Constitution ‘living spirit of the nation’: V-P

New Delhi, April 10: Calling the Constitution “the living spirit of the nation,” Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan Friday said access to it in one’s mother tongue empowers citizens and strengthens democratic participation, as he released its Sindhi version in Devanagari script for the first time since Independence.
The Vice-President unveiled the latest Sindhi translation—also issued in the Persian script—at a function held at Uprashtrapati Bhawan on the occasion of Sindhi Bhasha Diwas.

Addressing the gathering, Radhakrishnan described Sindhi as one of the oldest and most melodious languages, with a literary tradition reflecting a confluence of Vedantic philosophy and Sufi thought that promotes values of oneness, love and brotherhood. He said the release of the Constitution in Sindhi, particularly in the Devanagari script, marks a significant milestone in promoting linguistic inclusivity.
“The Constitution is not merely a legal document but the living spirit of the nation,” he said, adding that it embodies national aspirations, safeguards rights and guides democratic governance.
Emphasising the importance of language, he said, “Languages are carriers of culture, tradition and identity,” and noted that making the Constitution available in regional languages bridges the gap between citizens and governance, enabling people to better understand their rights and responsibilities.
The Vice-President appreciated efforts of the government led by Narendra Modi in expanding access to the Constitution in multiple Indian languages. He pointed to similar initiatives in Bodo, Dogri, Santhali, Tamil, Gujarati and Nepali, saying such measures celebrate India’s linguistic diversity while reinforcing democratic values.
Reflecting on history, Radhakrishnan said Sindhi served as a symbol of resilience and unity for its community during the difficult period following Partition. He recalled that the language was included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution through the 21st Constitutional Amendment Act 1967, ensuring its recognition and preservation.
He stressed that while individuals hold their mother tongues dear, all languages deserve equal respect, adding that India’s strength lies in its diversity. He also commended the Ministry of Law and Justice and its regional language officers for their role in making the Constitution accessible across languages.
Expressing confidence that such initiatives would contribute to building a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047, the Vice-President urged citizens to celebrate both their mother tongues and the country’s collective linguistic heritage, reiterating the principle of “Nation First – Rashtra Pratham.”
Union Minister of State for Law and Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal, Rajasthan Legislative Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani, Lok Sabha MP Shankar Lalwani, and Legislative Department Secretary Rajiv Mani were among those present.