Constitution as a Living Framework: Key Reflections from Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Ki Oar 4.0 Opening Ceremony

The week-long immersive conclave “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Ki Oar 4.0 - Sankraman Kaal” organised by JYOT commenced with an opening ceremony that brought together members of the judiciary, the Bar and spiritual leadership to reflect on the convergence of ancient Indian wisdom and contemporary constitutional thought.

The conclave seeks to explore the idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world as one family, by examining how the present global order was shaped, why it appears to be failing and how timeless civilizational principles may guide the building of harmonious societies, responsible nations and a just, interconnected world.

The exhibition accompanying the conclave is principled on the idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam and presents twelve timeless principles that underscore the foundations of strong families, ethical governance and social harmony, while situating today’s geopolitical and legal challenges within a broader civilizational framework rooted in responsibility, compassion and coexistence.

Senior Advocate and President of the Bombay Bar Association, Shri Nitin Thakker, while speaking at the opening ceremony, invoked Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s vision of the Constitution as a living instrument. Referring to Dr. Ambedkar’s words, he observed that the Constitution is not a mere lawyer’s document but a vehicle of life whose spirit reflects the spirit of the age. He noted that India’s civilizational understanding of life has always been grounded in responsibility, compassion and coexistence, values that continue to animate the constitutional framework. Highlighting the historical context in which the Constitution was framed, Thakker remarked that although the Constitution was born in a time of upheaval, it consciously chose fraternity over fear, dignity over dominance and equality over inherited hierarchy.

Former Supreme Court Judge Justice B.N. Srikrishna continued the discourse by emphasising the importance of understanding the culture and ethos of the country while engaging with constitutional principles. He underlined that faith, awareness and sensitivity to social realities are essential to ensure that constitutional values are meaningfully sustained during periods of change. Drawing from ancient scriptures, he invoked the timeless maxim;

आत्मनः प्रतिकूलानि परेषां न समाचरेत्।

Do not do to others what is adverse or hurtful to yourself

Resonating with the idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbhkam, he quoted:

अयं निजः परो वेति गणना लघुचेतसाम्।

उदारचरितानां तु वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्॥

 “This is mine, that is yours” is the thinking of the small-minded. For the large-hearted, the whole world is one family.

Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, S. Chandrashekhar, reflected on the idea of “Sankraman Kaal” - a transitional phase and the role of constitutional institutions within it. He observed that the endurance of the Constitution is not a matter of inviolability but of continuous engagement by the institutions it created and by the people in whose name it was adopted.

Acknowledging that the Constitution does not offer ready-made solutions to every new challenge, Chief Justice Chandrashekhar stated that it provides principles and processes through which answers can be responsibly developed.

He stressed that constitutional values, institutional dialogue and regional adjudication remain essential tools for navigating transitional periods. Drawing parallels between ancient and modern frameworks, he observed that while ancient Indian scriptures speak of Dharma, justice and restraint of power, the modern Constitution articulates rule of law, rights, accountability and governance, and that the intersection of these transitions can enrich the understanding of constitutional purpose.

Emphasising the responsibility of the younger generation, Chief Justice Chandrashekhar noted that the task of carrying forward the constitutional legacy rests with young lawyers, scholars and teachers. For them, he said, the Constitution must not appear as a distant historical artifact but as a living framework that shapes everyday life and offers tools for social transformation.

Former Chief Justice of India Justice B.R. Gavai highlighted Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s emphasis on the Directive Principles of State Policy, observing that Ambedkar regarded them as vital to the achievement of social and economic equality and justice in the country. Justice Gavai underscored that equal importance must be accorded to the Directive Principles and Fundamental Rights to ensure balanced and meaningful constitutional governance.

Spiritual leader His Holiness Yugbhushansuriji Maharaj spoke on India’s growing global stature, stating that no country enjoys as much global trust as India today.

Referring to India’s emerging role as a leader of the Global South, he emphasised the need to raise a collective voice for reform of legal systems so that the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam can acquire true and practical meaning.

He further observed that enforcement cannot take place without strong leadership, noting that the initiative has been undertaken with the hope of transforming legal systems by reviving ancient values in contemporary governance.

The conclave, through its dialogue between civilizational thought and constitutional practice, seeks to situate the Indian Constitution not merely as a legal document but as a moral and social compass capable of guiding society through a period of profound transition.