Addressing a programme in Mumbai, Fadnavis said the strength of India's constitutional and democratic framework ensured that the country's affairs would be governed through established constitutional processes. Former Chief Justice of India Justice Bhushan Gavai, Mayor Ritu Tawde, Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi, MLA Amit Satam, MLA Kalidas Kolambkar, MLA Mahesh Sawant, Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, and Mumbai Municipal Corporation Education Committee Chairperson Rajshree Shirwadkar attended the programme, along with various public representatives, officials, teachers and students. The Chief Minister was speaking at the event.
Fadnavis emphasised that India had a distinct constitutional framework that safeguarded its democratic system. "This is India. This is not Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka. Those countries do not have the Indian Constitution given by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar; India has that Constitution," he said.
Highlighting the strength of Indian democracy, the Chief Minister said several attempts had been made over the years to attack the Constitution and the country's democratic system. However, he maintained that the Constitution was strong enough to withstand such attempts.
"Over the past several years, there have been numerous attempts to attack the Constitution and the country's democracy. However, the Indian Constitution is so strong that nobody has been able to undermine the country's democracy or remove the Constitution," Fadnavis said.
The Chief Minister also stressed that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to seek justice and that disputes and grievances must be addressed through constitutional means.
"This Constitution has given everyone in this country the right to seek justice. Any justice can be obtained through constitutional means, so make efforts to secure justice through that route. But the Constitution has also laid down what should be done if someone takes an unconstitutional path," he said.
Fadnavis further highlighted the constitutional principles of liberty, equality, justice and fraternity. He said that if students imbibed the values enshrined in the Constitution given by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, they would become not only responsible citizens but also leaders who would contribute to building a developed India.
Referring to India's cultural heritage, the Chief Minister said Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had brought together different sections of society while establishing Swarajya, fostering unity, fearlessness and sensitivity towards society. He said people who understood the values associated with Swarajya and those enshrined in the Indian Constitution could make a positive contribution to society and the country.
Fadnavis also described the Constitution as more than a legal document, stating that it provided every individual with the right to live and equal opportunities. He said the Constitution had played a significant role in holding together a country characterised by diverse languages, religions, castes and cultures.
Through the 'Smart Citizen' and 'Vidyarthi Prerna' initiatives, efforts are being made to instil constitutional values, fundamental duties and social responsibility among three lakh students studying in approximately 1,100 Mumbai Municipal Corporation schools. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that these initiatives would help build an educated society grounded in principles and values.
Before addressing the programme, Fadnavis interacted with students and learned about the activities being conducted in their schools. After speaking with students at Mumbai Public School, he said he was pleased to see their knowledge, understanding and awareness of modern technology.
The Chief Minister also expressed satisfaction with the standard of education being provided at municipal schools, saying he was pleased to see that the education offered there was better than that available at some private schools charging fees of Rs. 2 lakh to Rs. 2.5 lakh.
Municipal schools are introducing modern educational facilities, including digital classrooms, robotics and STEM laboratories, to improve students' learning opportunities. Mayor Ritu Tawde said initiatives such as 'Science Monday' and 'Maths Thursday' were being conducted to encourage students' interest in science and make mathematics more engaging.
Tawde also announced plans for a Marathi-language examination in January 2027 based on the book 'Vachan Prerna', written by municipal school teachers and centred on the life and work of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.
The book seeks to inspire students through Ambedkar's struggles, pursuit of knowledge and ideas on social transformation. It was prepared with guidance from various experts.
Students who perform well in the examination will be honoured on April 14, 2027, on the occasion of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Jayanti, Tawde announced.
The municipal administration is also focusing on providing students with broader educational opportunities alongside quality education. BJP Mumbai president and MLA Amit Satam said 50 meritorious students who presented outstanding projects at science exhibitions had been selected to gain exposure at the international level.
The initiatives, combined with the emphasis on constitutional principles and modern education, reflect the civic administration's efforts to promote social responsibility, academic development and constitutional awareness among students across Mumbai's municipal schools.
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