Constitutional Awareness and Scientific Temper among Students
Source:The Hindu ↗
Why It Matters
Provides excellent, specific examples for Mains answers: Dakshayani Velayudhan serves as a prime example of Dalit and women's representation in the Constituent Assembly (GS1/GS2), while C. Subramaniam illustrates political leadership in food security (GS3). Justice Oka's emphasis on scientific temper is a direct application of Fundamental Duties (Article 51A).
Summary
A nationwide quiz hosted by #ReclaimConstitution in Bengaluru emphasized constitutional literacy among students. The event saw the release of a pocket edition of the Constitution by Supreme Court judge Justice Abhay S. Oka, who highlighted the fundamental duty of developing a scientific temper. The program brought attention to key but often underrepresented figures in modern Indian history, such as Dakshayani Velayudhan, the only Dalit woman in the Constituent Assembly, and C. Subramaniam, who spearheaded the introduction of Mexican wheat varieties during the Green Revolution.
Key Points
- A nationwide Constitution Quiz was organized by #ReclaimConstitution to deepen constitutional awareness among students, with the finale held in Bengaluru.
- Supreme Court Justice Abhay S. Oka released a pocket edition of the Constitution and stressed the importance of Article 51A, urging the cultivation of a scientific temper to counter superstitions.
- The event highlighted the legacy of Dakshayani Velayudhan, the sole Dalit woman elected to the Constituent Assembly.
- It also commemorated C. Subramaniam's proactive role in the Green Revolution, notably turning a lawn into a farmland to test Mexican wheat varieties.
Important Terms
Fundamental Duties
A set of 11 moral and civic obligations for citizens, added to Part IV-A of the Constitution via the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, to balance individual rights with social responsibility.
UPSC context
GS Paper II - Indian Polity; tests understanding of citizen obligations, constitutional amendments, and the Swaran Singh Committee recommendations.
Article 51A
The specific constitutional provision enshrining Fundamental Duties. Originally containing 10 duties, clause (k) was added by the 86th Amendment (2002) to mandate education for children aged 6-14.
UPSC context
GS Paper II - Polity; frequently tested in Prelims and Mains regarding the scope and non-justiciable nature of these duties.
Dakshayani Velayudhan
The first and only Dalit woman elected to the Constituent Assembly (1946). A fierce advocate against untouchability, she played a vital role in shaping Article 17 and social justice provisions.
UPSC context
GS Paper I - Modern History & GS Paper II - Social Justice; highlights the role of marginalized voices in constitution-making.
Scientific Temper
A fundamental duty under Article 51A(h) to develop a spirit of inquiry, rational thinking, and humanism. The term was famously coined by Jawaharlal Nehru to promote logical reasoning over superstition.
UPSC context
GS Paper II (Polity) and GS Paper IV (Ethics); tests the application of constitutional values in promoting a progressive society.
Constituent Assembly
The representative body formed in 1946 under the Cabinet Mission Plan to draft India’s Constitution. It functioned as the nation’s first provisional parliament until 1952.
UPSC context
GS Paper II - Polity; core topic for the "Making of the Constitution," including committees, leadership, and diverse representation.
Green Revolution
A period starting in the 1960s characterized by the adoption of High-Yielding Variety (HYV) seeds and modern technology to achieve food self-sufficiency in India.
UPSC context
GS Paper III - Economy/Agriculture; tests knowledge of agricultural transformation, food security, and socio-economic impacts on rural India.
C. Subramaniam
Former Agriculture Minister known as the "Political Father of the Green Revolution." He was instrumental in introducing Mexican wheat varieties and building the administrative framework for India’s agricultural breakthrough.
UPSC context
GS Paper III - Economy; identifies key administrative figures behind major policy shifts in India's development history.
Prelims Trap
"Developing scientific temper and humanism is a Directive Principle of State Policy."
UPSC frequently swaps Fundamental Duties with DPSPs in options. Developing a scientific temper (Article 51A(h)) is a Fundamental Duty of citizens, not a DPSP.
Static Concepts Connected
What was the role of women in the Constituent Assembly?
- Total Count: The Constituent Assembly had exactly 15 women members out of 389.
- Prominent Figures: Key members included Sarojini Naidu, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, Hansa Mehta, and Durgabai Deshmukh.
- Subaltern Voice: Dakshayani Velayudhan was the first and only Dalit woman elected to the Assembly, representing marginalized voices.
What are the key characteristics of Fundamental Duties?
- Origin: Added by the 42nd Amendment Act (1976) on the recommendation of the Swaran Singh Committee.
- Nature: They are non-justiciable, meaning they cannot be directly enforced by courts, similar to DPSPs.
- Scientific Temper: Article 51A(h) specifically mandates citizens to develop scientific temper, humanism, and spirit of inquiry.
Cross-Topic Patterns
Polity & Subaltern History Intersections
UPSC increasingly tests obscure historical personalities from marginalized backgrounds (e.g., Dakshayani Velayudhan) in Modern History, moving away from only mainstream freedom fighters.
Green Revolution & Post-Independence Consolidation
C. Subramaniam's role as a political architect of the Green Revolution bridges Post-Independence Consolidation (History) with Agriculture and Food Security (Economy).
Expect match-the-following pairings of lesser-known Constituent Assembly members (like Velayudhan) with their unique roles in prelims 2026.
Linked PYQs · 3
Linked PYQs · 3
- 2011PrelimsGS1
Under the Constitution of India, which one of the following is not a fundamental duty?
- 2017MainsGS3
Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after independence in India. How these revolutions have helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India?
- 2024PrelimsGS1
Who was the Provisional President of the Constituent Assembly before Dr. Rajendra Prasad took over?
