What shapes a nation’s soul? Its Constitution and the citizens who understand, protect, and live it.What does it mean to live under a Constitution? How does a written document shape the lives, freedoms, and responsibilities of millions of citizens? These questions formed the heartbeat of a remarkable literary evening at the iconic Oxford Bookstore in Connaught Place, where readers, thinkers, and literature enthusiasts gathered to engage with one of India’s foremost public intellectuals, Shashi Tharoor, on his latest work, Our Living Constitution. The event, part of the celebrated Bookmarked series, created a space for reflection, dialogue, and a renewed appreciation for the very document that sustains the nation’s democracy. The highlight of the evening was a candid and thought-provoking exchange with Dr Shashi Tharoor, the distinguished parliamentarian and acclaimed author, who spoke at length about his latest book, Our Living Constitution.
With his trademark eloquence, he explained how the Constitution of India remains of paramount importance to every citizen, for it bestows fundamental rights, defines responsibilities, and shields the people from abusers of power and privilege. It creates the framework of democracy through the three main organs of the state-the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary, while privileging an idea of India that transcends religious, linguistic, and sub-national identities. As Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar envisioned, it remains a magnificent structure under which all Indians can equally seek shelter. Dr Tharoor also addressed how, despite its significance, the Constitution is often misunderstood or reduced to political debate, leaving many unaware of its richness. While numerous academic interpretations exist, accessible works for the general reader are few. His new book seeks to bridge that gap. With clarity, scholarship, and persuasive arguments, Our Living Constitution presents not only the historical foundations of the document but also the civic nationalism that animated the Founding Fathers. It examines the values of pluralism, tolerance, liberalism, and respect for the individual while warning of the perils posed by sectarianism and illiberalism in the present century. Yet his message was one of cautious optimism, as he noted, democracy and liberty-loving citizens have risen time and again to reclaim their republic.
The evening, however, was not limited to the discussion of this single book. Attendees spoke animatedly about Tharoor's broader body of work — from his novels to political essays and the larger questions his writing provokes. The event was a festival of literature, shelves of books as backdrop, readers exchanging impressions, and questions flowing with curiosity. Books felt alive, companions in dialogue.
The queue stretched through aisles, reflecting Tharoor’s wide appeal. Each signature became a cherished moment of connection. By the end, Oxford Bookstore reaffirmed itself as a sanctuary where literature breathes.
About the Book
Book: Our Living Constitution
Author: Shashi Tharoor
Publisher: Aleph
Price: Rs 499/-