Over the weekend, we attended the third edition of Bangalore
Literature Festival held at Crowne Plaza, Electronic city. Unlike the previous
years, we didn't have Abhay accompany us this time as there were no children's
events on Day 3, the only day we could find time attend! Though we wished we
could take Abhay too, we didn't mind not having to carry home made food for the
picky eater or not having to find ways of engaging him amidst a serious
discussion/ session with Arun Shourie or not having to run to the restrooms
every other hour !:-)))
However, I still came back with the book to read to Abhay.
Though I was aware of this book and had seen it in bookstores and libraries
before, I always thought Abhay needs to be a little older to be able
fully comprehend the essence of it. But it was only when Justice Leila
Seth mentioned that children as young as seven were able to understand the
basic tenets, like equality and freedom enshrined in the Constitution of India,
that I picked up for tonight's read. Of course, this is not a book your young reader
can finish in one sitting and requires an explanation here and there.
When I read, "We the children of India"
by retired Justice Leila Seth, the first woman Chief Justice of a High Court in
India, whom I had the privilege to meet at the BLF 2014, I was plain jealous! I
wish this book was written when I was in school, considering I had set my heart
on law very early! The book starts off with a basic introduction to the
National book of India called the Constitution, throwing light on the
circumstances under which the Constituent Assembly sought to adopt the same.
With the aid of suitable examples and colourful illustrations featuring
children, Justice Leila Seth, explains the meaning and effect of each of the
principles -Sovereign, socialist, secular, Democratic Republic, and
constitutional guarantees like Justice, Liberty, Equality and fraternity, in a
succinct and an age appropriate manner! We the children of India also has
everything a young reader needs to know about workings of the Indian democratic
system and the rights of its people, including our little ones!
Characteristically, the former high court judge has saved the best for last -
she draws up a preamble for the children of India with a message of love,
respect and hope!!! A must read for all the children of India!!! However, don't
be surprised if your young reader quotes this book to challenge the constitutionality of your house rules!!!!:-)
Can soo relate to your last sentence -- using what we say against us... it's as if they can, at age 4, already understand the tenets of "anything and everything you say will and shall be used against you.." been trying to get Kabir to scream less, not lose his temper so soon... and what do you know.. I lost my temper two days back and was told pompously, "Stop screaming at me. It's what bad boys do. Now breathe in and breathe out."
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