India’s First Constitution Museum To Be Inaugurated Today

O.P. Jindal Global University is proud to announce the Inauguration of India’s First Constitution Museum and the Inaugural Session of the National Convention on the Constitution of India, on Saturday, 23rd November 2024 at O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), Sonipat.

The prestigious event will take place in the esteemed presence of the Hon’ble Speaker of Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Nayab Singh Saini, Hon'ble Minister of State for Law and Justice, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, and Hon’ble Chancellor of JGU and Member of Parliament, Shri Naveen Jindal. It is an unparalleled initiative and a landmark institution in the annals of Indian constitutional history.

The Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University Shri Naveen Jindal, M.P. (Lok Sabha) said, “We dedicate the Constitution Museum to the nation, encouraging the youth of India who are the leaders of tomorrow, to embrace the Constitution of India as a beacon of knowledge that shapes and governs the future of our country. The first-of-its-kind Constitution Academy is an ambitious project which has never been envisaged by any other institution in India. It is a living testament to our democratic governance structure which has instilled India with glory and triumph in its foundational principles. The Constitution has guided our country towards equality, development, balance, and growth, while protecting its people and staying true to India’s spirit as a free and independent nation.”

JGU has established India’s First Constitution Museum to enrich the understanding of the Constitution with various sections highlighting its significance and the historical debates that shaped its creation. The museum will feature engaging installations and interactive displays that illuminate the journey of the Constitution over the past 75 years. The museum will be a key destination for understanding the Constitution, with sections dedicated to each part of the document and its significance. Through many formats—textual, audio-visual, experiential— the museum will ignite visitors’ interest in the Constitution, its evolution and its various components.  

Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, the Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University said on this momentous occasion, “The year 2024 commemorates the 75th year of the adoption of the Constitution, which took place on November 26, 1949, but came into force on January 26, 1950. This marked the inception of India as a Democratic Republic. India today is revered not just as the world’s largest democracy, but as a country governed by a set of forward-looking and equitable provisions enshrined in its Constitution. The Constitution Museum and The Rights and Freedoms Academy was set up on the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution. The museum pays homage to this exceptional document representing the hopes and aspirations of a billion-plus people. It is also a tribute to those remarkable men and women who spent years drafting the Constitution. At the helm was Dr B. R. Ambedkar, known and revered as the Architect of the Constitution.”

Towards this end, cutting edge technology, AI driven interactive experiences, 3-D installations and progressive displays will be a key part of this novel museum, the first of its kind to be established at any educational institution. The collaboration between the O.P. Jindal Global University and the celebrated centre for technical expertise at IIT Madras will bring to life an unprecedented experience to commemorate the most significant document that defines India as a Republic.   The S.A.M.V.I.D. project will utilise advanced language models making visitor’s experience interactive, providing guided tours and detailed information about the exhibits, including profiles of every member of the Constituent Assembly and their pivotal contributions to the Constitution. This collaboration signifies a significant step towards integrating technology into educational and cultural experiences. 

The Dedication Ceremony of the Constitution Museum & the Rights and Freedoms Academy will take place on Tuesday, 26th November 2024.  The Constitution Day Lecture on the theme ‘Giving to Ourselves’ – The Constitution of India will be delivered by Professor Gopalkrishna Gandhi, Former High Commissioner & Ambassador, and Former Governor of West Bengal.

The art featured in the museum, anticipated to be a major attraction, will include both pieces from the original handcrafted document and artworks inspired by the Constitution.  

The sculptures in The Constitution Gardens visually narrate the principles of liberty, equality, justice, and fraternity embedded in the Constitution. Inspired by illustrated manuscripts and key excerpts, these artworks celebrate India's geographical diversity while reflecting the unifying vision of the Constitution.

Rajesh P. Subramanian's sculpture, ‘We, The People of India’, embodies "unity in diversity," a core constitutional principle. Made from stone and bronze, it showcases India's cultural evolution through historical monuments, with symbols like the Charkha and Ashoka Chakra representing self-reliance and justice. In ‘Echoes of Liberty’, Rahul Gautam combines brass with green patina to create a mural that fuses elements from constitutional manuscripts with modern design. The centrepiece is the Unicorn Seal of the Indus Valley Civilisation, symbolising ancient heritage, while the Sanchi Stupa represents justice and democracy. Harsha Durugadda's ‘Triad of Unity’ features three interconnected lions inspired by the Lion Capital of Ashoka, linking themes of unity, justice, and sovereignty. Its intricate design serves as a contemporary reinterpretation of historical significance. Artisans from Jaipur have crafted ‘The Frame’ from black marble, showcasing the cover page of the Constitution of India, intricately designed with an inverted "V" shape cut out and hollowed, symbolising both strength and vulnerability. Nishant S. Kumbhatil's ‘Insaaf Ki Devi’ crafted from scrap metal, portrays lady justice holding a balance, a powerful emblem of impartiality in Indian law. The blindfold signifies objectivity, free from bias or prejudice, while the scales represent balanced judgement and equity. Through its rugged materials and form, the piece pays homage to the ideals of the Constitution, reflecting the resilience and fairness embedded in India's justice system. Pradeep B. Jogdand’s ‘Equality Before Law’ features diverse faces atop a boat-like structure made from black marble, symbolising equality and justice. The contrasting materials highlight the duality of justice while representing hope amidst societal challenges. Deval Verma's large-scale ‘Map of India’ utilises scrap metal, often perceived as waste, challenging viewers to reconsider notions of value and beauty. This installation reflects the constitutional ethos that every individual, regardless of their background or status, holds intrinsic worth and plays a vital role in the collective identity of the nation. K. R. Nariman’s ‘Freedom’ celebrates "We, the People" who uphold constitutional values in daily lives as citizens. It showcases an airborne figure, representing the visionary constitution makers, expressing their aspirations as written values which holds together a varied nation. Finally, Rahul Gautam’s sculpture ‘Founding Mothers’ artistically represents an imagined photograph featuring the 15 women members of the Constituent Assembly, honouring their contributions to shaping India's constitutional framework.

Ms. Anjchita B. Nair, CEO, Culture and Head, Centre for Museums, who curated the museum emphasised on how the Constitution Museum steers away from the typical unidirectional tone taken by conventional museums, using a multitude of formats for innovative storytelling. She said, “The idea behind the space is to demystify the Constitution and make it accessible to wider audiences. Apart from being an avenue for learning that ignites people’s curiosities, we seek to instil a sense of pride and awe for the Constitution of India. The focus is on understanding the intent of the makers of the Constitution and appreciating the tumultuous journey we have undertaken in the last 75 years.”

The Academy will also house an archive of expert interviews that delves into various aspects of the Constitution, particularly the evolution of fundamental rights guaranteed to citizens of India. This shall be a dynamic archive that will continue to grow with the Constitution. A Children's Corner, with its interactive installations, quizzing stations, graphic pamphlets and novels shall introduce these complex concepts in a fun, experiential and accessible manner.