Forget Calendars, India’s First Constitutionally Literate Village Hangs the Constitution on Its Walls!

In the picturesque village of Chirakkadavu, nestled in Kerala’s Kottayam district, the Preamble to the Constitution of India has found a special place—on the walls of every household. Here, instead of traditional calendars, the bold letters of the Preamble hang proudly, reminding citizens of their rights, duties, and shared identity as Indians. This symbolic gesture reflects a deeper transformation: Chirakkadavu has become the first panchayat in India to achieve full constitutional literacy.The Path to Constitutional LiteracyThis novel initiative was spearheaded by the Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) in collaboration with the Chirakkadavu Grama Panchayat. The journey began with a unique idea proposed in the Panchayat's 2024-25 annual plan: to educate every resident about the Constitution of India.KILA developed a detailed program that included training 23 individuals, referred to as ‘senators,’ who were tasked with conducting awareness sessions and home visits. These senators spent an entire year imparting knowledge about constitutional history, fundamental rights, and civic responsibilities.“The idea stemmed from consultations within the local body. Democracy cannot thrive without citizens being fully aware of their constitutional rights and duties,” said Advocate C.R. Sreekumar, President of Chirakkadavu Panchayat.How the Literacy Drive WorkedThe constitutional literacy program was a community-wide effort. Question papers, meticulously crafted by the local administration, were distributed to every household by ward members, Anganwadi and ASHA workers, Haritha Karma Sena, and Kudumbashree volunteers. These materials tested the knowledge of residents on key aspects of the Constitution.To ensure inclusivity, volunteers conducted home visits and held awareness classes tailored to different age groups and literacy levels. The program culminated in every individual passing a constitutional literacy test, marking a milestone in the Panchayat’s history.This achievement would not have been possible without the collective efforts of Chirakkadavu’s residents. From schoolchildren to senior citizens, everyone embraced the initiative with enthusiasm. Institutions, offices, and even stationery shops in the village displayed the Preamble, creating a vibrant environment of constitutional pride.The ‘constitutional calendar’ became a common sight, symbolizing the shared commitment of the community to uphold the values enshrined in the Constitution.Why Constitutional Literacy MattersThe initiative in Chirakkadavu highlights the importance of constitutional awareness in strengthening democracy. By educating citizens about their rights and responsibilities, the Panchayat has empowered them to participate more actively in governance and decision-making processes.“This is not just about passing a test. It’s about understanding our identity as a democratic nation and ensuring that every citizen feels connected to the Constitution,” said one of the senators involved in the program.In Chirakkadavu, the Constitution is more than a document—it’s a way of life. The village’s historic achievement as India’s first constitutionally literate Panchayat demonstrates the power of education, community collaboration, and the enduring relevance of the Preamble.