Sri Vijaya Puram, November 4: Emphasising the need for informed and responsible citizens in a democratic society, Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya (JNRM) organised an expert talk on ‘Constitutional Values, Civic Responsibility and Good Governance’ on November 2 under the Reform UTSAV initiative.
The programme sought to familiarise students with the principles underpinning India’s constitutional framework and highlight how individual responsibility, civic participation and accountable institutions contribute to the functioning of a healthy democracy.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Pearl Devdas, Principal of JNRM, said effective governance rests on four fundamental pillars: transparency, accountability, responsibility and integrity. Highlighting these principles in her presidential address, she emphasised their importance in ensuring that public institutions function responsibly and remain answerable to the people they serve.
The emphasis on these four principles brought the discussion beyond the functioning of government departments, drawing attention to the role of individuals and institutions in building a culture of ethical conduct and public accountability.
The expert session was delivered by Dr. Bitin Thakur from Tagore Government College of Education (TGCE), who elaborated on the three interconnected dimensions of the programme’s theme: constitutional values, civic responsibility and good governance.
The discussion highlighted the relationship between constitutional principles and everyday citizenship, underscoring that democracy is sustained not merely through institutions and electoral processes but also through the awareness, participation and conduct of its citizens.
Constitutional values provide the foundation for an inclusive and democratic society, while civic responsibility translates these principles into everyday actions. Respect for the rule of law, awareness of rights and duties, participation in public life and respect for fellow citizens are among the responsibilities that contribute to a functioning democracy.
The discussion also brought attention to good governance as an essential element of public administration. Transparency in decision-making, accountability in the exercise of authority and integrity in public service are central to building public trust. These principles are equally relevant for young people preparing to take on professional, social and civic responsibilities.
For students, such discussions offer an opportunity to understand the Constitution beyond its legal provisions and recognise its relevance in everyday life. Awareness of constitutional rights must go hand in hand with an understanding of corresponding duties, particularly in a society where democratic institutions depend on public participation and collective responsibility.
The Reform UTSAV initiative provided a platform for engaging students with these broader questions of governance and citizenship. By bringing an academic expert into the discussion, JNRM sought to encourage a deeper understanding of the values that shape public institutions and democratic participation.
The programme reinforced the idea that good governance cannot be the responsibility of the administration alone. It also depends on citizens who are informed about their rights, conscious of their duties and willing to uphold ethical and constitutional principles in their everyday lives.
Through the initiative, the institution highlighted the importance of nurturing a generation that understands not only how democratic institutions function but also its own role in strengthening them.
