“Rights Are Meaningful Only When Citizens Know How To Exercise Them”: Mizoram Governor In Constitution Day Programme At Gauhati High Court

“Rights are meaningful only when citizens know how to exercise them. Duties are effective only when people are aware of their importance,” Mizoram Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd) said on Wednesday (November 26) during the Constitution Day programme at the Aizawl bench of Gauhati High Court.As per the press release by the Mizoram Raj Bhavan, speaking at the gathering, the Governor said, “November 26 is not merely the day the Indian Constitution was adopted but also a profound reminder of its enduring value, its vision and its timeless relevance.”He described the Constitution as, “a visionary document that continues to guide India towards a brighter future, emphasising that the Gauhati High Court Aizawl Bench bears a crucial responsibility in upholding justice and protecting the rights of the people of Mizoram under its framework.”Praising the legacy of the Constituent Assembly led by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, he noted, “it had crafted a living Constitution capable of evolving with time. The Assembly, had successfully enshrined the noble ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all citizens while keeping the nation's long-term progress in view.” Describing the Constitution as the soul of democracy, the Governor said the judiciary acts as its guardian. He praised the High Court for its efforts in ensuring that people across the North East receive justice. He also said that Mizoram's strong sense of unity and peaceful coexistence reflects the spirit of fraternity mentioned in the Preamble. He stressed that the true power of the Constitution lies in citizens being aware of their rights and duties.The Governor expressed appreciation for the establishment of numerous Legal Aid Clinics to enhance legal awareness and urged authorities to expand outreach particularly to students, youth, women, the economically weaker sections, residents of remote villages, marginalized individuals, and victims of exploitation. He asserted, “the true protectors of democracy are those citizens and communities who consciously uphold the law. While the Constitution grants fundamental rights, it also imposes fundamental duties, and the strength of the nation depends more on citizens fulfilling their responsibilities than merely possessing laws, he added.” The Governor called upon legal professionals to deliver justice impartially, safeguard individual freedoms without disturbing national security, educate the younger generation about the Constitution's value, promote inclusivity and strive tirelessly to preserve harmony and fraternity.Justice Marli Vankung, Judge, Gauhati High Court, said that fulfilling Fundamental Duties is the responsibility of every citizen and is as important as Fundamental Rights. She warned that focusing only on rights while neglecting duties is detrimental, adding that sincerely discharging the duties assigned by the Constitution alongside enjoying rights would enable the nation to overcome many of its current challenges. Justice Kaushik Goswami, Judge, Gauhati High Court stressed that the values of the Preamble should not remain only on paper and must be followed in real life. He also said that courts should remain accessible to common people and act as spaces where constitutional justice is upheld. The programme also included a brief recounting of how the Constituent Assembly was formed after independence, how Dr. B.R. Ambedkar led the Drafting Committee, and how the Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949, before coming into force on January 26, 1950. A collective reading of the Preamble was held during the event. Several judges, government officials and members of the legal community attended the programme, including District & Sessions Judge Pi Helen Dawngliani and other senior officers connected with the Raj Bhavan and Law & Judicial Department.Click here to read press release

“Rights Are Meaningful Only When Citizens Know How To Exercise Them”: Mizoram Governor In Constitution Day Programme At Gauhati High Court

Bhavya Singh

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