Seminar Held in Delhi on “The Preamble Under Pressure: Challenges to India’s Foundational Principles

 

12 July, New Delhi | Amidst growing national debate around secularism and socialism in the Constitution, a crucial seminar titled *“The Preamble Under Pressure: Challenges to India’s Foundational Principles”* was held today, Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Deputy Chairman Hall of the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi.

The seminar was organized by *Hum Bharat Ke Log*, a citizens' platform committed to preserving the core spirit of the Indian Constitution.

Senior Supreme Court advocate Sanjay Hegde, who attended the event as a guest speaker, said, “The removal of 'secular' and 'socialist' from the Preamble is a direct assault on India’s inclusive culture and the values of the freedom struggle. Those uncomfortable with these terms represent a divisive ideology.”

Veteran journalist Anil Chamadia remarked, “The Preamble sets the direction for building a truly equal citizenry. We must understand that the roots of this nation are deep and firm, and ‘secular’ and ‘socialist’ are its very foundation.”

He further added that while the RSS is currently pushing to remove these terms, such attempts are not new. A private member’s bill was introduced in Parliament back in 2005 with the same demand. “These efforts reflect a longstanding agenda of the RSS and corporate lobbies, which must be strongly opposed,” he said.

Shahnawaz Alam, National Secretary of the Indian National Congress, said, “The RSS has always attempted to divide the country on communal lines and preserve caste hierarchies. That is precisely why the terms ‘secular’ and ‘socialist’ bother them. Anyone who supports equality and a religion-neutral state must resist this conspiracy.”

He criticized political parties who invoke Ambedkar’s legacy—like Mayawati, Ramdas Athawale, and Chirag Paswan—for remaining silent in the ongoing debate. “While they claim to be ideological heirs of Ambedkar, they have failed to defend his constitutional vision at this critical juncture,” he added.

Supreme Court advocate Shariq Abbasi said, “Tampering with the Preamble weakens the Constitution. Removing certain words is equivalent to diluting the very essence of our constitutional framework.”

Activist Manvi Verma emphasized, “We must fearlessly and consistently challenge the BJP’s attempt to make Ambedkar’s secular and socialist ideals irrelevant.”

Journalist Masihuzzama Ansari, speaking at the event, stated, “This seminar is being held at a time when the soul of the Constitution and democratic values are under serious threat. This platform brings together civil society, youth, and experts to unite in the defense of India’s constitutional principles.”

The event began with an introduction to the *Hum Bharat Ke Log* platform by founding member Akhlaq Ahmad, who highlighted its purpose and vision.

The seminar was moderated by Dr. Khalid Mohammad Khan

The event witnessed the active participation of senior advocates, journalists, constitutional scholars, socially conscious citizens, student leaders, and representatives of various student organizations from across the country.