We The People
Understanding the Constitution for Social Change
15 – 18 DECEMBER, 2024
1. Background
This workshop emerges from the need to equip people interested in social development, nation-building, and social justice, and anyone who seeks to engage with a deeper understanding of the Indian Constitution. Given the evolving political and social landscape in India, constitutional knowledge is essential for effectively navigating issues of rights, governance, and equality. The Constitution is not just a legal document but a transformative tool that shapes India’s democracy and societal structure. Through this workshop, participants will learn how the Constitution can address contemporary challenges like inequality, discrimination, citizenship, and the role of institutions in upholding democracy.
2. What is the Workshop About?
The workshop aims to explore the following key questions:
- How did the Indian Constitution come into being, and what historical forces shaped it?
- What lies at the heart of the Constitution as its basic principles and values in the Preamble?
- What role do constitutional institutions (Election Commission, judiciary) play in ensuring democratic governance?
- How is the Constitution a blueprint for transforming India into a democratic, egalitarian society?
- How have rights-based movements used the Constitution for advocacy?
- What are the rights of citizens, and how can the Constitution and its principles be applied to present-day issues of equality, justice, anti-discrimination, and citizenship?
- What is the connection between the Constitution, constitutional values, and the development sector?
- Critical Engagement: Encouraging participants to think critically about how constitutional principles like secularism, fraternity, and equality apply to their work in the social sector.
3. Methodology
Interactive Learning: Participants will actively engage with constitutional principles through:
- Case Law Discussions: Participants will be presented with facts of real cases to discuss in groups, followed by a deeper dive into the law and court rulings.
- Group Work with Varied Scenarios: Groups will tackle different but related constitutional scenarios, encouraging comparison and collaborative analysis.
- Role-Play and Simulations: Participants will simulate constitutional assemblies, courtrooms, and institutional decision-making bodies like the Election Commission.
- Creative Engagement: Using videos, poetry, and creative writing to make the Constitution accessible and relatable.
Language: The workshop will use inclusive and simple language to ensure accessibility to participants from diverse educational backgrounds. Sessions will primarily be conducted in Hindi and English. Wherever necessary, bilingual discussions (English and Hindi) will be encouraged to ensure clarity and inclusivity.
4. Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is designed for:
- Young professionals working in the social sector, especially those engaged in rights-based activism, social justice movements, or community development.
- Participants with a basic understanding of Indian governance but a desire to deepen their engagement with constitutional law, institutions, and the democratic process.
- Individuals or college going youth who are passionate about social justice and wish to understand how the Indian Constitution can be leveraged to advocate for change.
5. About the Facilitator(s)
Individuals with expertise in constitutional law, social justice, and governance will facilitate the workshop. Facilitators will have a background in legal advocacy, civic engagement, and working with marginalized communities. They will bring academic knowledge and grassroots experience to the discussions, offering a balanced perspective on the legal framework and the lived realities of the Constitution.
Prashant Bhushan- Will be joining us online for one session.
Contribution to the Program: We request participants to contribute an amount of Rs. 4,000 towards workshop expenses, inclusive of all onsite workshop costs: boarding, lodging, and all the materials used in the workshop. Travel will be borne by the participants.
Need-based fee waivers are available. Do remember that there may be others who need it more than you. The fee waivers will be offered to people from marginalized groups and non-funded social, political, or student movements.
Dates: 15th to 18th December, 2024
Venue: Sambhaavnaa Institute, Kandbari, Tehsil, Palampur, District Kangra, PIN 176061, Himachal Pradesh
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