Puneites feel that the ability and freedom to every individual to exercise the basic constitutional rights will mean the real sense of republic

Fifty-nine years since the constitution of India was brought into force -- with an aim not only to adapt laws but also augment the basic liberties and rights of a citizen – Is the country democratic and republic in the real sense? Do we get to exercise our basic constitutional rights? A cross section of Puneites opine.

I think today as the country is advancing on an international level many things are changing for good. Nobody can take away our constitutional rights if we exercise them in the right way. But the fact is that many are still not aware of them and that's what the general public has to be made aware of. If everybody raises a voice for their basic rights things will definitely turn.

— Nabeel Parkar, professional

The constitution has been framed in the backset of democracy – which is ideally meant to be 'For the people, by the people and to the people' and we always speak about things like freedom of expression, right to information, unbiased approach to religion, gender equality, and many such things. Bu I feel that these things are just on paper. In reality, as individuals, many of us still need to adapt a positive approach towards ourselves and others to make all the difference for us as a nation. With issues like political corruption, poverty, unemployment still makes it difficult for everyone to equally exercise the basic constitutional rights.

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