Politically correct: Mumbai students raise awareness on Constitution on Republic Day

Through flash mobs, rallies and street-corner meetings, students raised awareness on civic responsibilities and threats to the Constitution.

As the nation celebrated the 69th Republic Day, college students in the city hit the streets on Friday to familiarise citizens with the Constitution of India and the significance of Republic Day.

Students of Ambedkar College of Law in Mumbai took out a rally to sensitise people about constitutional values on Republic Day. (HT Photo)

Through flash mobs, rallies and street-corner meetings, students raised awareness on civic responsibilities and threats to the Constitution.

A group of around 120 students from the Rotaract Club of HR College, Churchgate, gathered near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus station to inculcate a sense of patriotism and civic responsibility among commuters. They asked commuters if they knew about Republic Day and the Constitution. If respondents were unsure about the significance of the day, students would brief them on the same. “We would all recite the pledge in school. But no one remembers it after that. That’s why we wanted to do something,” said Nitin Kamdar, a member of the club.

The students also staged a flash mob consisting of a skit and a dance routine to highlight some problems faced by India. They also raised awareness about using seat belts and helmets while driving. “Road accidents happen every day. We should be aware of our responsibilities,” said Kamdar. Students and staff of the Ambedkar Law College, Wadala, held a march from the college campus to the Dadar station. They conducted various activities, including a street play on fraternity and secularism. A book on the speeches of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar was also released. “The campaign was aimed at sensitising people on constitutional values. The students are ready to build a society based on justice, liberty, equality and fraternity,” said Jaymangal Dhanraj, principal of the college.

A group of 20 activists from the Ambedkar Students Association (Mumbai) participated in ‘Save the Constitution’ rally organised by Opposition leaders. “Constitutional rights are being violated in the educational sphere. Students should safeguard these rights,” said Sachin Malharkar, president of the association.