17th October, 2025 : Samvidhaan Series Screening - Episode 5 : Strengthening the Weak: Minority, Women and Backward Rights

The screening of Samvidhaan Series, Episode 5: 'Strengthening the Weak: Minority, Women and Backward Rights' in Dhwani Legal Trust explored how the Indian Constitution seeks to empower historically marginalised communities, with a focus on minorities, women and backward classes.

The episode highlighted Constitutional provisions on equality and affirmative actions situating them within social realities of exclusion and structural disadvantage.

The screening was followed by an engaging discussion with Ms. Vijayashanthi K, a Professor of English, St.Joseph's College of Commerce, reflected on the space available to her as a teacher to sensitise her students.

In a time where constitutional values are questioned time and again, as marginalised communities where do we place ourselves and how can one navigate the space without constitutional support was the highlight.

She went on to share how the whole concept of Reservation is looked at wearing a Privilege Lens. When people debate about Reservations, its always attributed to SC/ST Reservations. There are many other affirmative actions for other sections of society as well which no one are attracted to talk about.

Therefore translating constitutional promises in to lived justice for the most vulnerable groups is still a big challenge.

The evening was more than a screening; it was a collective exercise in reflection, dialogue, and learning. Participants engaged actively, drawing parallels between the debates of the Assembly and the questions facing India today.