The Constituent Assembly hall was buzzing with debate.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Chairman of the Drafting Committee, rose from his seat, commanding the attention of the room.
His presence alone was enough to make everyone silent, as every member waited to hear the words of the man tasked with penning the most important document in Indian history.
"Friends," Ambedkar began, his tone thoughtful yet firm, "the task before us is not just monumental, it is unparalleled. We are creating a framework that will define our nation's future. But in doing so, we must ask ourselves: What kind of India do we want? A nation held together by the iron grip of the center, or one that celebrates its diversity and allows autonomy to its states?"
A murmur of agreement rippled through the room, but also whispers of dissent.
Rohan leaned back slightly in his chair, watching as the familiar debate began to take shape.
Ambedkar continued, "We must ensure that the central government is strong enough to protect us and maintain unity, but we cannot, in the name of strength, sacrifice the unique identities of our states. To do so would be to erase what makes India… India."
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, seated near the front, spoke next, his voice a deep rumble that commanded as much attention as Ambedkar's.
"Ambedkar, I agree that diversity is one of our greatest strengths. But I must be clear without a strong center, how do we ensure that India remains one country? How do we defend ourselves from external threats or internal divisions? The world is watching, and we cannot afford to appear weak."
Patel's words carried a sharpness that cut through the assembly.
Rohan knew the strength of Patel's argument a weak center could indeed lead to chaos.
But the balance was crucial.
A representative from Tamil Nadu, Krishnaswamy Iyer, stood, his frustration evident. "Prime Minister Varma, Ambedkar, Sardar what you're saying makes sense, but I cannot help but worry. How do we ensure that the central government doesn't overreach? We fought for our freedom not to replace one distant ruler with another, but to govern ourselves. Each state has its own language, culture, and traditions. We must be free to preserve them."
There was a chorus of agreement from some parts of the room.
Rohan leaned forward, feeling the need to intervene and guide the debate back toward finding a middle ground.
He rose from his seat, and the hall quieted.
"Krishnaswamy," Rohan began, his voice calm but resolute, "you're right to be concerned. We fought for freedom, and that freedom must extend to every corner of our land. The central government cannot and should not stifle the uniqueness of each state. But the reality we face now is this: we are a young, vulnerable nation, and we cannot afford disunity. Without a strong center, we are at risk of tearing ourselves apart before we've even begun."
The assembly fell silent as Rohan's words resonated with the gravity of the moment.
Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, sitting near the back, raised his voice. "Prime Minister Varma, I agree with your sentiment. We must find a balance. The central government must be strong, but it must not become dictatorial. There should be clearly defined powers for the center and the states. We must ensure that states have the freedom to govern in matters that are closer to their people, while the center handles national security, foreign policy, and economic planning."
This struck a chord with many in the room. Sardar Patel leaned forward once again. "Azad, you've always been a voice of reason. I think we can all agree on one thing: our Constitution must clearly define the roles and powers of the center and the states. But what happens when those lines blur? We must ensure that in moments of national crisis, the center has the power to act decisively."
Another member, Tara Singh from Punjab, stood to speak. "Sardar, I appreciate your concern for national security, especially as someone from a border state. But we must also consider the autonomy of states like mine, where agriculture and local governance are critical. We need control over our resources and policies that reflect our regional needs. How do we ensure that the center doesn't overreach into areas like this?"
Ambedkar stood again, his voice cutting through the rising tensions. "Tara Singh raises an important point. Economic autonomy must be considered alongside political autonomy. Agriculture, education, public health, these are matters best handled by those who understand the local landscape. But I agree with Sardar Patel as well. The center must retain control over defense, communication, foreign policy, and national economic planning."
Rohan nodded. "We are on the same page. What we need is a detailed distribution of powers. Ambedkar, I propose that your committee drafts a clear outline of what falls under the jurisdiction of the states and what is the purview of the central government. We need to define the powers of both, so there is no confusion. A healthy balance between a strong center and empowered states is what will keep this country united."
There was murmured agreement across the room.
Krishna spoke next. "But Prime Minister, how do we ensure that this balance is not tilted in favor of the center over time? We've seen power centralize far too often in history. How do we ensure that the Constitution evolves with time without tipping the scales?"
Rohan smiled slightly, recognizing the challenge. "By ensuring that the Constitution is not a static document. It must be open to amendments, but not so easily that power shifts disproportionately. A balance must be struck between flexibility and rigidity. We can create mechanisms that allow for amendments but make it difficult for any government to alter the fundamental structure of our nation."
The debate continued for hours, with more voices joining in, each presenting a unique concern or suggestion.
While the path was not clear, the destination a united, strong India was one everyone could agree on.
By the end of the session, the debates had been fierce, but progress was being made.