Mangaluru, Aug 02: Van Mahotsav, a festival of tree plantation was organized at BIT (Bearys Institute of Technology & BEADS (Bearys Enviro Architecture Design School) under the banner of  ‘Leave My Mark’ on 1st August 2018, in an attempt to lend a green touch to the institutional environment and sensitize the students about their role in conserving it.

The program began with the invocation of the Almighty. The Principal of BEADS, Prof. Ashok LP, delivered the inaugural address. In his address, he spoke about the use of paper bags and the initiative of saving earth by preserving its resources such as water and electricity.

The Principal of BIT, Dr. Antony A.J, spoke about social responsibility of the students towards safeguarding trees and forests.

The presidential remarks were made by the chairman of Bearys group, Mr. Syed Mohammed Beary. He stressed on forming a personal connect between the students and trees through a process of experience and reflection. He also cautioned the effect of depleting number of trees.

The inaugural program came to an end with the National anthem. Then about 200 plants were planted by the Staff and students of BIT-BEADS in association with the Forest department. While concluding the program, Dean - Academics Dr. Mahabaleswarappa made the students pledge ‘Green campus, clean campus’.

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New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday upheld the inclusion of the words ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Preamble of the Constitution, confirming their retrospective application from November 26, 1949. The court ruled that the power to amend the Constitution under Article 368 extends to the Preamble, which is an integral part of the document.

A Bench led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna stated, “The power under Article 368 cannot be curtailed. It will equally apply to the Preamble.” The 42nd Constitutional Amendment, which introduced these terms in 1976 during the Emergency, was challenged on grounds of its retrospective application and the lack of states’ ratification.

The petitioners, including BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, argued that the amendment forced a particular economic theory on the nation and violated the original intent of the Constitution. Advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay contended that the Preamble reflects the will of the people at the time of adoption in 1949 and is therefore unalterable.

The court dismissed these objections, affirming that both socialism and secularism are part of the Constitution's Basic Structure. The Bench clarified that socialism refers to a welfare state ensuring equality of opportunity without negating private sector participation or individualism. It emphasised that secularism is embedded in the Constitution, particularly in the principles of equality and fraternity.

Chief Justice Khanna remarked, “Secularism has always been a core feature of the Constitution.” He added that the amendment did not impose socialism as dogma but aligned with the welfare goals enshrined in various constitutional provisions.