary campaign of ‘Quit India’ was launched and it is a happy coincidence that in the very month of August we in India are attaining Dominionhood if not independence, quite a good degree of independence, and power will, I hope, come into our hands.”
Comment: With hope igniting the spirit of independence, Shri Kamath took us and the members of Constituent Assembly on a tour through the darkness of servitude towards the light of independence. He mentioned the “Quit India” Movement launched on August 8, 1942, and after 5 years, India will attain Dominionhood, and eventually independence in the very month of August. The uncertainties and lapse till we had our own government, and our own Constitution was also acknowledged with hope.
Uncertain Independence at the hands of Treacherous British Rulers
Source: Volume 2 | January 20, 1947 | 2.12.37 – S. Radhakrishnan on whether British
“The Constituent Assembly is legally functioning. Every part of the State Paper has been completely accepted and if we are able to frame adequate safeguards for minorities, safeguards which will satisfy not so much the British or our own people, but the civilized conscience of the world, then while yet the British have the power to put it into action, they must give this Constitution the force of law. It is essential that they should do so If after all these conditions are satisfied, if some excuse is invented for postponing the independence of India, it would be the most callous betrayal of history. If, on the other hand, the British argue that the Constituent Assembly has started functioning on the basis of the Cabinet Plan and they have accepted every clause of the State Paper of May 16, and have provided adequate safeguards for all minorities and therefore they should implement it, then it will be an achievement of history which will secure the co-operation and goodwill of two great peoples.”
Comments: While we celebrate 79th Independence Day, we should not forget that Independence was not given to us, it is something our ancestors fought for and achieved. Dr. Radhakrishnan’s remarks reflect the uncertainty in this journey. The members of the Constituent Assembly were busy carving the grundnorm, but the sword of uncertainty of whether the British may sign it or not, constantly hanged over them. As Dr. hints at the possibility of British postponing India’s independence, he termed it as “the most callous betrayal of history” On the other hand, the possibility of acceptance and implementation would be “an achievement of history”.
Source: Volume 2 | January 20, 1947 | 2.12.47 – N. V. Gadgil
“I submit that as we proceed from clause to clause and section to section, British power in this country will be withering and by the time we reach the last schedule, we will find that the British State, so far as India is concerned, has withered away. What will be left then, will be a formal repeal of the British power, for do we not read the writing on the wall, do we not see that the pictures of those who ruled India with repression ruthless repression, with extraordinary laws and Ordinances gone? Where are the pictures? They are all gone. There you can see the writing on the wall. Mr. President, it has been pointed out that the Britishers are very anxious to leave this country. In fact years ago, Macaulay wrote that it would be a glorious day for Britishers when Indian people would ask them to vacate. We have been asking them so long; but apart from what Lord Macaulay has said, the Empire that had begun in perjuries and forgeries of Clive and Hastings, sustained throughout by broken promises, and which is still sought to be continued by diplomatic clarifications, by fleeting and flexible explanations, must end. These explanations will not make it survive a day more. There must be an honest deed of transfer in favour of the masses who have suffered so long and so much under the foreign rule. The day must come when they must come into their own. If the transfer is peaceful, well and good; but if it does not come peacefully, and if a struggle becomes necessary and history demands that there must be a struggle, I can only say that we do not want to fight but if we have to, then we have got the men, we have got the material and we have got the mind too. But in that case what will happen? Britishers will go- stocks and shares, shops and workshops,- they will leave nothing behind, not even goodwill or good memories. Their trade and flag both will disappear. It is for them to decide whether they want to live upto their great ideal which was stated by Lord Macaulay or they still want to cling and ultimately meet the fate which I have just visualized.“
Comment: Shri Gadgil hinted at Indian people’s struggle and British rulers’ betrayal through the years. Since the Constitution was in its making, Shri Gadgil targeted the shaking British rule. However, he ignited the spirit of independence among the people, even if the fight may carry on, to wash away British trade and flag.
Source: Volume 4 | July 14, 1947 | 4.22.29 – KM Munshi
“By the end of this week, the British Parliament would have adopted legislation which would set India free by the 15th of August, 1947–an event for which we have been waiting for centuries; and lastly, the fetters that were imposed upon this Constituent Assembly by the plan of May 16 have fallen.”
Comments: Sounding elated, Shri KM Munshi informed about India being declared free and independent in almost a month by August 15, 1947. When he said that the event has been awaited for centuries, it conveys the generations which were born and died in slavery and servitude.
Source: Volume 4 | July 21, 1947 | 4.27.147 – Ananthasayanam Ayyangar
“We must congratulate ourselves, Sir that we have spent five days over the elaborate provisions recorded in this Constitution submitted to the Assembly. I am sure we will be able to finish the details considered by the Expert Committee that will be appointed to go into the details of the formalities and bring out the Constitution at an early date. All that I am anxious about is that, when the British Government who originally fixed 30th June 1948 for ushering in a new Constitution have advanced the date, we should not be found unready. We should have our Constitution ready and there should be no delay on our part. I do want that 26th January 1948, the day which we have been celebrating as Day of Independence for India should surely be the day when we celebrate the Independence of India. Let it not be said that we have unnecessarily dragged the proceedings here. We will not be charged with that. We have spent only five days on this important matter. We have not left the details to take care of themselves. I hope all concerned will be able to push through the necessary work so that on the 26th day of January we will really have an Independent India and work under an Independent Constitution.”
Comment: Shri Ayyangar hereby conveys the sense of rush among the Constitution makers, to avoid delay in achieving independence. There is a hint that Independence Day was supposed to happen on 26th January, 1948. However, what we see now is that India got independence a few days after this discussion, and the Constitution of India wholly came into force a couple of years later to the date.
National Flag: The Identity of Independent India
Source: Volume 4 | July 22, 1947 | 4.28.29 – Seth Govind Das
“Mr. President, I have come here to support the resolution moved by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. I consider this day a landmark in the history of India. Today, Independent India is displaying her national flag. Everyone who has taken part in the struggle for freedom during the last twenty-seven years is today reminded like Panditji of the events during that period. We were unarmed and helpless and had no resources for achieving independence. But the way in which this battle of freedom has been fought and victory achieved has no parallel, not only in the history of India but also in the history of the world. Today we are achieving the victory for which we were trying for the last so many years. We are also reminded of those who came forward so many times to pull down this flag, to trample it and to set fire to it. But when Truth and Justice were with us, it was altogether impossible to trample it and to finish it in that way. After twenty-seven years we have been able to prove to the world that even an unarmed nation with no resources at its command, can achieve freedom, if it follows the path of Justice and Truth.”
Comment: GOOSEBUMPS ASSURED – As Shri Govind reflects upon the moment when our national flag, the tricolor we take pride in, was displayed for the first time on July 22, 1947. It was and is a symbol of collective efforts and struggle, of unarmed, helpless and resourceless people.
The Heartbreak: Partition Horrors Remembrance
Source: Volume 2 | January 20, 1947 | 2.12.61- N. G. Ranga
“I wish to tell them from this forum, it would be the greatest possible tragedy not only for the Muslim masses but also for the masses of the country in general, if the Muslim League were to follow this policy of non cooperation, this policy of do-nothing. What more can the Indian National Congress be expected to do in order to concilliate them than what it has already done? Our friends, the Muslim Leaguers, instead of trying to come to us and negotiate with us, reason with us or argue before us- they have gone over to the Britisher. They have tried to gain one after another a number of concessions. Each one of these concessions has come down as a sort of black curtain in blotting out the vista of freedom and Swaraj that this country is aiming at; and in addition they have done enough to embitter the people of this country. In spite of all this, the Indian National Congress has chosen to accept all these various safeguards and rights and various other things that they have been gaining from the British with the only hope, with the only intention, with the only appeal to our Muslim League friends, to come over here and co-operate with us in the shaping of the Constitution for our country. If they do not come, are we going to stop where we are? Certainly not.”
Comment: While India was aiming at independence, the Indian National Congress had another challenge – the Muslim League, who chose to approach the Britishers rather than standing here with their own people. However, he made it clear that it would not become an obstacle in attaining freedom for India.
Source: Volume 5 | August 15, 1947 | 5.37.19 – H. E. the Governor-General
“I know well that the rejoicing which the advent of freedom brings is tempered in your hearts by the sadness that it could not come to a united India; and that the pain of division has shorn today’s events of some of its joy. In supporting your leaders in the difficult decision which they had to take, you have displayed as much magnanimity and realism as have those patriotic statesmen themselves.”
Comment: Commending the magnanimity and realism shown by the patriotic statesmen and the members of Constituent Assembly as a whole, Governor General reflected upon the tempered joy of Indians, due to partition and the birth of Pakistan. Those who lived in that era, our ancestors, know the struggle, which we cannot even imagine. Leaving behind your land, your house, your comfort, and founding a new life of uncertainties is not easy, but they had to. So many people had to sacrifice their lives, for partition, because this time our own people had cities ablaze, burning in the fire of religious differences.
Responsible and Steadfast Independence
Source: Volume 1 | December 18, 1946 – N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar
“Then, here is an extract from a Report of a Committee on Reforms in Hyderabad:
‘The British Constitution has grown out of England’s long history and is, the result of centuries of strenuous struggle between its King and its Parliament. There, the two-part system, sustained by the spirit of compromise and the conception of the sovereignty of the people, has struck deep roots into the soil. The peculiarity, on the other hand, of the Indian States is this: The Head of the State represents the people directly in his own person and, his connection with them, therefore, is more natural and binding than that of any passing elected representatives. He is both the supreme head of the State and the embodiment of the people’s sovereignty. Hence it is that, in such a polity the head of the State not merely retains the power to confirm or veto any piece of legislation, but also enjoys a special prerogative to make and unmake his executive or change the machinery of Government through which he meets the growing needs of his people.’”
1.8.57
“When the cession of sovereignty from His Majesty to the Indian people takes place, the people of the States will, together with the people of what is now British India, be entitled to exercise sovereign powers in respect of the subjects assigned to an All-India Union Government.”
Comments: On the debate of being a Monarchy or a Republic N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar quotes a Report of a Committee on Reforms in Hyderabad to justify that India should be republic, while the British can be a Monarchy based on England’s history, while India needed a republic as it makes people’s representation and more connection to the people while giving special positive to growing needs of the people. When India will be Independent, it will have all the sovereign powers with respect to the All India government.
Source: Volume 1 December 21, 1946 | 1.10.20 – Somnath Lahiri
“We should make it quite clear that we do not want the Princes and the Rulers of the States to determine what should be the representation of the States in this Assembly, because we fear that they, being autocratic Princes on the one hand and tools of British imperialism on the other, they would like to whittle down whatever little freedom constitutionally we may try to evolve. It is neither fair to the people of the States as a whole.”
Comment: Shri Somnath Lehri wanted India to be free of rulers of state to determine what state will be representing the Assembly. He further sought to keep a distance from the British imperialism through Princes, as it may hamper the constitutional freedom, and it would not be fair to the people of those states.
Source: Volume 2 | January 20, 1947 | 2.12.17 – S. Rashakrishnan mentions Premier Attlee
“Premier Attlee, in his first statement, made on 15th March, said:
‘I hope that the Indian people may elect to remain within the British Commonwealth. I am certain that she will find great advantages in doing so; but if she does so elect, it must be by her own free will. The British Commonwealth and Empire is not bound together by chains of external compulsion. If, on the other hand, she elects for independence, in our view she has a right to do so.’”
Comments: Here, then Constituent Assembly member and now former President of India, Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan quoted Premier Attlee on India’s options to choose independence or to remain within the British Commonwealth. For those who do not know, there are countries across the world like Australia which remain members of British Commonwealth. Australia is a constitutional monarchy with the King being the state of head, having no legislative power, while the Great Seal of Australia still reflects the Royal Warrant. India on the other hand being independent chose its own national emblem, flag, elects its Head of the State, i.e., the President.
Source: Volume 2 | January 20, 1947 | 2.12.21 – S. Radhakrishnan
“This Resolution on the objectives does not wish to disappoint Mr. Churchill. (Hear, hear). It tells him that the expected is happening. You gave us the choice to get out of the British Commonwealth. We are electing to go out of the British Commonwealth. May I say why? So far as India is concerned, it is not a mere Dominion like Australia, like New Zealand or Canada or South Africa. These latter are bound to Great Britain by ties of race, religion and culture. India has a vast population, immense natural resources, a great cultural heritage and has had an independent career for a very long time, and it is inconceivable that India can be a Dominion like the other Dominions.”
Comments: Speaking for India opting for independence and going out of British Commonwealth, Dr. Radhakrishnan explained how India was not a mere Dominion. He signified India’s cultural heritage, vast population, which stood high and independent in history. Thus, the idea of India being a British Dominion like others was inconceivable.
Source: Volume 2 | January 22, 1947 | 2.14.17 – Jawaharlal Nehru
“We claim in this Resolution to frame a free and democratic Indian Republic. A question may be asked what relation will that Republic bear to other countries of the world? What would be its relations with England, the British Commonwealth and other countries? This Resolution means that we are completely free and are not included in any group except the Union of Nations which is now being formed in the world. The truth is that the world has totally changed. The meanings of words too are changing. Today any man who can think a little, will come to the conclusion that the only way to remove the doubts and dangers from the world, is to unite all the nations and ask them to work together and help each other. The organisation of the United Nations is not free from big gaps and fissures. Thousands of difficulties lie ahead and a great deal of suspicion exists between countries. I have already said that we are not thinking in terms of isolating ourselves from the world. We will work in complete cooperation with other countries. It is not an easy thing to work in cooperation with England or the British Commonwealth, and yet we are prepared to do so. We will forget our old quarrels, strive to achieve our complete independence and stretch our hands of friendship to other countries, but that friendship shall in no case mar or weaken our freedom.”
Comments: Pt. Jawarhlal Nehru tries to explain significance of free and Democratic Indian Republic which will have complete freedom. It will not be a part of any group except the United Nations, and will have friendly cooperation with all other countries, including England and will not be isolating ourself.
Source: Volume 4 | July 18, 1947 | 4.26.59 – JJM Nichols Roy
“We must also consider the fact that there are some people in the hill areas of Assam now who want to be independent altogether and stand as a separate State, some who want to join Burma and some others who probably want to join Pakistan too. If this kind of representation be forced upon the hill people of Assam, it will help that propaganda and will cause a great deal of trouble to India.”
Comment: Securing Independence for India was not just a battle against the foreign rulers. There were Indian States seeking not just independence but a separate entity, some of them looking to join Burma (Myanmar), others seeking to merge with Pakistan. Shri Nichols Roy signifies the battle within Constituent Assembly debates.
Source: Volume 4 | July 22, 1947 | 4.29.139 – Mr. D. H. Chandrasekharaiya
“You know, Sir, the States form an important element in the life of the country. After the 15th August, the States too will attain a status of independence just as other elements are going to do. But I for one would wish that the States, whether big or small, will not remain aloof and isolated. They must join hands with the Indian Dominion now and with the Indian Federation or Indian Union after the Constitution is framed.”
Comment: While India was closer to achieving independence as a nation, there were uncertainties regarding the will of States. While they were too achieving freedom, it was a challenge for our leaders to bring them closer to join the Indian Dominion, rather than parting ways to become a separate entity.
Groomed for New Challenges of Independent India
Source: Volume 5 | August 14, 1947 – 5.36.10 – Jawaharlal Nehru
“Mr. President, many years ago we had made a tryst with destiny itself. We had taken a pledge, a vow. Now the time has come to redeem it. But perhaps the pledge has not yet been redeemed fully though stages have been reached in that direction. We have almost attained independence. At such a moment, it is only appropriate that we take a new pledge, a new vow to serve India and her people. After a few moments, the Assembly will assume the status of a fully free and independent body and it will represent an independent and free country. Therefore great responsibilities are to devolve upon it. If we do not realise the importance of our responsibilities, then we shall not be able to discharge our duties fully. Hence it becomes essential for us to take this pledge after fully understanding all its implications. The resolution that I am presenting before you relates to that pledge. We have finished one phase, and for that rejoicings are going on today. Our hearts are full of joy and some pride and satisfaction. But we know that there is no rejoicing in the whole of the country. There is enough of grief in our hearts. Not far from Delhi, big cities are ablaze and its heat is reaching us here. Our happiness cannot be complete. At this hour we have to face all these things with a brave heart. We are not to raise a hue and cry and get perturbed. When the reins of Government have come to our hands, we have to do things in the right way. Generally, countries wrest their freedom after great bloodshed, tears and toil. Much blood has been spilt in our land, and in a way which is very painful. Notwithstanding that, we have achieved freedom by peaceful methods. We have set a new example before the world. We are free now but along with freedom, come responsibilities and burdens. We have to face them, and overcome them all. Our dream is now about to be translated into reality. The task of wresting freedom and ousting the foreign government was before us till now and that task is now accomplished. But uprooting the foreign domination is not all, unless and until each and every Indian breathes the air of freedom and his miseries are banished and his hard lot is improved. Our task remains unfinished. Therefore a large portion of our task remains to be done, and we shall try to accomplish it. Big problems confront us and at their sight sometimes our heart quivers, but, then again, the thought that in the past we have faced many a big, problem and we shall do so again, gives us courage. ”
Comment: It’s August 15, 1947, the day we proudly celebrate our independence. But, Pt. Nehru in his speech reflected upon the fact that ousting the British Government was one step. Even at this point, some parts of the country were burning, call it the wrath of partition. However, he sought to look at the positive side that we have had challenges so far, and we as a country overcame them, the fact which brings more courage than fear.
Source: Volume 5 | August 14 | 5.36.25 – S. Radhakrishnan
“Our opportunities are great but let me warn you that when power outstrips ability, we will fall on evil days. We should develop competence and ability which would help us to utilise the opportunities which – are now open to us. From tomorrow morning from midnight today we cannot throw the blame on the Britisher. We have to assume the responsibility ourselves for what we do. A free India will be judged by the way in which it will serve the interests of the common man in the matter of food, clothing, shelter and the social services. Unless we destroy corruption in high places, root out every trace of nepotism, love of power, profiteering and black-marketing which have spoiled the good name of this great country in recent times, we will not be able to raise the standards of efficiency in administration as well as in the production and distribution of the necessary goods of life.”
Comment: With mixed feelings, Dr. Radhakrishnan expressed that power overthrown will accompany some bad days. He also signified that from now on, we are on our own – We won’t be able to blame Britishers, but assume responsibility for ourselves. The journey of independent India began with the address to destroy corruption, nepotism, love of power, black-marketing. After all these years, it seems the debatable topics have not changed much.
Goosebumps of Independence Day – An Epilogue
For anyone who finds history boring, the idea of reading Constituent Assembly Debates is a bit boring. So far, we have heard hundreds of stories on India’s independence. However, the spirit of those who were involved in assuring India’s independence through its grundnorm – the Constitution of India, outthrows the readers in the black-in-white era. That’s what happened with us – Ridhi Khurana and Parth Rachchh, while compiling the goosebump worthy instances from Constituent Assembly Debates where India’s independence cannot just be read – it can be felt.
Let’s uphold the spirit of Independent India this Swatantrata Diwas – VANDE MATARAM!
