I recall that day in 1949, when as young 15 year olds, a number of us joined the Inter Services Wing of the Armed Forces Academy in Dehra Doon – when youth in newly independent India had an opportunity to join the armed forces and serve the country. It was a heady time. We were filled with both idealism and hope when the new Constitution was accepted on November 26 that year and came into effect on January 26, 1950. Yes, there was fire in our bellies – and a resolve to serve our people, protect the republic and ensure justice, liberty, equality and freedom for all.

I retired as head of the Indian Navy in September 1993, after serving 44 years in uniform.

Since then I have been living in a village here in the Konkan region – doing some farming, and remaining engaged in public life on a wide range of matters. These have included being vocal about farmers' issues, human rights violations, politicisation of the armed forces and above all, the growing intolerance and communalisation, targeting and attacks on minorities especially Muslims, and the imposition of draconian laws which not only curtail civil liberties but are undermining the spirit of the Constitution.

Our responsibility as citizens is indeed to be proactive on many of the above concerns as an essential part of keeping our democracy vibrant and healthy, and to call out what is inconsistent with constitutional dharma so to speak. This applies especially to those of us both in and out of uniform or from the civil services. We live in a milieu where national security concerns are invoked all too often as a means to avoid scrutiny and to justify the lack of transparency. National security must above all ensure human security – in every sphere. When we take an oath to abide by the constitution, we also swear to uphold the rights, well-being and dignity of every citizen.

https://thewire.in/government/constitutional-rights-ajit-doval-bipin-rawat-arun-mishra

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