Face2News/Chandigarh
Renowned litterateur Ashok Nadir’s new book, “The Indian Constitution—A Confluence of Law, Art and History,” was released on Sunday by Supreme Court Judge Justice Grorge Masih.
The book brings to light an important fact: the removal from commonly available printed copies of the Constitution of the twenty-two artworks that were part of the original manuscript—works that convey India’s continuity and inner consciousness.
Among these removed artworks, the seal of Mohenjo-daro reminds us of our civilizational depth; the Vedic ashram depicts ethical and educational balance; and the images of Buddha and Mahavira impart lessons of compassion and restraint in governance. Scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata emphasize the timeless balance between rights and duties. Further panels portraying Ashoka, Akbar, Shivaji, Guru Gobind Singh, Rani Lakshmibai, Tipu Sultan, and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose reflect the spirit of leadership, resistance, and sacrifice that shaped Indian nationhood. Images of India’s mountains, rivers, and seas symbolize tolerance, diversity, and unity.
The chief guest, Justice George Masih, Judge of the Supreme Court, explained these historical artworks, stating that they were included as part of India’s proud 5,000-year-old heritage and were meant to convey that rulers must govern with tolerance, foresight, and unity. He said that tampering with these historic works is wholly unjustified.
Major General Raj Mehta, in his address, said that this book was the need of the hour and that Ashok Nadir had presented it to the world at exactly the right time. Calling the deletion of these artworks an act of tampering with the Constitution, he said that removing them shakes the very foundation of the Constitution, which is unforgivable. He added that these artworks were commissioned by Pandit Nehru himself and carried the spirit of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar; therefore, they must remain an integral part of the Constitution under all circumstances. The book, he said, is an important document asserting that these images are the soul of the Constitution and that no interference with them can be tolerated in the future.
Motivational speaker and former IAS officer Vivek Atray praised the book, stating that it is remarkable for an engineer like Nadir to have undertaken such deep research and earned appreciation from leading constitutional experts. He said that the book would awaken future generations to ancient India. Emphasizing that the Constitution is among the most sacred texts, he said that any affront to its sanctity is unacceptable.
Constitutional expert and one of the country’s senior-most lawyers, Balram Gupta, said that copies of the Constitution including these artworks must be prepared without delay, as the Constitution without them is akin to a soulless object; with their inclusion, it becomes a living document.
Author Ashok Nadir, in his address, said that through these artworks included in the “Made in India” Constitution, the framers harmonized antiquity with modernity. He expressed regret that artworks embodying 5,000 years of heritage were removed. He said that the Constitution is among the purest and most pious books, and tampering with it is akin to committing a sin.