Book Review: ‘Our Living Constitution’ by Shashi Tharoor

Book Title: Our Living Constitution – A concise introduction and commentary
Author: Shashi Tharoor
Publisher: Aleph Book Company
Number of Pages: 128
ISBN: 978-9365233728
Date Published: May 10, 2025
Price: INR 390

Book Review

Shashi Tharoor’s “Our Living Constitution – A concise introduction and commentary” offers a compelling and accessible exploration of the Indian Constitution’s origins, evolution, and ongoing relevance. Tharoor opens with a vivid recounting of the historic moment when the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution on 26 November 1949, emphasizing both its artistic grandeur and the profound hopes it embodied for a newly independent nation. He skillfully weaves together historical narrative and contemporary reflection, highlighting the Constitution as not merely a legal framework but as a living document that continues to shape-and be shaped by-the aspirations and challenges of Indian democracy.

One of the book’s strengths lies in its balanced portrayal of the founding visionaries, particularly Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Jawaharlal Nehru. Tharoor draws on their speeches and warnings to underscore the fragility of democracy and the ever-present risk of constitutional ideals being subverted by those in power. The author’s analysis is both timely and resonant, as he connects the concerns of the past-such as the dangers of majoritarianism and the need for pluralism-with contemporary debates over secularism, communalism, and the rule of law. This approach allows readers to appreciate the Constitution’s enduring significance while also recognizing the threats it faces in modern India.

The book is structured thematically, moving from the historical context of constitution-making to an examination of key elements such as federalism, fundamental rights, and the balance between tradition and modernity. Tharoor is particularly adept at elucidating complex legal and political concepts in clear, engaging prose, making the work accessible to both general readers and those with a deeper interest in constitutional studies. His use of quotations from global figures like Nelson Mandela and scholars such as Thomas R. Metcalf situates the Indian experience within a broader international context, reinforcing the notion that India’s constitutional journey is both unique and globally significant.

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“Our Living Constitution” ultimately serves as both a tribute to the vision of India’s founders and a call to vigilance for future generations. Tharoor’s dedication to Dr. Manmohan Singh, and his candid reflections on the current state of Indian democracy, lend the book a sense of urgency and relevance. By blending historical insight with contemporary critique, Tharoor invites readers to reflect on their responsibilities as citizens and custodians of the constitutional spirit. The result is a thoughtful, persuasive, and timely contribution to the ongoing conversation about what it means to be Indian-and what it will take to ensure that the Constitution remains a living force in the nation’s life.

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