The words “secular” and “socialist” were added to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution through the 42nd Amendment passed by the government.
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution, compiled it along with six other members. They worked with deep thought, sufficient care, and full commitment. This Constitution was adopted on Republic Day in 1950 with a strong promise. It recognised India as a “sovereign democratic republic.” These words were clear and powerful. They made people feel proud. But in 1976, something unusual happened. The country was going through the Emergency. It was a time when many freedoms were lost. During this period, the government added two new words to the Constitution’s Preamble. The words were “secular” and “socialist.” These words were not part of the original version. Now, on 26th June 2025, Dattatreya Hosabale, the current Sarkaryavah or General Secretary of the RSS, asked a gentle question. He raised this on an occasion to mark 50 years since the declaration of the Emergency. He asked whether these two words still fit in India’s journey. He did not say they are wrong or ask for an immediate change. He simply invited everyone to discuss the matter. The question is about who we are as a nation. Are we still comfortable with these added words? Or is it time to look at them again?
The Emergency lasted from June 25, 1975, to March 21, 1977. It was a difficult time. Many leaders were sent to jail. The freedom of the press was challenged. People were not allowed to protest. During this time, the government passed the 42nd Amendment. This was when the words “secular” and “socialist” were added to the Preamble. Many people feel that making such changes during a period without public freedom was unfair. The RSS was also targeted during the Emergency. Many of its key leaders were arrested. Now, the RSS says it is time to ask whether that change was just. They want to have a calm discussion, not a conflict.
Let us first look at the word “secular.” In many countries, it means that the government and religion are kept completely separate. But India has always followed a different path. India respects all religions. It is a land where temples, mosques, and churches stand next to each other. India’s way has been more about peaceful living and coexistence than strict separation. The idea is called Sarva Dharma Sambhava. It means all religions are equal and welcome. The Constitution already has Articles 25 to 28 that protect religious freedom. These Articles give every citizen the right to follow, practice, and live by their faith. Hosabale says that “secular” may not be the right word to express our national spirit. He believes it sounds like a borrowed term from the West. It does not truly match the Indian way. The RSS believes that India is already inclusive. So, maybe we do not need this extra label. Our values are present even without the word. Some people fear that removing “secular” may lead to religious bias. But Hosabale is strongly against any form of discrimination. He never says that one religion should be above others. He believes that the Indian way of including everyone comes naturally.
Now, let us look at the word “socialist.” This word suggests a system where the government controls most of the economy. It also means working to reduce the gap between rich and poor. That goal is surely good. But the question is whether the word “socialist” limits India’s freedom to try new economic ideas. Dr. Ambedkar wanted India to stay open to many paths. Since 1991, India’s economy has changed a lot. We now have a mix of public welfare and private enterprise. The government runs many schemes to help the poor. These include free gas, housing, healthcare, and food. At the same time, we support private companies and welcome foreign investment. Hosabale says that India does not need to be tied to one label. The Constitution already has Directive Principles. These are guidelines for the government to help the poor and promote fairness. So, is the word “socialist” still relevant to us? Or has it become outdated for the new India? This is a question worth discussing.
Critics like Sanjay Hegde have shared their concerns. He wrote in India Today that removing these words may reduce fairness. He fears it might lead to a system where only one group holds power. But Hosabale replies that fairness is not being removed. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the RSS was attacking the Constitution. But the RSS denied this. They say they are defending the original spirit of the Constitution, not breaking it. It is a simple question. And it deserves a clear answer. The RSS just wants to talk about whether these two words truly reflect who we are. It is simply questioning the logic behind the change made to the Constitution’s Preamble during a time when people had no right to speak. If that is the case, should we not at least talk about it now? In 2024, the Supreme Court said that adding “secular” and “socialist” was valid. But even the Court cannot stop people from thinking and talking. The heart of democracy is the right to ask questions. Hosabale says that just because a change is legal does not mean it cannot be discussed. And he is right. A healthy society always reflects on itself. This is a self-reflection.
The RSS dreams of a Constitution that feels deeply Bharatiya. Not just by namesake, but in its true spirit. This does not mean excluding anyone. It means drawing strength from our ancient values of harmony, compassion, and openness. When Hosabale speaks of Hindutva, he speaks of a way of life. He does never mean religious power or domination. He sees it as a large home where everyone is welcome to sit and share a meal. The aim is not to reject anyone. It is to ensure that the Constitution reflects who we really are. We are rooted in a history of sanatan cultural nationalism but open to the future.
Our Constitution is a living document. The people of India are its true authors. Not just leaders, not just the courts, but every citizen. Hosabale’s speech is a starting point. It invites us to ask ourselves what kind of country we want to become. What words truly reflect our values? If the Emergency was a time of silence, maybe now is the time to open up freely. Let us keep our minds open to new ideas. Let us treat one another with respect. Let us speak not to argue, but to understand. We might find that some old values still work for us. Or we might feel the need to make small changes. Either way, we will be doing something meaningful. We will be thinking together as one nation. And that is the true essence of democracy.
Ranjan Das
Patkai Christian College