Students to take Constitution lessons

New Delhi: In another bid to promote nationalism among the young population, students in universities across the country, would receive lessons “on the importance of fundamental duties of citizens” as enshrined in the Indian Constitution this Constitution Day. The University Grants Commission has directed universities and colleges affiliated to them to hold a reading of Preamble to the Constitution and Fundamental Duties during the morning assembly. While these institutions have also been asked to conduct one lecture in every educational institution on the importance of Fundamental Duties as well as paste the Fundamental Duties on the notice board of the institution.

The directive to Vice Chancellors of all universities, Secretary University Grants Commission P.K. Thakur, has asked them “to ensure these activities are undertaken in your university and in the colleges affiliated with your esteemed university.”

“As you may be aware, Constitution Day, also known as Samvidhan Divas, is celebrated in India on 26th November every year to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India,” the directive said.

“To celebrate this occasion on 26th November, in a befitting manner,  following activities may be undertaken in your university: Reading out the Preamble to the Constitution during a Morning Assembly, Reading out the Fundamental Duties in the Constitution during a Morning Assembly, One lecture in every educational institution on the importance of Fundamental Duties and Pasting of Fundamental Duties on the Notice Board of the Institution,” the letter added.

A copy of the Preamble to the Constitution of India and Fundamental Duties of Indian Citizens have also been attached with the UGC directive.

Interestingly, this is not the first time that the Narendra Modi government has decided to promote nationalism among University students. In February 2016, a meeting of VCs of all central universities, had decided that all 46 Central Universities will fly the tricolour atop a 207-feet tall flag mast “prominently and proudly” on their campuses to signify a “strong India”.  

The commission had also recently directed all universities to arrange programmes to generate awareness among the youth about the sacrifices made by Indian armed forces. another proposal to have a “wall of heroes” in all universities and educational institutes, depicting portraits of war heroes, has also been cleared.