In Kannur’s Centenary Park, near the Thalassery District and Sessions Court, a Constitution Exhibition and Public Debate is drawing visitors of all ages, especially children and students. The event, part of the 15th State Conference of the All India Lawyers Union, displays about 120 slides that trace the making and evolution of India’s Constitution, from the early years to 2026.
The exhibition begins with British rule and the freedom struggle, then details the formation of the Constituent Assembly and the stages of drafting the Constitution. It highlights not only well‑known leaders such as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Patel, but also lesser‑known contributors, including members of the Drafting Committee and those from Kerala. The role of Kerala’s own lawmaker P. Kunhiraman, who influenced Article 17’s wording, and the participation of 15 women in the drafting process are emphasized.
A.N. Shamseer, chairman of the organising committee and former Kerala Assembly Speaker, said the exhibition aims to strengthen constitutional literacy and serve as a protest that the Constitution must be protected. He stressed that understanding the Constitution is essential in today’s climate.
The event has attracted large numbers of school students, according to A. Viswan, district president of the All India Lawyers Union. He noted that the growing public participation signals a slow movement toward greater engagement with constitutional knowledge.
The exhibition opened with retired Justice Sunil Thomas and will run until October 11, alongside other cultural programmes. Delegates will also take a collective pledge to protect the Constitution on October 10.
