Constitution Our Guiding Light Through Dark Times: PM Modi in Rajya Sabha

New Delhi: Concluding a special discussion on the Constitution in Rajya Sabha, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that in a democratic country like India, if there is any source of guidance, it is Constitution. "We have to introspect, look at the vision of our founding fathers and raise our level far more," he said.

Here are the highlights of his speech:

• Nearly 50 members have put forth their views.
• Everyone welcomed it (125th celebrations of Babasaheb's birth anniversary). We don't claim that this was our idea.
• In a democratic country like India, if there is any source of guidance, it is Constitution.
• The Constitution is our source of inspiration, our guide to move ahead.
• For generations to come, we should make them aware of the Constitution and the situation in which it was framed and the contribution of our founding fathers and their vision.
• Our nation cannot forget or ignore the exemplary contribution of Babasaheb Ambedkar.
• Constitution should be a celebration and the message of the Constitution must reach the future generations.
• People never thought that we will last for so long as one country. Our founding fathers gave us such a Constitution that keeps giving us strength.
• Our main work is to frame laws, people voted us for that.
• We make laws and we have to come again and amend even if there are two words left. Basic reason is that we don't think from the Constitution's point of view. That is why we fall prey to politics. That is why we see it with the prism of politics.
• Don't you think there must be pressure on our founding fathers as well?
• Pandit Nehru had said to make our Constitution effective there should be mutual cooperation between both Houses.
• The country is looking at us; we have responsibilities and duties towards the nation.
• In 1946 Dr Ambedkar had said, "it is easy to give power but it is difficult to give vision."
• Ethics Committee had to be formed. I am not criticising anyone.
• Members of the Committee will have to keep reminding us.
• On August 14 Dr Radhakrishnan said, from tomorrow we cannot blame Britishers, whatever we do we will be responsible for it.
• What happened in the meantime that these things got hidden. Let us resolve to change the situation and it is not yet so late to do that.
• We are a young country with majority of population under 65. There is no reason to feel let down.
• Sambhaav and Mambhaav both are needed. Country will run only when there is equality and love.
• I am thinking of a programme. 'Ek Bharat Shreshtra Bharat'. It is just a thought.
• People in South think we impose Hindi on them. Can we ask 36 states to organise Kerala Mahotsav next year. And in Chhattisgarh, we teach Malayam alphabets.
• Later, why not a Malayalam festival in Chhattisgarh. Similarly, one state connects to another state. If we can do this slowly, we can stay united.We have to imbibe that feeling of being one.
• Babasaheb used to say that India should be industrialised.
• I would like to quote Max Muller today. He had said, "If I look across the world where nature has given money, power and beauty, if there is any heaven on earth I will point towards India."
• I once again thank members from my heart. We can create laws and try to take society forward.
• I bow before Basaheb Ambedkar and all those who contributed to the framing of the Constitution.