India marked the 75th anniversary of the adoption of its Constitution on Tuesday with national leaders paying heartfelt tributes and emphasising the Constitution’s enduring role in upholding justice, equality, and unity.
Known as Constitution Day or ‘Samvidhan Divas,’ the occasion commemorated the remarkable journey of India’s foundational document that has shaped the country into a vibrant democracy. A host of government officials, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, and state leaders, reflected on the significance of this milestone and renewed their commitment to constitutional ideals.
National Leaders Reflect on Constitution’s Legacy
The central celebration took place at the Central Hall of the Indian Parliament, where President Droupadi Murmu addressed Members of both Houses. President Murmu used the occasion to pay tribute to the brave men and women who contributed to India’s struggle for independence and to the framers of the Constitution, noting that the document remains the backbone of India’s democracy.
The ceremony also saw Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi releasing the annual report of the Indian Judiciary for 2023-24 and delivering an address to the gathering, reflecting on the evolution of governance in India over the past 75 years.
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and other dignitaries attended the event, highlighting the collective effort needed to preserve and protect the constitutional framework.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the country in celebrating the 75th Constitution Day. In a post on X, PM Modi extended his greetings to the nation, stating:
“Happy Constitution Day to all countrymen on the auspicious occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution. #75YearsOfConstitution.”
His message echoed the sentiment of unity, pride, and resilience the Constitution embodies.
Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna joined the Constitution Day celebration organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association, emphasising the transformative role the Constitution has played in Indian society since independence. He described it as “a way of life” and a guiding document that has helped the country emerge as a vibrant democracy. CJI Khanna also spoke about the judiciary’s significant contributions, from environmental laws to privacy protections, noting the critical role played by the legal community in upholding constitutional principles.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also highlighted the importance of the Constitution in providing justice and ensuring equal rights for all. Calling it a “mantra of national unity and integrity,” Shah noted that the celebration was an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and other architects of the Constitution.
He reiterated the Modi government’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, emphasising how India has emerged as a global leader in anti-terror initiatives.
“We believe that the Constitution is not just a book to be displayed on stage, but it is the key to make the highest contribution to public life by internalising it with full devotion,”
Shah added.
Hardeep Puri, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, acknowledged the significance of declaring November 26 as Constitution Day, stating that it has deepened public engagement with the ideals the Constitution enshrines. Puri also pointed to transformative reforms, such as the abrogation of Article 370, which have moved India closer to the vision of “One Nation, One Constitution.”
Nationwide Tributes to the Architects of the Constitution
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, honoured the Constitution as the soul of India’s democracy. He paid tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and other patriots who contributed to framing what he described as a “progressive Constitution.”
Meanwhile, KC Venugopal of the Congress Party also emphasised the Constitution’s role as a “living document” that embodies India’s rich cultural and historical legacy. Venugopal highlighted that the Constitution was a product of intense deliberation by luminaries like Dr Ambedkar, Pandit Nehru, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who sought to forge a path for a free, equitable, and diverse India.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel also echoed similar sentiments, calling on citizens to uphold the values enshrined in the Constitution. Their messages urged people to contribute to building a prosperous and unified India by embracing constitutional ideals like social justice, equality, and democratic principles.
Reflections on the Constitution’s Enduring Relevance
Congress MP Manish Tewari, in his message, stressed the need to reflect on the successes and shortcomings of the Constitution continually. He noted that a meaningful celebration of the 75th anniversary would involve Parliament debating and discussing how effectively the Constitution’s promises have been fulfilled over the years.
The Ministry of Law and Justice also marked this milestone with a year-long campaign titled “Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Swabhiman” (Our Constitution, Our Pride). The campaign aims to deepen public awareness about the Constitution and highlight Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s contributions. Regional events have been organised across the country, including in Bikaner, Prayagraj, and Guwahati, focusing on promoting an understanding of the Constitution among diverse communities, particularly in the Northeast.
In recent years, the principles enshrined in the Constitution have served as a guiding light for transformative governance in India. Initiatives like Panchteerth, which honours the legacy of Dr Ambedkar, and various legislative reforms have underscored the government’s commitment to equality, justice, and transparency.
The Constitution has also been at the forefront of India’s efforts to ensure a more inclusive and equitable society. The focus on justice, liberty, and equality—as outlined in the Preamble—continues to drive policy and inspire collective action aimed at addressing social and economic disparities. This year’s Constitution Day celebrations served as a reminder of the foundational values that have allowed India to navigate numerous challenges and emerge as a robust democracy.
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