CHENNAI: As India marks Republic Day, Madras Inherited is collaborating with Equals Project for a heritage walk titled Madras and the Constitution. The walk invites citizens to rediscover the city’s quiet but powerful role in shaping the nation’s democratic soul.
“The Equals Project has been doing fantastic work, not only in creating awareness about the Constitution of India and its history, but also regarding its relevance to contemporary society. The walk is instrumental in understanding the role that Madras and its people played in the Constituent Assembly, as well as the role current citizens should play in engaging with the Constitution,” says Ashmitha from Madras Inherited.
Set against the historic streets of Madras, the walk moves beyond ceremonial patriotism to uncover how constitutional ideas were debated, questioned, and lived in the Madras Presidency long before they were inked into law. Through libraries, institutions, and forgotten corners, the narrative connects local reformers, thinkers, and movements to the larger framework of rights, duties, and justice enshrined in the Constitution.
“Most citizens know about our Constitution, but hardly anyone is aware of the people and events in Madras that played a crucial role in shaping its rules, rights, and duties– Shruti Viswanathan, Equals Project
Talking about the significance of the walk, Shruti Viswanathan from Equals Project shares, “Most citizens know about our Constitution, but hardly anyone is aware of the people and events in Madras that played a crucial role in shaping its rules, rights, and duties. Through this walk, we take participants through interesting stories and snippets, fascinating them and encouraging them to delve deeper into our Constitution.”
Designed as a reflective journey rather than a history lesson, the walk brings the Constitution out of textbooks and into the city’s lived memory. Timed poignantly on January 26, it offers participants a deeper, place-based understanding of how Madras contributed to the making of modern India — reminding us that the Constitution was shaped not just in assembly halls, but in cities that dared to imagine equality. “Moreover, this will also give participants an opportunity to learn how to apply these insights in their day-to-day lives,” Shruti adds.
The Madras and the Constitution walk is set to take place at Ranade Library in Mylapore at 7 am on January 26.