Constitution Embodies Spirit of Taking Everyone Along: Dr Mohan Bhagwat

• Dr Mohan Bhagwat says India’s Constitution is rooted in civilisational values and collective harmony
• Seminar highlights the need to connect constitutional principles with India’s cultural traditions
• Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat calls for rewriting history based on Indian perspectives
• Over 1500 historians attend; 120 research papers presented on opening day

GG News Bureau
Panipat, 6th Dec: A three-day national seminar on Indian History, Culture and the Constitution began at Madhav Seva Nyas, Patti Kalyan in Samalkha, Panipat, where RSS Sarsanghchalak Dr Mohan Bhagwat asserted that the spirit of India’s Constitution is rooted in the inclusive ethos of taking everyone along. The event, organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojna, is being held from December 5 to 7 and witnessed participation from eminent historians, scholars and representatives associated with tribal research and cultural studies.

Dr Bhagwat inaugurated and viewed a special exhibition presented by the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) on Jammu–Kashmir–Ladakh. Addressing the opening ceremony, he said the Constitution, while a written document, draws its strength from India’s ancient civilisational principles.

He emphasised that Indian society functioned harmoniously even before the existence of written laws or formal governance structures. This, he said, was possible because of adherence to “Dharma”, which he defined as a natural principle that sustains society, ensures collective well-being and maintains balance. He added that rulers emerged only when moral decline necessitated structured authority, but even then the duty of governance was to protect people and uphold Dharma.

Dr Bhagwat noted that the preamble beginning with “We, the people of India” reflects a sense of unity deeply rooted in India’s cultural traditions. He said this sentiment is not recent but has existed since ancient times, a fact evident even in the illustrations placed within the Constitution. He called for presenting India’s history and traditions accurately and wisely, stressing that true understanding of Dharma and culture will guide society’s progress and strengthen the nation.

Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, speaking as the special guest, said the rewriting of Indian history is essential. He argued that for the first time in decades, India is witnessing a national resurgence aligned with cultural identity. He highlighted the need for digitising manuscripts and using modern tools such as AI for historical research.

ICHR Chairman Padma Shri Prof. Raghuvendra Tanwar said it is impossible to understand the Constitution without understanding India’s culture. He observed that Partition had fractured the social fabric and must be studied for its long-term impact.

Akhil Bharatiya Itihas Sankalan Yojna patron Gopal Narayan Singh stressed the need to reconstruct scattered historical narratives that were disrupted by centuries of invasions. National president Dr Devi Prasad Singh recited a poem titled “If the Constitution Had a Voice”, arguing that the Constitution cannot be separated from Indian cultural foundations.

The event was attended by senior RSS leader Suresh Soni, North Zone Sanghchalak Pawan Jindal, and several other dignitaries. Conducted by Prof. Ishwarsharan Vishwakarma, the ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Ramesh Dhariwal.

The seminar has drawn nearly 1,500 historians from across the country. On the first day, 120 research papers were presented, with around 230 more scheduled over the next two days.