Latest news with #Preamble


The Hindu
2 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Many tongues, one Constitution: Alternative Law Forum brings out Preamble in Karnataka's languages
Karnataka, a State encompassing many worlds, is home to around 150 languages and dialects belonging to different language families. Ashwini Bodh, lecturer, activist and researcher at Alternative Law Forum (ALF), has embarked on a mission to weave this linguistic diversity into promoting Constitutional literacy. Ms. Bodh has been working to bring out the Preamble of the Indian Constitution in the different languages of Karnataka and so far, has reproduced it in six languages of the State. Constitutional literacy Ms. Bodh's work is part of a larger effort by ALF to promote Constitutional literacy in the State. The team at ALF has been actively working towards this since the time of the CAA-NRC protests, looking at ways in which they could help the people culturally connect to the Constitution. It was while working on this campaign that the idea to produce the Preamble in different languages struck Ms. Bodh. 'I came across some people in the areas bordering Tamil Nadu speaking in Aruvu, which is a mix of Tamil, Telugu and Kannada. We have so many tribal communities who speak languages such as Soliga. We also have languages such as Byari, Tulu, Kodava, Konkani and so on,' she says. Noting that it was this sheer diversity that inspired her to propose the idea to the team, she adds, 'If people get material in their own language or mother tongue, they can easily connect with it and understand it better. They'd feel a sense of belonging.' Native speakers to the aid ALF has so far brought out the Preamble in Aruvu, Byari, Iruliga, Lambani, Malame, and Sankethi. Native speakers, as well as researchers helped with the translation. For example, while Byari translation was done with the help of a native speaker from Belthangady, a friend from Dakshina Kannada, whose mother tongue is Malame, helped with the Malame version of the Preamble. Aruvu and Sankethi were ready quickly with the help of researchers who were proficient in the languages. 'Iruliga is spoken by the Iruliga community found in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. They are a very small community falling under the Scheduled Tribe category and are seen in regions such as Chamarajanagar and Hosur. A researcher who works with the community helped us translate the preamble into Iruliga,' says Ms. Bodh. No mean feat The translations, however, were no mean feat. While in the case of some languages it was difficult to find people who could translate the preamble without diluting its spirit and meaning, in the case of others it was simply difficult to get hold of native speakers to do the job. 'Each word needs to be translated authentically and precisely,' she says. 'Take the case of 'liberty.' People might translate it into something that means 'freedom'. But liberty is more than freedom.' According to Ms. Bodh, the plan is to translate the preamble to around 15 languages of the State. The latest version being introduced is in Dakhni Urdu, which was prepared with the assistance of Ishrat Nisar, a journalist, lecturer, and the sister of International Booker winner Banu Mushtaq. Works of Preamble in Tulu are also under way. ALF also plans to bring out versions in Yarava, Kodava, Konkani, Korra, Navyathi, Belchada, Soliga, Jenu Kuruba, and Shillekyatha in the coming days. 'Anyone who is proficient in these languages are free to reach out to us,' Ms. Bodh appeals, hoping to bring out the translated versions in audio and video formats too.


The Hindu
3 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Many tongues, one Constitution: ALF brings out Preamble in Karnataka's languages
Karnataka, a State encompassing many worlds, is home to around 150 languages and dialects belonging to different language families. Ashwini Bodh, lecturer, activist and researcher at Alternative Law Forum (ALF), has embarked on a mission to weave this linguistic diversity into promoting Constitutional literacy. Ms. Bodh has been working to bring out the Preamble of the Indian Constitution in the different languages of Karnataka and so far, has reproduced it in six languages of the State. Constitutional literacy Ms. Bodh's work is part of a larger effort by ALF to promote Constitutional literacy in the State. The team at ALF has been actively working towards this since the time of the CAA-NRC protests, looking at ways in which they could help the people culturally connect to the Constitution. It was while working on this campaign that the idea to produce the Preamble in different languages struck Ms. Bodh. 'I came across some people in the areas bordering Tamil Nadu speaking in Aruvu, which is a mix of Tamil, Telugu and Kannada. We have so many tribal communities who speak languages such as Soliga. We also have languages such as Byari, Tulu, Kodava, Konkani and so on,' she says. Noting that it was this sheer diversity that inspired her to propose the idea to the team, she adds, 'If people get material in their own language or mother tongue, they can easily connect with it and understand it better. They'd feel a sense of belonging.' Native speakers to the aid ALF has so far brought out the Preamble in Aruvu, Byari, Iruliga, Lambani, Malame, and Sankethi. Native speakers, as well as researchers helped with the translation. For example, while Byari translation was done with the help of a native speaker from Belthangady, a friend from Dakshina Kannada, whose mother tongue is Malame, helped with the Malame version of the Preamble. Aruvu and Sankethi were ready quickly with the help of researchers who were proficient in the languages. 'Iruliga is spoken by the Iruliga community found in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. They are a very small community falling under the Scheduled Tribe category and are seen in regions such as Chamarajanagar and Hosur. A researcher who works with the community helped us translate the preamble into Iruliga,' says Ms. Bodh. No mean feat The translations, however, were no mean feat. While in the case of some languages it was difficult to find people who could translate the preamble without diluting its spirit and meaning, in the case of others it was simply difficult to get hold of native speakers to do the job. 'Each word needs to be translated authentically and precisely,' she says. 'Take the case of 'liberty.' People might translate it into something that means 'freedom'. But liberty is more than freedom.' According to Ms. Bodh, the plan is to translate the preamble to around 15 languages of the State. The latest version being introduced is in Dakhni Urdu, which was prepared with the assistance of Ishrat Nisar, a journalist, lecturer, and the sister of International Booker winner Banu Mushtaq. Works of Preamble in Tulu are also under way. ALF also plans to bring out versions in Yarava, Kodava, Konkani, Korra, Navyathi, Belchada, Soliga, Jenu Kuruba, and Shillekyatha in the coming days. 'Anyone who is proficient in these languages are free to reach out to us,' Ms. Bodh appeals, hoping to bring out the translated versions in audio and video formats too.


Time of India
7 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Important to provide value-based edu: MLA Devegowda
Mysuru: Chamundeshwari MLA GT Devegowda on Friday emphasised the importance of value-based education while speaking at the taluk-level school reopening ceremony held in Naganahalli village, Mysuru taluk. "Education should not just produce intelligence but also character," he said, urging schools to integrate yoga, meditation, academics, and extracurriculars into students' daily routines. He called for mutual respect among headmasters and teachers, encouraging collaboration without ego. Devegowda stressed that teachers should instil moral and human values, and parents must accompany children on the first day of school to understand their role in a child's education. "Parents are gods, and teachers are the first gurus," he noted, urging educators to engage with parents if children are absent or not admitted. Highlighting past struggles of teachers who cycled to remote schools without basic amenities, he said current govt support—including buses, better pay, and infrastructure—demands renewed commitment from educators. He advocated teaching arts, drama, and literature to nurture well-rounded individuals and cited chief minister Siddaramaiah's fond memories of his schoolteacher as an example of a teacher's lasting impact. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Devegowda also shared his contributions as MLA, including fencing, documentation, and drinking water facilities for govt schools. He lauded students who recited the Constitution's Preamble and encouraged this practice to foster leadership qualities. "With community support and dedicated teaching, our schools can become centres of excellence," added Devegowda.


India Today
06-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Telangana model, no 50% quota cap: Congress's 3 suggestions on caste census
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP of hypocrisy over the caste census, saying the government had earlier ridiculed the Congress for demanding it, but is now quietly adopting the same policy. He then offered three suggestions for the nationwide caste census exercise. In a post on X, Kharge shared excerpts from a letter he wrote to PM Modi, pointing out the Congress's previous attempts to call for a comprehensive caste census. 'I had written to you on April 16, 2023 putting forward the Indian National Congress's demand for an up-to-date caste census. Regrettably, I never received any reply to this letter,' he wrote. 'Unfortunately, your party leaders and yourself went on to attack the INC and its leadership for raising this legitimate demand which you today acknowledge is in the interests of deeper social justice and empowerment,' Kharge said, questioning the government's sudden shift in stance. In his letter, Kharge made three specific suggestions: Adopt the Telangana model: 'The design of the census questionnaire is crucial. The Union Home Ministry must draw upon the Telangana model—both the methodology adopted for finalising the questionnaire, as well as the final set of questions asked,' he said. 'The design of the census questionnaire is crucial. The Union Home Ministry must draw upon the Telangana model—both the methodology adopted for finalising the questionnaire, as well as the final set of questions asked,' he said. Remove 50% cap on reservations: Kharge demanded a constitutional amendment to lift the 'arbitrarily imposed 50% ceiling' on reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. Kharge demanded a constitutional amendment to lift the 'arbitrarily imposed 50% ceiling' on reservations for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. Implement Article 15(5): Referring to the constitutional provision that allows reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs in private educational institutions, Kharge said it must now be implemented in full. 'Conducting any exercise such as the caste census which gives the backward, the oppressed and the marginalised sections of our society their rights cannot and should not be considered divisive in any way,' Kharge wrote, stressing that the Congress views it as essential to fulfilling the Preamble's promise of social and economic justice. He also urged PM Modi to hold an all-party dialogue on the issue, saying: 'I trust my suggestions will receive your serious consideration.' Kharge's letter came amid criticism from the Congress that the PM Modi-led government has made a 'desperate U-turn' on the issue of caste census. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh had questioned whether the PM would 'have the honesty to acknowledge' the change in policy and commit to a timeline for the exercise. The Congress has maintained that the Centre's announcement is yet another example of the PM Modi government first opposing a progressive move, then attacking its proponents, and eventually adopting the same policy under public pressure. Tune In


NDTV
01-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
"Biggest Challenge From Within": Jagdeep Dhankhar Attacks Judiciary Again
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has called for understanding and maturity among constitutional institutions to be mindful of their defined limits in order to foster mutual respect among them. He pointed out that conflicts between constitutional institutions do not help in maintaining a thriving democracy. "Every institution has its own defined role, and no institution should encroach on another's responsibility. We must honour the Constitution in its true spirit," Mr Dhankhar said at the launch of Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel's memoir ' Chunautiyan Mujhe Pasand Hain '. While the Vice President did not name any constitutional institution, he was critical of the Supreme Court over its landmark judgment that set deadlines for the President and Governors to clear bills passed by state assemblies. "The most dangerous challenges are the ones that come from within... which we cannot openly discuss. These have no logical basis, no connection to national development, and are rooted in governance. I have personally endured such challenges," he said. "It is our binding duty that all constitutional institutions respect each other - and such respect is only possible when institutions function within their respective domains. When there is confrontation, democracy does not flourish," Mr Dhankhar said. "To comment on a post as dignified as the President's is, in my opinion, a matter of deep reflection," he added, this time clearly alluding to the Supreme Court. सबसे खतरनाक चुनौती वह होती है, जो अपनों से मिलती है - जिसकी हम चर्चा भी नहीं कर सकते। जिसका कोई तार्किक आधार नहीं होता, जिसका राष्ट्र के विकास से कोई संबंध नहीं होता, जो केवल राज्य-कार्य से जुड़ी होती है। आप ही नहीं, महामहिम राज्यपाल, मैं भी इन चुनौतियों का शिकार रहा हूँ -... — Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) May 1, 2025 "Just as the legislature cannot deliver legal judgments - which is the judiciary's domain - similarly, the judiciary must refrain... I have the highest regard for the judiciary. Having practised law for over four decades, I can say we have some of the finest judges. But I appeal for a collaborative and cooperative approach," he said. On April 22, the Vice President's public attacks on the Supreme Court included criticism for contradictory statements, in two separate landmark verdicts, about the Preamble of the Constitution - the 1967 IC Golaknath case and the 1973 Kesavananda Bharati case. Mr Dhankhar also questioned the court's role during the Emergency imposed by former prime minister Indira Gandhi in 1975. "In one case, the Supreme Court says the Preamble is not part of the Constitution... in another it says it is... but let there be no doubt about the Constitution. Elected representatives will be ultimate masters of what the Constitution will be. There cannot be any authority above them..." The Supreme Court, he said, had overturned verdicts by nine high courts on the imposition of Emergency, which he called "the darkest phase in democratic history", and the suspension of fundamental rights. "I say 'darkest' because the highest court in the land ignored the verdict of nine high courts... that democracy's fundamental rights could never be put on hold..." In the judgment that set deadlines for the President to decide on bills, the Supreme Court used the power vested in Article 142 of the Constitution, which gives it special powers to pass orders that are enforceable across the country and are "necessary for doing complete justice in any cause or matter pending before it".