Artists unite on social media to spotlight equality, freedom, and fundamental rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution
On the occasion of India’s Republic Day, actress and human rights advocate Sheena Chohan brought together a powerful collective of artists to initiate a Constitution Reading Rights Campaign, urging citizens to reconnect with the values and rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution. The initiative saw eminent voices from Indian cinema and theatre — including Revathi, Nandita Das, Parvathy, Karan Tacker, Jeo Baby and Anant Mahadevan — read excerpts from the Constitution on social media, reaching millions across the country.
The campaign aimed to move Republic Day celebrations beyond symbolism and ceremony, and toward awareness, understanding, and active engagement with constitutional rights that form the foundation of Indian democracy.
“Republic Day Is About the Constitution”: Sheena Chohan on the Vision Behind the Campaign
Actress Sheena Chohan, South Asian Ambassador for United for Human Rights and co-founder of the initiative, explained the motivation behind the campaign.
“Republic Day celebrates the Indian Constitution, which is admired around the world,” she said. “But so many of us forget what it actually says. I’m pleased that such powerful voices, thought leaders and brilliant artists have joined hands with us to help remind everyone what today’s holiday is truly about — the Constitution.”
Chohan emphasized that constitutional rights are not abstract ideals but everyday tools meant to ensure dignity, equality, and justice for all citizens.
Revathi Reads Article 14: Equality Before the Law
Veteran actress Revathi read Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, which states: “The State shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India.”
Sharing her thoughts, Revathi said,
“The basic rights are so important because as we grow as a nation together, we need an equal place to live in — for generations to come. Our children and grandchildren need their fundamental rights, and equality is one of the most important. Happy Republic Day.”
Her message resonated strongly with audiences, reinforcing equality as the bedrock of a just society.
Parvathy Voices Article 15: No Discrimination
Actor Parvathy Thiruvothu read Article 15, which prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth.
“These are our Fundamental Rights,” Parvathy stated. “These are rights that have to be upheld in the Republic of India. Always speak up for them — for yourself and for your fellow citizens.”
Her words highlighted the responsibility of citizens not just to know their rights, but to actively defend them.
Nandita Das: Equality and Justice Are the Foundation of Democracy
Filmmaker and actor Nandita Das read Articles 14 and 15, reinforcing the inseparable link between equality and democracy.
“These basic rights are so important because they remind us that equality and justice are for all, without exception,” she said. “They are the foundation of our democracy.”
Known for her long-standing advocacy for social justice, Das’s participation underscored the campaign’s moral and intellectual weight.
Jeo Baby and Karan Tacker Highlight Language and Freedom
Malayalam filmmaker Jeo Baby read Articles 14 and 15 in Malayalam, making the Constitution accessible to regional audiences and reinforcing the idea that rights belong to every citizen, across languages and cultures.
Actor Karan Tacker read out the Right to Freedom of Expression, stating,
“This basic right is so important because that is exactly what makes this country democratic.”
His reading emphasized the centrality of free expression in sustaining an open and pluralistic society.
A Broader Movement: Artists Who Have Raised Their Voices Before
Sheena Chohan’s Republic Day initiative builds on years of sustained advocacy with artists across industries. She has previously collaborated with filmmaker R. Balki to promote Freedom of Expression, Sonakshi Sinha on the Right to Education, Preity Zinta and Guneet Monga on Women’s Rights, Sonu Sood on the Right to Food and Shelter, Raveena Tandon on the Right to a Free and Fair World, and Imtiaz Ali on Freedom of Thought.
Sonakshi Sinha reflected on the Right to Education, saying,
“When I see a child on the street begging, it breaks my heart. That child should be in school right now, getting the education they deserve. Creating awareness around education is a must.”
Sonu Sood highlighted the gap between rights on paper and reality:
“The law and rights to food and shelter exist, but how many people are really enjoying them? It’s about bringing awareness of your rights.”
Raveena Tandon stressed the need for constitutional education at an early age.
“Basic rights need to be taught to our children. It should be mandatory,” she said.
Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali spoke about Freedom of Thought, noting,
“If you infringe upon freedom of thought in someone, you also infringe upon it in yourself. Without the growth of ideas, you become stagnated.”
“Let’s Read the Constitution”: A Republic Day Call to Action
Concluding the campaign, Sheena Chohan drew attention to India’s global contribution to human rights.
“The Indian Constitution was written at a similar time as the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and carries the same spark of genius,” she said. “Many don’t know that it was an Indian woman, Hansa Mehta, who changed the wording at the UN from ‘All men are created equal’ to ‘All human beings are created equal’.”
She urged citizens to honour the Founding Fathers and Founding Mothers of India by reading, understanding, and living by the Constitution.
This Republic Day, through voices of art and conscience, the Constitution Reading Rights Campaign transformed celebration into reflection — reminding India that democracy thrives only when its people know, value, and protect their rights.
Videos from the campaign are available on Instagram at bornfree_equal, with podcasts accessible on the Born Free & Equal channel.
See these artists’ videos at www.instagram.com/bornfree_equal
Listen to these artists’ podcasts at: https://hubhopper.com/podcast/born-free-equal/312044
