Reply To: India after Independence

Q1. The Indian Constitution, which came into effect on January 26, 1950, is the supreme law of India. It is a comprehensive document that outlines the framework, principles, and functions of the government. Here are three important features of the Indian Constitution:

1. Written Constitution: The Indian Constitution is a written document, unlike the unwritten constitution of the United Kingdom. It is a detailed and lengthy document that consists of a preamble and several articles that cover various aspects of governance, fundamental rights, directive principles, and more
2. Federal System with Unitary Features: The Indian Constitution establishes a federal system of government. It provides for a division of powers between the central government and the stategovernments. However, it also incorporates certain unitary features to maintain the unity and integrity of the country. For instance, the central government has the power to override state laws on subjects specified in the Constitution's Union List.
3. Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles: The Indian Constitution guarantees a set of fundamental rights to its citizens, including the right to equality, freedom of speech and expression, right to life and personal liberty, and more.

Q2. Mira Behn, born as Madeleine Slade, was a British woman who became a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and actively participated in the Indian independence movement. She was born on November 22, 1892, in England.Mira Behn first encountered Mahatma Gandhi's teachings in 1925 and was deeply inspired by his philosophy of nonviolence and truth. She decided to dedicate her life to his cause and traveled to India in 1925 to join his ashram in Sabarmati. Gandhi gave her the name "Mira Behn," and she became one of his most trusted and devoted followers.Mira Behn actively participated in various aspects of the Indian independence movement, including the Salt Satyagraha (Salt March) in 1930. She was imprisoned multiple times for her involvement in civil disobedience movements against British colonial rule.

Beyond her involvement in the freedom struggle, Mira Behn also contributed to social and economic development activities in India. She worked on rural upliftment projects, particularly in the village of Segaon, where she established a school and actively engaged in promoting khadi (handspun and handwoven cloth) and village industries.

Mira Behn lived a simple and austere life, embracing the principles of nonviolence, simplicity, and self-sufficiency. She remained in India even after independence and continued to work for communal harmony, upliftment of marginalized communities, and the promotion of Gandhian ideals.Mira Behn passed away on July 20, 1982, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service to the cause of Indian independence and the propagation of Gandhian principles.