New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday addressed a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament in the historic Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, marking the commencement of year-long celebrations to commemorate 75 years since the adoption of India's Constitution.
The event organised on Constitution Day or Samvidhan Divas, witnessed the presence of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and other prominent leaders, underlining its importance in India's democratic history.
During her address, President Murmu highlighted the enduring significance of the Constitution in shaping India's democratic ethos. As part of the celebrations, she released translated versions of the Constitution in Sanskrit and Maithili. A ceremonial reading of the Preamble, led by the President, was also conducted to emphasise the guiding principles of the document.
During her address, President Murmu described the Constitution as a 'living and progressive document' that evolves to incorporate new ideas as per the needs of changing times.
"Our Constitution is a living and progressive document. Through our Constitution, we have achieved the goals of social justice and inclusive development," President Murmu said.
Highlighting recent milestones, she stated, "The law on women's reservation has started a new era of women empowerment in our democracy." She also paid tribute to the 15 women members of the Constituent Assembly, acknowledging their vital role in framing the Constitution.
Additionally, President Murmu unveiled a commemorative coin and a postage stamp to honour the occasion, reflecting the enduring legacy of the Constitution in India's governance and societal framework.
VP Dhankhar Stresses Importance of Upholding Democratic Values
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar also addressed the gathering, underscoring the Constitution's role in strengthening Indian democracy. "Our Constitution has effectively anchored Indian democracy. This is an occasion to reflect on our Constitution's core values," he said.
Calling Parliamentarians the 'guardians of democracy', VP Dhankhar urged them to uphold the sanctity of democratic institutions. "Disturbance as a strategy threatens democratic institutions. It is time to restore the sanctity of our democratic temples through constructive dialogue, debate, and meaningful discussion to serve our people effectively," he remarked.
The Vice President also recalled the Emergency period of 1975-77, describing it as "the darkest period when fundamental rights of citizens were suspended." He proposed June 25 to be commemorated annually as a reminder of the Emergency.
Stressing on the role of division of power among the organs of the state and the need for a structured mechanism to resolve issues among them, Dhankhar said, “ Our Constitution ingeniously establishes democracy's three pillars—the Legislature, the Executive, and the Judiciary—each with a defined role. Democracy is best nurtured with its constitutional institutions being in sync, tandem and togetherness adhering to their jurisdictional area."
"In functioning of these organs of the state, domain exclusivity is quintessence to making optimal contributions in steering Bharat toward unprecedented heights of prosperity and equity. Evolution of a structured interactive mechanism amongst those at the helm of these institutions would bring greater convergence in serving the nation," he added.
Referring to the opening words of the Constitution- “We the people of India” underlining the sovereignty of the people, he added “ The Constitution's opening words, ‘We the People of India’, carry deep meaning, establishing citizens as the ultimate authority, with Parliament serving as their voice”.
Stressing on the duties of the members of parliament particularly, he said, “All citizens, particularly Members of Parliament, must amplify our nation's resonance on the world stage. May this honoured chamber resonate with democratic wisdom, maintaining the bond between citizens and their elected representatives.”
"We must always put our nation first. We need to be on guard as never before," he said and added that these commitments were crucial for achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
Citing Ambedkar's last address in the Constituent Assembly on November 25, 1949, Dhankhar said, "What perturbs me greatly is the fact that not only India has once before lost her independence but she lost it by the infidelity and treachery of some of her own people. Will history repeat itself?"
"It is this thought which fills me with anxiety. This anxiety is deepened by the realisation of the fact that, in addition to our old enemies in the form of castes and creeds, we are going to have many political parties with diverse and opposing political creeds. Will Indians place the country above their creed or will they place their creed above the country?" he said, citing Ambedkar's address.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla Highlights the Legacy of Constitution
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday urged members of Parliament to uphold the tradition of constructive and dignified debates set by the Constituent Assembly. Speaking at the Constitution Day event, Birla recalled the Assembly's nearly three years of efforts to create a document that reflects India's geographic and social diversity.
"The Constituent Assembly shared views with dignity, and these traditions should continue in our Houses,"he said. Borla highlighted Parliament's transformative role in advancing social and economic change over 75 years, deepening citizens' faith in democracy.
November 26, 2024, marks the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution. Under the leadership of BR Ambedkar, the Constitution of India was adopted on November 26, 1949, and came into effect on January 26, 1950. It serves as the foundational document that defines India’s democratic, secular, and egalitarian framework. The constitution of India came into effect on January 26, 1950, marking the birth anniversary of the Indian Republic.
PM Modi Leads In Wishing Nation Happy Constitution Day
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wished people on the day in a message posted on X. "Happy Constitution Day to all citizens on the auspicious occasion of the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution," read his post.
सभी देशवासियों को भारतीय संविधान की 75वीं वर्षगांठ के पावन अवसर पर संविधान दिवस की बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं।#75YearsOfConstitution pic.twitter.com/pa5MVHO6Cu
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 26, 2024
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also extended greetings for Constitution Day to the people on Tuesday and paid homage to BR Ambedkar.
"Heartiest greetings to all Indians on 'Constitution Day'. The Indian Constitution has laid the foundation for the creation of a new India. Today our country is moving forward with a strong resolve to build a developed, strong and self-respecting India. #75YearsOfConstitution. On this sacred occasion of 'Constitution Day', I pay my homage to all the great personalities including Baba Saheb Ambedkar who have contributed in the creation of the Indian Constitution," he posted on X.
सभी भारतवासियों को ‘संविधान दिवस’ की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं। भारतीय संविधान ने एक नये भारत के निर्माण की आधारशिला रखी है। आज हमारा देश एक विकसित, सशक्त और स्वाभिमानी भारत के निर्माण के मज़बूत संकल्प के साथ आगे बढ़ रहा है। #75YearsOfConstitution
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) November 26, 2024
‘संविधान दिवस’ के इस पवित्र अवसर पर…
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also wished all Indians on the occasion and urged citizens to protect the ethos of the Constitution. He said the struggle to defend India's inherent philosophy must be reinvigorated and reignited in the 75th year of its adoption.
"The 75th year of the adoption of the Constitution has begun today. I extend my warmest wishes to all Indians on this historic occasion," the Congress president said in a post on X.
The 75th year of adoption of the Constitution has begun today. I extend my warmest wishes to all Indians on this historic occasion.
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) November 26, 2024
The Constitution of India, painstakingly and carefully drafted by our foremothers and forefathers is the lifeblood of our nation. It guarantees us… pic.twitter.com/KaUOhW5Aty
"The Constitution of India, painstakingly and carefully drafted by our foremothers and forefathers is the lifeblood of our nation. It guarantees us social, economic and political rights. It constitutes India into a sovereign socialist democratic republic," he said.
Justice, liberty, equality and fraternity are not just ideals or ideas, they are the way of life for 140 crore Indians, Kharge asserted. "Today, we recall the tremendous contribution of the Constituent Assembly and its prolific members. We are forever indebted to their vision and wisdom," he said.
Indian Constitution Day 2024: History
Recognising the significance of this historic event, the Government of India officially declared November 26 as Constitution Day in 2015, under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The Ministry, intending to promote constitutional values among people, announced on November 19 2015 that the government would celebrate November 26 every year as Constitution Day. It said the observance would serve as a "reminder of the democratic principles that guide the nation"
