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Our Living Constitution : A Concise Introduction & Commentary
The Constitution of India is of paramount importance to every Indian. It bestows fundamental rights on all citizens, speaks in their name, charges those it empowers to protect these rights, and seeks to shield the people from abusers of power and privilege. It creates the basic framework of our democracy, including the three main organs of the state—the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. The Constitution defines their powers, delimits their jurisdictions, demarcates their responsibilities, and regulates their relationships with one another, and with the people. It privileges an idea of India that transcends religious, ethnic, linguistic, and other sub-national identities. In the words of its principal architect, Dr Babasaheb ‘Our Constitution provides us a magnificent structure beneath which all Indians, of all castes, creeds and languages, can equally seek shelter.’
Yet, despite its significance and value, and the fact that it seems to be in vogue at the moment, not many have a proper understanding of the various aspects of the Constitution that are currently being debated and challenged. Although there have been numerous studies and interpretations of the Constitution there are few accessible books available to intelligent lay readers to enable them to familiarize themselves with its essential elements, history, and immeasurable grandeur. Our Living Constitution seeks to fill that gap.
With the clear-eyed scholarship, cogent arguments, and readable prose that are the hallmarks of his books, bestselling writer and leading public intellectual Shashi Tharoor provides readers with a compelling narrative about the world’s longest written national Constitution. He describes the various parts of the Constitution, beginning with its resounding preamble and then goes on to explain its historical roots. He explores the civic nationalism that animated India’s Founding Fathers, which in turn invested the Constitution with its progressiveness, pluralism, tolerance, liberalism, and concern for the individual. He analyses how it has been able to resist attempts by autocrats and religious fanatics to change its basic structure. However, the perils remain—in the twenty-first century, the growth of sectarianism and illiberalism has threatened to undermine Indian society, and the Constitution which undergirds it, and constant vigilance is necessary to ensure these threats to the idea of India do not succeed. Yet, as the author ‘There is no reason to lose hope. Over the past five years, democracy- and liberty-loving citizens of India have risen to reclaim our republic....’ Will they prevail? Will the Constitution continue to protect and advance the idea of India? Our Living Constitution provides nuanced answers to these important questions. Informative, learned, and lucid, this is a book that must be read by all Indians to gain an understanding of the Constitution that safeguards every aspect of our lives.
Yet, despite its significance and value, and the fact that it seems to be in vogue at the moment, not many have a proper understanding of the various aspects of the Constitution that are currently being debated and challenged. Although there have been numerous studies and interpretations of the Constitution there are few accessible books available to intelligent lay readers to enable them to familiarize themselves with its essential elements, history, and immeasurable grandeur. Our Living Constitution seeks to fill that gap.
With the clear-eyed scholarship, cogent arguments, and readable prose that are the hallmarks of his books, bestselling writer and leading public intellectual Shashi Tharoor provides readers with a compelling narrative about the world’s longest written national Constitution. He describes the various parts of the Constitution, beginning with its resounding preamble and then goes on to explain its historical roots. He explores the civic nationalism that animated India’s Founding Fathers, which in turn invested the Constitution with its progressiveness, pluralism, tolerance, liberalism, and concern for the individual. He analyses how it has been able to resist attempts by autocrats and religious fanatics to change its basic structure. However, the perils remain—in the twenty-first century, the growth of sectarianism and illiberalism has threatened to undermine Indian society, and the Constitution which undergirds it, and constant vigilance is necessary to ensure these threats to the idea of India do not succeed. Yet, as the author ‘There is no reason to lose hope. Over the past five years, democracy- and liberty-loving citizens of India have risen to reclaim our republic....’ Will they prevail? Will the Constitution continue to protect and advance the idea of India? Our Living Constitution provides nuanced answers to these important questions. Informative, learned, and lucid, this is a book that must be read by all Indians to gain an understanding of the Constitution that safeguards every aspect of our lives.
Kindle Edition
Published May 10, 2025
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About the author
Shashi Tharoor
78 books3,078 followersShashi Tharoor is a member of the Indian Parliament from the Thiruvananthapuram constituency in Kerala. He previously served as the United Nations Under-Secretary General for Communications and Public Information and as the Indian Minister of State for External Affairs.
He is also a prolific author, columnist, journalist and a human rights advocate.
He has served on the Board of Overseers of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. He is also an adviser to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva and a Fellow of the New York Institute of the Humanities at New York University. He has also served as a trustee of the Aspen Institute, and the Advisory of the Indo-American Arts Council, the American India Foundation, the World Policy Journal, the Virtue Foundation and the human rights organization Breakthrough He is also a Patron of the Dubai Modern High School and the managing trustee of the Chandran Tharoor Foundation which he founded with his family and friends in the name of his late father, Chandran Tharoor.
Tharoor has written numerous books in English. Most of his literary creations are centred on Indian themes and they are markedly “Indo-nostalgic.” Perhaps his most famous work is The Great Indian Novel, published in 1989, in which he uses the narrative and theme of the famous Indian epic Mahabharata to weave a satirical story of Indian life in a non-linear mode with the characters drawn from the Indian Independence Movement. His novel Show Business (1992) was made into the film 'Bollywood'(1994). The late Ismail Merchant had announced his wish to make a film of Tharoor’s novel Riot shortly before Merchant’s death in 2005.
Tharoor has been a highly-regarded columnist in each of India's three best-known English-language newspapers, most recently for The Hindu newspaper (2001–2008) and in a weekly column, “Shashi on Sunday,” in the Times of India (January 2007 – December 2008). Following his resignation as Minister of State for External Affairs, he began a fortnightly column on foreign policy issues in the "Deccan Chronicle". Previously he was a columnist for the Gentleman magazine and the Indian Express newspaper, as well as a frequent contributor to Newsweek International and the International Herald Tribune. His Op-Eds and book reviews have appeared in the Washington Post, the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, amongst other papers.
Tharoor began writing at the age of 6 and his first published story appeared in the “Bharat Jyoti”, the Sunday edition of the "Free press Journal", in Mumbai at age 10. His World War II adventure novel Operation Bellows, inspired by the Biggles books, was serialized in the Junior Statesman starting a week before his 11th birthday. Each of his books has been a best-seller in India. The Great Indian Novel is currently in its 28th edition in India and his newest volume. The Elephant, the Tiger and the Cellphone has undergone seven hardback re-printings there.
Tharoor has lectured widely on India, and is often quoted for his observations, including, "India is not, as people keep calling it, an underdeveloped country, but rather, in the context of its history and cultural heritage, a highly developed one in an advanced state of decay.". He has also coined a memorable comparison of India's "thali" to the American "melting pot": "If America is a melting pot, then to me India is a thali--a selection of sumptuous dishes in different bowls. Each tastes different, and does not necessarily mix with the next, but they belong together on the same plate, and they complement each other in making the meal a satisfying repast."
He is also a prolific author, columnist, journalist and a human rights advocate.
He has served on the Board of Overseers of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. He is also an adviser to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva and a Fellow of the New York Institute of the Humanities at New York University. He has also served as a trustee of the Aspen Institute, and the Advisory of the Indo-American Arts Council, the American India Foundation, the World Policy Journal, the Virtue Foundation and the human rights organization Breakthrough He is also a Patron of the Dubai Modern High School and the managing trustee of the Chandran Tharoor Foundation which he founded with his family and friends in the name of his late father, Chandran Tharoor.
Tharoor has written numerous books in English. Most of his literary creations are centred on Indian themes and they are markedly “Indo-nostalgic.” Perhaps his most famous work is The Great Indian Novel, published in 1989, in which he uses the narrative and theme of the famous Indian epic Mahabharata to weave a satirical story of Indian life in a non-linear mode with the characters drawn from the Indian Independence Movement. His novel Show Business (1992) was made into the film 'Bollywood'(1994). The late Ismail Merchant had announced his wish to make a film of Tharoor’s novel Riot shortly before Merchant’s death in 2005.
Tharoor has been a highly-regarded columnist in each of India's three best-known English-language newspapers, most recently for The Hindu newspaper (2001–2008) and in a weekly column, “Shashi on Sunday,” in the Times of India (January 2007 – December 2008). Following his resignation as Minister of State for External Affairs, he began a fortnightly column on foreign policy issues in the "Deccan Chronicle". Previously he was a columnist for the Gentleman magazine and the Indian Express newspaper, as well as a frequent contributor to Newsweek International and the International Herald Tribune. His Op-Eds and book reviews have appeared in the Washington Post, the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times, amongst other papers.
Tharoor began writing at the age of 6 and his first published story appeared in the “Bharat Jyoti”, the Sunday edition of the "Free press Journal", in Mumbai at age 10. His World War II adventure novel Operation Bellows, inspired by the Biggles books, was serialized in the Junior Statesman starting a week before his 11th birthday. Each of his books has been a best-seller in India. The Great Indian Novel is currently in its 28th edition in India and his newest volume. The Elephant, the Tiger and the Cellphone has undergone seven hardback re-printings there.
Tharoor has lectured widely on India, and is often quoted for his observations, including, "India is not, as people keep calling it, an underdeveloped country, but rather, in the context of its history and cultural heritage, a highly developed one in an advanced state of decay.". He has also coined a memorable comparison of India's "thali" to the American "melting pot": "If America is a melting pot, then to me India is a thali--a selection of sumptuous dishes in different bowls. Each tastes different, and does not necessarily mix with the next, but they belong together on the same plate, and they complement each other in making the meal a satisfying repast."
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
June 29, 2025
Rating - 4.5 stars
NPS - 10 (Promoter)
Yet this question, of whether religion should be the determinant of Indian nation and citizenship, continues to haunt our politics. This religious bigotry that partitioned the country with the founding of Pakistan has now been mirrored in pluralist India. I told my fellow parliamentarians, that was a partition in the Indian soil; this is now a partition of the Indian soul.
This book is a concise history and the impact of the Indian Constitution, managing to cover an overall perspective on how it was conceived and deliberated upon.
There is also commentary on how the current government is deviating from the Constitution and why there is a need for the same to be taught in schools and other educational institutions.
The two takeaways for me were -
Ethnic vs Civic Nationalism - and why should follow the latter
Secularism and Pluralism - and how they are different
I recommend this thought provoking read.
NPS - 10 (Promoter)
Yet this question, of whether religion should be the determinant of Indian nation and citizenship, continues to haunt our politics. This religious bigotry that partitioned the country with the founding of Pakistan has now been mirrored in pluralist India. I told my fellow parliamentarians, that was a partition in the Indian soil; this is now a partition of the Indian soul.
This book is a concise history and the impact of the Indian Constitution, managing to cover an overall perspective on how it was conceived and deliberated upon.
There is also commentary on how the current government is deviating from the Constitution and why there is a need for the same to be taught in schools and other educational institutions.
The two takeaways for me were -
Ethnic vs Civic Nationalism - and why should follow the latter
Secularism and Pluralism - and how they are different
I recommend this thought provoking read.
October 16, 2025
Our Living Constitution by Dr. Shashi Tharoor is meant to be a concise introduction to the Indian Constitution and a primer on the duties and rights of Indian citizens. While the book begins with this premise, it quickly turns into a subtle—but not so subtle—critique of the present BJP government led by Modi and offers little in terms of a balanced perspective, something unexpected from a person of Dr. Tharoor’s caliber.
Dr. Tharoor walks us through the climate in which the Constitution was framed, the different arguments put forth by various members of the Constituent Assembly, and how the vision for India was deliberated. The overarching theme—and intent—of the nation’s founding fathers was to build an inclusive India that grants rights to every individual citizen regardless of birth, race, caste, religion, or other identifying factors. Most notably, he highlights how India chose a different path from Pakistan and was intentional in not becoming a Hindu majoritarian state, but one where people of all religions could claim first rights to being “Indian.”
Dr. Tharoor then presents the dissenters of the Constitution—figures like Veer Savarkar, M.S. Golwalkar, and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya—who had an alternative idea of India as a Hindu Rashtra and wanted a Constitution that reflected the soul of the nation. This India, they argued, would embrace people of all religions as long as they subscribed to the national cultural mainstream and revered its heroes. They strongly rejected the anglicized and westernized Constitution that was being formulated.
He then tries—unsuccessfully, I might add—to connect the ideals of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya with those of present-day BJP leaders. He argues that despite their obeisance to the Constitution, they are only paying lip service while fundamentally changing the freedoms and rights enshrined in it, reverting to a majoritarian state. However, the arguments he puts forth to support this narrative come across as weak, inconsistent, and at times not fact-based. For example, his comparison of the “suspension of rights” during the Emergency and during the COVID-19 lockdown—equating these two vastly different circumstances as proof of authoritarianism in the present government—seems laughable. Likewise, he argues for equality before law for all citizens and vehemently criticizes the CAA, calling it the first law to violate the fundamental principles of the Constitution by using religion as a basis for discrimination against Muslims. Yet, he sidesteps the same principle when it comes to the UCC, echoing the classic leftist view that minority rights and practices must be protected to maintain pluralism and diversity.
While Dr. Tharoor’s heart is in the right place, and his appeal to the youth of the country to be aware of their rights and duties and strengthen India’s democracy is commendable, I believe this book leaves much to be desired. It falls just one step short of being a full-blown propagandist agenda.
Dr. Tharoor walks us through the climate in which the Constitution was framed, the different arguments put forth by various members of the Constituent Assembly, and how the vision for India was deliberated. The overarching theme—and intent—of the nation’s founding fathers was to build an inclusive India that grants rights to every individual citizen regardless of birth, race, caste, religion, or other identifying factors. Most notably, he highlights how India chose a different path from Pakistan and was intentional in not becoming a Hindu majoritarian state, but one where people of all religions could claim first rights to being “Indian.”
Dr. Tharoor then presents the dissenters of the Constitution—figures like Veer Savarkar, M.S. Golwalkar, and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya—who had an alternative idea of India as a Hindu Rashtra and wanted a Constitution that reflected the soul of the nation. This India, they argued, would embrace people of all religions as long as they subscribed to the national cultural mainstream and revered its heroes. They strongly rejected the anglicized and westernized Constitution that was being formulated.
He then tries—unsuccessfully, I might add—to connect the ideals of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya with those of present-day BJP leaders. He argues that despite their obeisance to the Constitution, they are only paying lip service while fundamentally changing the freedoms and rights enshrined in it, reverting to a majoritarian state. However, the arguments he puts forth to support this narrative come across as weak, inconsistent, and at times not fact-based. For example, his comparison of the “suspension of rights” during the Emergency and during the COVID-19 lockdown—equating these two vastly different circumstances as proof of authoritarianism in the present government—seems laughable. Likewise, he argues for equality before law for all citizens and vehemently criticizes the CAA, calling it the first law to violate the fundamental principles of the Constitution by using religion as a basis for discrimination against Muslims. Yet, he sidesteps the same principle when it comes to the UCC, echoing the classic leftist view that minority rights and practices must be protected to maintain pluralism and diversity.
While Dr. Tharoor’s heart is in the right place, and his appeal to the youth of the country to be aware of their rights and duties and strengthen India’s democracy is commendable, I believe this book leaves much to be desired. It falls just one step short of being a full-blown propagandist agenda.
June 15, 2025
The author's articulate language does not mask the fact that this introduction to the Constitution is a tome aimed to tap the Tharoor brand offering nothing original to the reader. The book is recommended for high school students who are yet to explore the depths of our Constitution but for an average Tharoor reader who knows better, this book is a scam.
June 5, 2025
India’s Constitution is not merely a legal document; it is the soul of a diverse republic, the moral compass of its institutions, and the bedrock of its democratic experiment. In "Our Living Constitution', Shashi Tharoor the eminent author, politician, and one of India’s foremost public intellectuals undertakes the significant task of interpreting this grand document for the intelligent layperson, illuminating its origin, evolution, relevance, and the challenges it faces in contemporary India.
One of the greatest strengths of this book lies in its lucidity. He crafts a narrative that is academically sound yet approachable, making it ideal for readers unfamiliar with constitutional law. His style blends intellectual rigour with journalistic clarity, a hallmark of his previous works. The book opens with an exploration of the Preamble India’s moral mission statement and slowly unfurls the tapestry of constitutional ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. Tharoor highlights how these lofty goals were envisioned not just as legal guarantees, but as societal aspirations.
What makes the book stand out is the author's ability to make the Constitution come alive. He presents it not as a rigid compendium of statutes, but as a living, breathing document. One that evolves through interpretation, judicial review, amendments, and democratic practice. This living nature is also reflected in how India’s Constitution, the world’s longest, has not remained static but has constantly engaged with new social realities and challenges.
The moral weight of the book rests heavily on Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s vision. He quotes Ambedkar’s assertion that “Our Constitution provides us a magnificent structure beneath which all Indians, of all castes, creeds and languages, can equally seek shelter.” This statement is not merely ceremonial; it serves as the spine of the book’s commentary. He emphasizes how the Constitution’s strength is not solely in its language, but in its implementation. He candidly notes that a Constitution is only as strong as the institutions and people entrusted with its stewardship an area where India has both triumphed and faltered.
Where the book truly deepens its relevance is in its political commentary. Without indulging in partisan excess, the author lays bare the ideological assaults on constitutional values in recent years whether it is the dilution of secularism, the marginalization of minorities, the erosion of federalism, or the misuse of state machinery. He does not mince words when examining how the present regime has, in his view, threatened the liberal and pluralistic essence of the Constitution. These reflections, though sharply critical, are rooted in constitutional reasoning and historical perspective.
This book is not just a primer on Indian constitutionalism; it is a call to action. It urges readers to move beyond passive citizenship and become active custodians of the republic. The book excels in inspiring thought, provoking debate, and fostering awareness of the democratic responsibilities each citizen bears. It reminds us that constitutions are not self-sustaining. They depend on a vigilant press, an independent judiciary, a fearless citizenry, and an accountable government. In the face of rising majoritarianism and institutional decay, Tharoor’s book becomes not only relevant but essential reading.
In conclusion, it is an intellectually engaging, emotionally stirring, and morally compelling work. It equips readers with a foundational understanding of India’s constitutional journey and challenges them to reflect on the kind of India they wish to live in and fight for. For students, educators, policymakers, and citizens alike, this is not just a book, it is a civic duty.
One of the greatest strengths of this book lies in its lucidity. He crafts a narrative that is academically sound yet approachable, making it ideal for readers unfamiliar with constitutional law. His style blends intellectual rigour with journalistic clarity, a hallmark of his previous works. The book opens with an exploration of the Preamble India’s moral mission statement and slowly unfurls the tapestry of constitutional ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. Tharoor highlights how these lofty goals were envisioned not just as legal guarantees, but as societal aspirations.
What makes the book stand out is the author's ability to make the Constitution come alive. He presents it not as a rigid compendium of statutes, but as a living, breathing document. One that evolves through interpretation, judicial review, amendments, and democratic practice. This living nature is also reflected in how India’s Constitution, the world’s longest, has not remained static but has constantly engaged with new social realities and challenges.
The moral weight of the book rests heavily on Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s vision. He quotes Ambedkar’s assertion that “Our Constitution provides us a magnificent structure beneath which all Indians, of all castes, creeds and languages, can equally seek shelter.” This statement is not merely ceremonial; it serves as the spine of the book’s commentary. He emphasizes how the Constitution’s strength is not solely in its language, but in its implementation. He candidly notes that a Constitution is only as strong as the institutions and people entrusted with its stewardship an area where India has both triumphed and faltered.
Where the book truly deepens its relevance is in its political commentary. Without indulging in partisan excess, the author lays bare the ideological assaults on constitutional values in recent years whether it is the dilution of secularism, the marginalization of minorities, the erosion of federalism, or the misuse of state machinery. He does not mince words when examining how the present regime has, in his view, threatened the liberal and pluralistic essence of the Constitution. These reflections, though sharply critical, are rooted in constitutional reasoning and historical perspective.
This book is not just a primer on Indian constitutionalism; it is a call to action. It urges readers to move beyond passive citizenship and become active custodians of the republic. The book excels in inspiring thought, provoking debate, and fostering awareness of the democratic responsibilities each citizen bears. It reminds us that constitutions are not self-sustaining. They depend on a vigilant press, an independent judiciary, a fearless citizenry, and an accountable government. In the face of rising majoritarianism and institutional decay, Tharoor’s book becomes not only relevant but essential reading.
In conclusion, it is an intellectually engaging, emotionally stirring, and morally compelling work. It equips readers with a foundational understanding of India’s constitutional journey and challenges them to reflect on the kind of India they wish to live in and fight for. For students, educators, policymakers, and citizens alike, this is not just a book, it is a civic duty.
June 3, 2025
-The Nature and Nuances of Indian Constitution-
Review of 'Our Living Constitution'
Quote Alert
"𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝟐𝟔 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟗𝟒𝟗 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝟐𝟔 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟗𝟓𝟎. 𝐀𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝟏𝟒𝟓,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬, 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 (𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐒 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝟒,𝟒𝟎𝟎 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝟖,𝟎𝟎𝟎, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧, 𝟐𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎). 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧. 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 ‘𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐭."
Our Living Constitution is an ode to our constitution that came into effect in 2050. If you want to read and know about some basic facts without getting into the leagl jargon of this behemoth document crucial to Indian democracy. Tharoor excels at making this daunting task easy. He shares various anecdotes about our constitution and those of other countries, making the reading light and entertaining.
Not many have a proper understanding of the various aspects of the Constitution that are currently being debated and challenged. Although there have been numerous studies and interpretations of the Constitution there are few accessible books available to intelligent lay readers to enable them to familiarize themselves with its essential elements, history, and immeasurable grandeur. Our Living Constitution seeks to fill that gap.
The Constitution of India is of paramount importance to every Indian. It bestows fundamental rights on all citizens, speaks in their name, charges those it empowers to protect these rights, and seeks to shield the people from abusers of power and privilege. It creates the basic framework of our democracy, including the three main organs of the state—the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. The Constitution defines their powers, delimits their jurisdictions, demarcates their responsibilities, and regulates their relationships with one another, and with the people.
It privileges an idea of India that transcends religious, ethnic, linguistic, and other sub-national identities. In the words of its principal architect, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar: ‘Our Constitution provides us a magnificent structure beneath which all Indians, of all castes, creeds and languages, can equally seek shelter.’
Review of 'Our Living Constitution'
Quote Alert
"𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝟐𝟔 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟗𝟒𝟗 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝟐𝟔 𝐉𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝟏𝟗𝟓𝟎. 𝐀𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝟏𝟒𝟓,𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬, 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 (𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐧, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐒 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝟒,𝟒𝟎𝟎 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐬, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝟖,𝟎𝟎𝟎, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧, 𝟐𝟎,𝟎𝟎𝟎). 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠, 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐧. 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐡 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐚𝐬 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 ‘𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐨𝐮𝐭."
Our Living Constitution is an ode to our constitution that came into effect in 2050. If you want to read and know about some basic facts without getting into the leagl jargon of this behemoth document crucial to Indian democracy. Tharoor excels at making this daunting task easy. He shares various anecdotes about our constitution and those of other countries, making the reading light and entertaining.
Not many have a proper understanding of the various aspects of the Constitution that are currently being debated and challenged. Although there have been numerous studies and interpretations of the Constitution there are few accessible books available to intelligent lay readers to enable them to familiarize themselves with its essential elements, history, and immeasurable grandeur. Our Living Constitution seeks to fill that gap.
The Constitution of India is of paramount importance to every Indian. It bestows fundamental rights on all citizens, speaks in their name, charges those it empowers to protect these rights, and seeks to shield the people from abusers of power and privilege. It creates the basic framework of our democracy, including the three main organs of the state—the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. The Constitution defines their powers, delimits their jurisdictions, demarcates their responsibilities, and regulates their relationships with one another, and with the people.
It privileges an idea of India that transcends religious, ethnic, linguistic, and other sub-national identities. In the words of its principal architect, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar: ‘Our Constitution provides us a magnificent structure beneath which all Indians, of all castes, creeds and languages, can equally seek shelter.’
May 26, 2025
Book Review: A Living Constitution: Understanding the Soul of India
In a country as diverse and vibrant as India, the Constitution stands as a testament to the vision and aspirations of its makers. In his enlightening book, the author delves into the intricacies of this monumental document, illuminating its relevance and significance even after 75 years of independence.
The Indian Constitution, known for being the longest written constitution in the world, can often feel daunting due to its length and complexity. However, this book serves as a beacon of clarity, guiding readers through the essential rights, privileges, and powers that our forefathers carefully endowed upon us. It thoughtfully explores the foundational philosophies that shaped the Constitution, reflecting on the wisdom of its creators who took into account the vast variations and diversities present in our nation.
One of the most compelling aspects of this book is its emphasis on the Constitution as a "living document." The author adeptly discusses how it has evolved over time, adapting to contemporary challenges while remaining true to its core principles. Through insightful commentary, we learn about significant amendments and the ongoing debates that have shaped our legal landscape.
The writing is remarkably lucid, transforming complex legal jargon into accessible language that resonates with readers from all walks of life. This approach not only makes the Constitution comprehensible but also instills a sense of pride in understanding the true spirit of our country. As I read through its pages, I found myself reflecting on where India stands today and how far we have come since the Constitution was first enacted.
Overall, this book is an enlightening read that I believe everyone should engage with to gain a deeper awareness of the document that governs our lives. It is not merely a factual account; rather, it is a rich exploration filled with thoughtful commentaries that connect historical context to present-day realities. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the essence of India’s Constitution and its enduring impact on our society.
In a country as diverse and vibrant as India, the Constitution stands as a testament to the vision and aspirations of its makers. In his enlightening book, the author delves into the intricacies of this monumental document, illuminating its relevance and significance even after 75 years of independence.
The Indian Constitution, known for being the longest written constitution in the world, can often feel daunting due to its length and complexity. However, this book serves as a beacon of clarity, guiding readers through the essential rights, privileges, and powers that our forefathers carefully endowed upon us. It thoughtfully explores the foundational philosophies that shaped the Constitution, reflecting on the wisdom of its creators who took into account the vast variations and diversities present in our nation.
One of the most compelling aspects of this book is its emphasis on the Constitution as a "living document." The author adeptly discusses how it has evolved over time, adapting to contemporary challenges while remaining true to its core principles. Through insightful commentary, we learn about significant amendments and the ongoing debates that have shaped our legal landscape.
The writing is remarkably lucid, transforming complex legal jargon into accessible language that resonates with readers from all walks of life. This approach not only makes the Constitution comprehensible but also instills a sense of pride in understanding the true spirit of our country. As I read through its pages, I found myself reflecting on where India stands today and how far we have come since the Constitution was first enacted.
Overall, this book is an enlightening read that I believe everyone should engage with to gain a deeper awareness of the document that governs our lives. It is not merely a factual account; rather, it is a rich exploration filled with thoughtful commentaries that connect historical context to present-day realities. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the essence of India’s Constitution and its enduring impact on our society.
June 9, 2025
This book makes me feel proud. And this person, Mr Tharoor is not only a great orator he wore his pride as Indian and his heart on his sleeves..
The thing is, this book is not only written with great knowledge of Indian diplomat but with great precision, an overwhelming constitution and its establishment process depicted here without any political jargon and heavily crafted, lavish etching, which we know the author is renowned for and that is a contradictory part of this book and satisfactory too.
This book focused on some early incidents which are quite scary, and no matter how much we resented our system, it sheds enough light on the situation that helps us to realise that in today's time how important this constitution was, important and we can't imagine how difficult it was to establish it when we have defences within us.
We get a full fledged picture of what our forefathers did, the struggle, fighting for this constitution, it wasn't easy. It was a constitutional justice that served first on the table.
How brilliant the thought was to implement such a mammoth constitution like this and how scary that some people asked to imply Manusmriti, that was the striking part that hit me hard, left me ponder over many things. Nothing can be done to stop educated people being naive.
Honestly I started reading this book without any expectations, actually I am not shy to confess that the author's name is enough for me to pick up the book. It left me feeling proud of some of our forefathers, it's not about how they were wrong but how much they did sometimes to protect the notion of Bharat, sometimes we need to find good value in person instead of looking for loopholes.
This book is smeared with love, patriotism, pride and dignity that left no choice for a reader to feel anything else than gravitation towards the country. An excellent articulated book from an extremely talented person, waiting to read more from his pen.
A must read book if you want to know about the Indian Constitution.
The thing is, this book is not only written with great knowledge of Indian diplomat but with great precision, an overwhelming constitution and its establishment process depicted here without any political jargon and heavily crafted, lavish etching, which we know the author is renowned for and that is a contradictory part of this book and satisfactory too.
This book focused on some early incidents which are quite scary, and no matter how much we resented our system, it sheds enough light on the situation that helps us to realise that in today's time how important this constitution was, important and we can't imagine how difficult it was to establish it when we have defences within us.
We get a full fledged picture of what our forefathers did, the struggle, fighting for this constitution, it wasn't easy. It was a constitutional justice that served first on the table.
How brilliant the thought was to implement such a mammoth constitution like this and how scary that some people asked to imply Manusmriti, that was the striking part that hit me hard, left me ponder over many things. Nothing can be done to stop educated people being naive.
Honestly I started reading this book without any expectations, actually I am not shy to confess that the author's name is enough for me to pick up the book. It left me feeling proud of some of our forefathers, it's not about how they were wrong but how much they did sometimes to protect the notion of Bharat, sometimes we need to find good value in person instead of looking for loopholes.
This book is smeared with love, patriotism, pride and dignity that left no choice for a reader to feel anything else than gravitation towards the country. An excellent articulated book from an extremely talented person, waiting to read more from his pen.
A must read book if you want to know about the Indian Constitution.
July 3, 2025
Our Living Constitution is noted politician, author and public intellectual Shashi Tharoor's take on the Indian Constitution. Surprisingly, it was only 108 pages long and attempts to capture only the essentials in an engaging way.
While this is no academic text by any standard, it is an apt introduction to the Indian Constitution for the lay-person. Written in a more muted but still Tharoor-ian style, the book shows the reader some less talked about sides of the Constitution such as the contribution of Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. While Dr. Ambedkar, the Chief Draftsman, gets special mention throughout the text following the author's previous standalone book on the Indian stalwart.
The book also functions as the basis for a clearer political ideology of civic nationalism - a form of liberal institutionalism that roots nationalism in the institutions that make the Indian republic. Perhaps, it's the author's earnest attempt at reinterpreting the Constitutional promise to align more with his Party's( Indian National Congress) political interests. There seems to be misalignment with his stand and the present power centres of the party, this book acts as a rebuke to both hyper-nationalist tendencies and some of the issues he disagrees with his party on - like representational reservation.
To its credit, the author doesn't make a strawman out of those with an alternate idea of India - Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya and his ideologues get their due mention. This makes the book quick to read and engaging for the future. However, as a legal professional, I find a few instances of cherry picked data and judgement excerpts used to forward a specific narrative. It brings this book down a notch for me in terms of its reference value but at the same time, I'm able to understand the political motivations behind the exercise.
While this is no academic text by any standard, it is an apt introduction to the Indian Constitution for the lay-person. Written in a more muted but still Tharoor-ian style, the book shows the reader some less talked about sides of the Constitution such as the contribution of Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. While Dr. Ambedkar, the Chief Draftsman, gets special mention throughout the text following the author's previous standalone book on the Indian stalwart.
The book also functions as the basis for a clearer political ideology of civic nationalism - a form of liberal institutionalism that roots nationalism in the institutions that make the Indian republic. Perhaps, it's the author's earnest attempt at reinterpreting the Constitutional promise to align more with his Party's( Indian National Congress) political interests. There seems to be misalignment with his stand and the present power centres of the party, this book acts as a rebuke to both hyper-nationalist tendencies and some of the issues he disagrees with his party on - like representational reservation.
To its credit, the author doesn't make a strawman out of those with an alternate idea of India - Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya and his ideologues get their due mention. This makes the book quick to read and engaging for the future. However, as a legal professional, I find a few instances of cherry picked data and judgement excerpts used to forward a specific narrative. It brings this book down a notch for me in terms of its reference value but at the same time, I'm able to understand the political motivations behind the exercise.
May 14, 2025
Our Living Constitution is not just a book of rules,it shows how the Indian Constitution is a living, changing document. In this book, Mr. Tharoor helps readers understand many important ideas, debates, and thoughts of the people who helped write the Constitution. He also talks about the changes (amendments) made over time and the challenges the Constitution has faced.
If someone is looking for a short and clear introduction to the Indian Constitution and everything connected to it, this book is perfect. It also talks about how the Constitution has grown with time, adapting to the needs of the people.
Reading this book made me curious to learn more about some past events. It helped me understand both the events and the Constitution better. The writing is easy to follow, and even difficult topics are explained in a simple way, which I really appreciate.
My favorite part was Mr. Tharoor’s commentaries. His honest thoughts, especially about the present government, show how the basic values of our nation and Constitution are at risk. He makes us think about how important it is to protect the spirit of the Constitution...not just the words, but what they truly mean.
This book doesn’t just give information; it makes you think. It made me reflect on where our country stands today and how important it is to stay aware and informed.
If someone is looking for a short and clear introduction to the Indian Constitution and everything connected to it, this book is perfect. It also talks about how the Constitution has grown with time, adapting to the needs of the people.
Reading this book made me curious to learn more about some past events. It helped me understand both the events and the Constitution better. The writing is easy to follow, and even difficult topics are explained in a simple way, which I really appreciate.
My favorite part was Mr. Tharoor’s commentaries. His honest thoughts, especially about the present government, show how the basic values of our nation and Constitution are at risk. He makes us think about how important it is to protect the spirit of the Constitution...not just the words, but what they truly mean.
This book doesn’t just give information; it makes you think. It made me reflect on where our country stands today and how important it is to stay aware and informed.
June 8, 2025
In a time where the Constitution often becomes a buzzword in political debates, Shashi Tharoor reminds us that it is, above all, a living, breathing document — not just a legal manuscript but a moral compass for the nation.
Our Living Constitution is not a dry legal commentary; it's a lucid, passionate, and thought-provoking exploration of India’s foundational document. I liked the way the political maestro blended history, politics, and social insights to examine how the Constitution has evolved — and must continue to evolve — to meet the needs of a diverse, dynamic democracy.
What struck me most was his ability to connect complex constitutional concepts with everyday realities — from freedom of speech and secularism to the fine balance between parliamentary power and judicial oversight. He doesn't shy away from calling out where we've fallen short, yet the tone remains optimistic, urging us to re-engage with our civic responsibilities.
I would recommend this book for all the Indian political and governance enthusiasts together with anyone concerned about democratic values and want to better understand the rights and duties that shape our identity as Indians.
Shashi Tharoor’s voice is clear, impassioned, and deeply rooted in constitutional nationalism — not the jingoistic kind, but one that celebrates dissent, diversity, and debate.
Our Living Constitution is not a dry legal commentary; it's a lucid, passionate, and thought-provoking exploration of India’s foundational document. I liked the way the political maestro blended history, politics, and social insights to examine how the Constitution has evolved — and must continue to evolve — to meet the needs of a diverse, dynamic democracy.
What struck me most was his ability to connect complex constitutional concepts with everyday realities — from freedom of speech and secularism to the fine balance between parliamentary power and judicial oversight. He doesn't shy away from calling out where we've fallen short, yet the tone remains optimistic, urging us to re-engage with our civic responsibilities.
I would recommend this book for all the Indian political and governance enthusiasts together with anyone concerned about democratic values and want to better understand the rights and duties that shape our identity as Indians.
Shashi Tharoor’s voice is clear, impassioned, and deeply rooted in constitutional nationalism — not the jingoistic kind, but one that celebrates dissent, diversity, and debate.
December 12, 2025
The book is a decent pick for someone who knows nothing about the constitution and wants to understand it but they are forewarned that it is slightly biased.
I wanted it to be an engaging academic analysis on the constitution but I expected it to be slightly political in its approach. It ended up being the later but what I didn’t like was the bias in the text. Sashi Tharoor doesn’t mention Congress when he is talking about Emergency term but consistently mentions BJP whenever he mentions the current party. It is fine to critique but doing it in an unbalanced manner is what I found inappropriate. Furthermore, you would not find a mention about the fact that Sashi Tharoor is a Congress MP. The book tries show off that it is written by a neutral party when it is not.
I would have given it 5 stars if it was the academic analysis that I wanted it to be. I would have given it 4 stars if it was slightly political academic analysis which I expected it to be. However, I am giving it 3 stars because it is slightly political without being upfront about the vested interests.
I wanted it to be an engaging academic analysis on the constitution but I expected it to be slightly political in its approach. It ended up being the later but what I didn’t like was the bias in the text. Sashi Tharoor doesn’t mention Congress when he is talking about Emergency term but consistently mentions BJP whenever he mentions the current party. It is fine to critique but doing it in an unbalanced manner is what I found inappropriate. Furthermore, you would not find a mention about the fact that Sashi Tharoor is a Congress MP. The book tries show off that it is written by a neutral party when it is not.
I would have given it 5 stars if it was the academic analysis that I wanted it to be. I would have given it 4 stars if it was slightly political academic analysis which I expected it to be. However, I am giving it 3 stars because it is slightly political without being upfront about the vested interests.
June 9, 2025
Tharoor, in his characteristically lucid style, has articulated the significance of our Constitution and underscored the need for heightened vigilance to safeguard it from emerging threats. The book is too concise for my liking.
October 5, 2025
It’s a wonderful book and tells the cultural identities more than political identities yeah I learnt a lot about constitution and culture it is restoring for many urban and rural people and people from forest
July 27, 2025
A crisp and concise account of Indian Constitution. Good read
September 7, 2025
Average... This is just a summary and commentary by the author with highlights of the constitution in the context of recent events.
January 18, 2026
Brief, informative book about the thoughts and vision of Indias constitution makers
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews