OdishaPlus Bureau
In a deft move, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has reiterated the demand for inclusion of the word ‘Ahimsa’ (non-violence) in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. There couldn’t have a better time and place than this for this demand. One, he was addressing the meeting of the national committee for the celebration of 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi where President Ram Nath Kovind chaired the meeting that was also attended by vice-president Venkaiah Naidu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others.
The second reason why Naveen’s demand is opportune is the current spell of agitation and the violence therein. What Naveen said is pertinent. ‘Ahimsa’ is the most powerful message given by India to the world. It had made our freedom struggle a unique one in the entire world and ‘Ahimsa’ is the only path of peace and equality.’
Naveen also called upon the youth to adopt Gandhiji’s ‘Ahimsa’ for development. Undoubtedly, the adoption of ‘Ahimsa’ will make the Indian freedom struggle more meaningful and Mahatma Gandhi will continue to be the source of inspiration for the entire world. Moreover, Independence has no meaning until poverty is eradicated. Naveen made the point clear when he said development can be achieved only by the defeat of forces who divide society on the basis of caste, religion, and color.
The Chief Minister said it would be a fitting tribute to the Mahatma if ‘Ahimsa’ is included in the preamble of the Indian Constitution. Unquestionably, Gandhiji’s philosophy of ‘Ahimsa’, poverty and social injustice are major sources of motivation. Generally, ahimsa means non-violence. But to Gandhi, “it has a much higher, infinitely higher meaning.
It means that you may not offend anybody; you may not harbor uncharitable thought, even in connection with those who consider your enemies. To one who follows this doctrine, there are no enemies.”Most of Gandhi’s intellectual, social and political ethics and beliefs developed in the search of truth and non -violence, or ahimsa. Ahimsa is also referred to as nonviolence, according to many religions. It applies to all living beings and therefore is a comprehensive principle.
It may be recalled that Naveen had made this suggestion while attending the first meeting of National Committee for Commemoration of the 150th Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi had said adding this concept in the Preamble of the Indian constitution will be a “greatest tribute” to Mahatma Gandhi.
Followers of Mahatma Gandhi in Odisha too had launched a signature campaign supporting Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s suggestion of incorporating the word “ahimsa” (non-violence) in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. The campaign was launched at a function marking the celebration of August Kranti Diwas. Noted freedom fighter Bhabani Charan Patnaik was the first person to sign the campaign supporting the Chief Minister’s suggestions.
The preamble sets out the guiding purpose, principles, and philosophy of the Indian Constitution and once ahimsa gets a place in it as demanded by Naveen, it will be guiding principle for all time to come.