2.

1 – Struggle Against Apartheid & Towards a New Constitution (From the Book)

Struggle Against Apartheid

Apartheid was a system of racial discrimination unique to South Africa. The white Europeans, who had
settled there, imposed this system to maintain their dominance over non-white communities.

How Apartheid Functioned:

 South Africa was occupied by European trading companies in the 17th and 18th centuries, just
like India.

 However, unlike in India, a large number of whites settled permanently and became the ruling
class.

 The system of apartheid (meaning ‘apartness’ or separation) was introduced, dividing the
population based on skin color.

Racial Classification:

1. Whites – The ruling class who held all political and economic power.

2. Blacks – The indigenous population who were treated as inferior and denied rights.

3. Coloured (Mixed Race) – People of mixed African and European ancestry.

4. Indians – Immigrants from India who faced discrimination but had slightly better rights than
blacks.

Harsh Rules Under Apartheid:

 Blacks were forbidden from living in white areas. They could only work in these areas if they
had special permits.

 Public places were completely segregated:

o Separate trains, buses, taxis, hotels, hospitals, schools, and libraries.

o Even cinema halls, beaches, swimming pools, and public toilets were divided.

o Churches were also restricted—blacks could not worship in white churches.

 Blacks were not allowed to form associations or protest against their treatment.

A signboard in Durban, South Africa, from 1953, symbolized this oppression. It read:

“CITY OF DURBAN – Under section 37 of the Durban beach by-laws, this bathing area is reserved for the
sole use of members of the white race group.”

Resistance Against Apartheid

From the 1950s onward, blacks, coloured people, and Indians organized protests, marches, and strikes
against apartheid.

Key Organizations:

 The African National Congress (ANC) led the fight against apartheid.

 It included workers’ unions and the Communist Party.

 Many white South Africans also joined the movement to oppose apartheid.

Government Response:

 The white government used violence, detention, torture, and killings to suppress protests.

 Thousands of black and coloured activists were arrested or killed.

 Nelson Mandela and other ANC leaders were sentenced to life imprisonment in 1964.

 Mandela remained in Robben Island Prison for 27 years.

Despite the oppression, the resistance continued, and support for the anti-apartheid movement grew
globally.

Towards a New Constitution

By the 1980s and early 1990s, the pressure against apartheid became overwhelming.

Reasons for Change:

1. Increasing Protests and Strikes – The black population refused to accept discrimination.

2. International Pressure – Many countries imposed economic sanctions against South Africa.

3. Growing Realization by White Leaders – They understood that apartheid was unsustainable and
that they could not maintain control forever.

Key Steps Leading to Democracy:

1. Apartheid laws were abolished.

2. The ban on political parties was lifted.

3. Restrictions on the press were removed.

4. Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990.

First Democratic Elections:

 On April 26, 1994, South Africa held its first free elections.

 People of all races were allowed to vote for the first time.

 Nelson Mandela was elected as the first black President of South Africa.
Building a New Constitution:

 The black and white leaders sat together to draft a new constitution.

 After two years of discussion and debate, they produced one of the world’s most democratic
constitutions.

 The constitution granted:

o Equal rights to all citizens.

o Freedom from racial discrimination.

o Protection of human rights and democracy.

Nelson Mandela’s Message:

“The Constitution of South Africa speaks of both the past and the future. It is a solemn pact in which we,
as South Africans, declare to one another that we shall never permit a repetition of our racist, brutal, and
repressive past.”

Conclusion

South Africa’s transition from racial discrimination to democracy is an inspiring example of peaceful
negotiation and unity. Instead of seeking revenge, the black leaders chose forgiveness and
reconciliation, creating a new, equal, and democratic South Africa.

Would you like a comparison with India’s independence struggle? 😊

2.2 – Why Do We Need a Constitution?

A constitution is the supreme law of a country that sets the rules for how a government should function
and what rights citizens have. The story of South Africa gives a clear example of why a constitution is
essential for a country.

Lessons from South Africa’s Constitution-Making Process

 After the end of apartheid, both blacks and whites had to learn to live together as equals.

 There was a lack of trust between them.

 The black majority wanted majority rule and social and economic rights.

 The white minority wanted to protect their property and privileges.

The solution? A written constitution that:

✔ Clearly defined how the government would function.
✔ Protected the rights of all citizens.
✔ Ensured that no single group could change the rules unfairly in the future.
What Does a Constitution Do?

1. Generates trust and unity – It helps diverse communities live together peacefully.

2. Defines government structure – It tells us who will have power to take which decisions.

3. Limits the power of the government – It prevents abuse of power and protects citizens’ rights.

4. Expresses the aspirations of a society – It reflects the values and dreams of the people.

Example:

 After independence from Britain, Americans wrote a constitution to ensure freedom and
democracy.

 After the French Revolution, France adopted a democratic constitution.

 India, after gaining independence, needed a strong constitution to unite its diverse population
and create a fair and just society.

2.3 – The Making of the Indian Constitution

The making of the Indian Constitution was not an easy task. It was written at a time when India was
facing severe challenges.

Challenges During Constitution-Making

1. The Partition of India (1947)

o The country was divided into India and Pakistan based on religious differences.

o Mass killings and violence took place.

o 10 lakh people died, and millions were displaced.

2. Merger of Princely States

o The British left it to the princely states (like Hyderabad, Kashmir, and Junagadh) to
decide whether to join India or Pakistan or remain independent.

o The integration of these states into India was a huge challenge.

3. Economic and Social Inequality

o India had large gaps between rich and poor.

o Untouchability and caste discrimination were still common.

o Many people were illiterate and had no access to basic rights.

Despite these difficulties, India’s leaders were determined to create a democratic constitution.
The Path to the Constitution

One big advantage for India was that the freedom struggle had already laid the foundation for
democracy.

The Role of the Freedom Struggle

 The Indian freedom movement was not just a fight against British rule; it was also a struggle for
social justice and equality.

 Leaders had already debated and discussed what kind of India they wanted.

Early Steps Towards the Constitution:

✔ 1928 – Motilal Nehru and other leaders drafted a constitution for independent India.
✔ 1931 – The Indian National Congress, in its Karachi session, laid out fundamental rights and economic
and social principles.

The Constituent Assembly – Who Wrote the Constitution?

 The Constituent Assembly was elected in July 1946 and held its first meeting in December 1946.

 After Partition, the Assembly was divided into India’s and Pakistan’s Constituent Assemblies.

 The Indian Constituent Assembly had 299 members.

Key Leaders of the Constituent Assembly:

✔ Dr. B.R. Ambedkar – Chairman of the Drafting Committee

✔ Dr. Rajendra Prasad – President of the Constituent Assembly
✔ Jawaharlal Nehru – Spoke on the philosophy of the Constitution
✔ Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – Helped merge princely states into India
✔ Abul Kalam Azad – Strong advocate for secularism and education

The Drafting of the Constitution

The process was long and detailed:

✔ First, basic principles were decided.
✔ Then, a Drafting Committee prepared the Constitution, led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
✔ Over 114 days of discussions took place over three years.
✔ More than 2000 amendments were debated.
✔ The Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949, and came into effect on January 26, 1950
(now celebrated as Republic Day).

Why Should We Accept the Constitution?

1. It Reflected the Will of the People

 It was not imposed by a king or colonial rulers.

 It was created by representatives elected from all parts of India.

2. It Was Inclusive and Democratic

 It included diverse political and social groups.

 It considered the views of different communities and ideologies.

3. It Was Debated Openly and Systematically

 Every provision was discussed and carefully written.

 Records of debates were preserved and are still used to understand the Constitution today.

4. It United the Country

 It provided a common set of rules to govern a diverse and large country like India.

Conclusion

India’s Constitution is a result of years of struggle, debate, and collective effort. It ensures justice,
equality, and democracy, making India one of the largest democracies in the world.

Would you like an explanation of the guiding values of the Indian Constitution (Preamble)? 😊

2.4 – Guiding Values of the Indian Constitution

The Indian Constitution is not just a set of rules; it reflects the values and dreams of the people who
fought for independence. These values are deeply rooted in India’s freedom struggle and are expressed
in the Preamble of the Constitution.

The Dream and the Promise – Views of Key Leaders

Mahatma Gandhi’s Vision for India (1931, Young India Magazine)

Mahatma Gandhi, though not a member of the Constituent Assembly, greatly influenced the values of
the Constitution. He wanted:
✔ An India free from discrimination based on caste or class.
✔ A country where the poorest feel included and have a voice.
✔ Equal rights for women and men.
✔ Elimination of untouchability and alcoholism.

“I shall strive for a constitution which will release India from all thralldom and patronage… an India in
which the poorest shall feel that it is their country in whose making they have an effective voice.”

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Warning

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of the Indian Constitution, was deeply concerned about social and
economic inequality.

“On January 26, 1950, we are going to enter a life of contradictions. In politics, we will have equality, but
in social and economic life, we will have inequality… If we continue to deny equality in our social and
economic life for long, we will do so only by putting our political democracy in peril.”

This means:
✔ Political democracy alone is not enough.
✔ India must also ensure social and economic equality.

Jawaharlal Nehru’s "Tryst with Destiny" Speech (August 15, 1947)

On the eve of India’s independence, Nehru spoke about India’s future:

✔ Freedom and power bring responsibility.

✔ The goal of independence is to end poverty, ignorance, and inequality.
✔ The mission is to wipe every tear from every eye.

“At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom… The
service of India means the service of the millions who suffer.”

The Preamble – The Soul of the Indian Constitution

The Preamble is the introductory statement of the Constitution. It summarizes the goals and values of
the Indian Constitution.

Preamble of the Indian Constitution:

“We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a
SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
and to secure to all its citizens:
JUSTICE, LIBERTY, EQUALITY, and FRATERNITY.”

Key Words in the Preamble and Their Meanings

Word Meaning

India is independent and can make its own decisions. No external

Sovereign
power (like the British in the past) can control us.

The government must reduce economic and social inequality.

Socialist
Resources should be distributed fairly.

Secular The state has no official religion. People are free to follow any
Word Meaning

religion, and the government must treat all religions equally.

The government is elected by the people. Every citizen has equal

Democratic
political rights.

The head of the country (President) is elected, not a hereditary ruler

Republic
(like a king or queen).

Justice (Social, Economic, No discrimination based on caste, religion, or gender. The government
Political) must protect the poor and disadvantaged.

Liberty (Thought, Expression,

People have freedom to think, speak, and practice any religion.
Belief, Faith, Worship)

All citizens are equal before the law. The government must remove
Equality (Status & Opportunity)
social inequalities.

Citizens should treat each other as equals and maintain national unity
Fraternity (Brotherhood)
and dignity.

🔹 Fun Fact: The words "Socialist" and "Secular" were added in the 42nd Amendment (1976).

Why is the Preamble Important?

✔ It guides the government and courts in making laws and judgments.

✔ It ensures that India remains just, fair, and equal for all its citizens.
✔ It acts as a standard to check whether government actions are constitutional or not.

The Preamble is like a mirror that reflects India’s fundamental beliefs and values.

Conclusion

The guiding values of the Indian Constitution ensure that:

✔ India remains democratic, secular, and just.
✔ No group is discriminated against.
✔ Every citizen has equal rights and opportunities.

Would you like a detailed explanation of the Fundamental Rights and Duties next? 😊