Constitution a Living Document, Says Venkaiah Naidu

Vijayawada: Former Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu on Sunday described the Indian Constitution as a living and dynamic collection of ideas, not a text etched in stone.

Speaking at a session on the fourth day of the 36th Vijayawada Book Festival, he said faith in the Constitution meant a complete belief in its principles and a keenness to practise them.

Venkaiah Naidu released the Telugu translations of senior thinker Ram Madhav’s English works ‘Partitioned Freedom’ and ' Our Constitution – Our Self-Respect.’ He noted that the framers of the Constitution themselves had granted future generations the democratic right to amend it according to changing needs.

Recalling his experience during the Emergency, the former VP said he clearly understood the value of democracy and constitutional safeguards.

Stressing that youth must recognise not only constitutional rights but also duties, he said “sincere discharge of one’s duty was the most meaningful form of patriotism.” He cautioned against obscuring historical facts for any reason and called for writings rooted in truth rather than sensationalism.

Books, he said, had both immediate and long-term impact and should be promoted as valuable gifts.

Ram Madhav said changes in beliefs over time were natural for societies, recalling how the nation opposed Partition in 1905 but accepted it in 1947, the consequences of which persist even today.

He said, “I undertook these writings at the instance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to educate younger generations.” He also highlighted the role of BR Ambedkar in finalising the Constitution and affirming the right of elected governments to amend it.