Constitution Day in India: Celebrating the World’s Longest Written Constitution | UPSC Polity
Constitution Day, also known as Samvidhan Divas or National Law Day, is celebrated in India on 26th November every year. It marks the anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of India, which is the supreme law of the land and the longest written constitution in the world. The Constitution of India defines the fundamental principles, rights, duties, and powers of the government and the citizens of India.
History of Constitution Day in India
The Constitution of India was drafted by a Constituent Assembly, which was elected by the provincial assemblies in 1946. The Constituent Assembly had 389 members, representing different regions, religions, communities, and political parties of India. The drafting committee was chaired by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, who is widely regarded as the chief architect of the Constitution of India.
The drafting committee took 2 years, 11 months, and 17 days to prepare the final draft of the constitution, which was completed on 26th November 1949. The draft was then presented to the Constituent Assembly for debate and approval. After some modifications and amendments, the Constituent Assembly adopted the constitution on 24th January 1950. The constitution came into force on 26th January 1950, which is celebrated as Republic Day in India.
The Constitution of India is a unique document that reflects the diversity and unity of India. It is also known as a “Bag of Borrowings” as it has incorporated some features from the constitutions of other countries, such as the parliamentary system from Britain, the federal system from Canada, the fundamental rights from the United States, and the directive principles from Ireland.
Features of Constitution Day in India
The Constitution of India consists of a preamble, 22 parts, 395 articles, and 12 schedules. It also has 103 amendments as of October 2021. The preamble declares India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic that aims to secure justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all its citizens. The constitution also grants six fundamental rights to the citizens: right to equality, right to freedom, right to life and personal liberty, right against exploitation, right to freedom of religion, and right to constitutional remedies.
The Constitution of India also provides for a parliamentary form of government at the centre and the states, with a bicameral legislature at the centre consisting of the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States). The executive power is vested in the President of India, who is elected indirectly by an electoral college. The President appoints the Prime Minister of India, who is the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha. The Prime Minister heads the Council of Ministers, who are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
The Constitution of India also establishes an independent judiciary headed by the Chief Justice of India. The Supreme Court of India is the apex court that has the power to interpret and uphold the constitution and settle disputes between the centre and the states or between two or more states. The constitution also provides for a High Court in each state and subordinate courts at lower levels.
Significance of Constitution Day in India
Constitution Day in India is celebrated to honour and remember the contribution of the framers of the constitution and to reaffirm our commitment to uphold its values and ideals. It is also an occasion to educate and enlighten people about their rights and duties as citizens of India.
The Government of India declared 26th November as Constitution Day on 19th November 2015 by a gazette notification. The Prime Minister Narendra Modi made this announcement while laying the foundation stone of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Statue of Equality in Mumbai. Before this declaration, this day was observed as Law Day.
Various departments and institutions of the Government of India organize various programs and events to celebrate Constitution Day. In schools and colleges, students read out loud or recite the preamble of the constitution and participate in quizzes, debates, essay competitions on topics related to the constitution. In Parliament House and Vigyan Bhawan, dignitaries such as the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Lok Sabha Speaker address special sessions on constitutional issues and values. After their speeches, they lead a mass reading of the preamble along with other participants across the nation through live telecast.
Constitution Day in India is a day to celebrate our democracy and diversity and to cherish our constitutional legacy. It is also a day to reflect on our achievements and challenges as a nation and to strive for a more just and inclusive society.
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