Key Takeaways
Constitution Day has been celebrated on 26th November, since 2015, to commemorate the adoption of India's Constitution on the same day in 1949.
The first meeting of the Constituent Assembly happened on 9th December 1946.
It took 2 years 11 months and 18 days to complete the draft of the Constitution for Independent India.
The day emphasises the importance of constitutional rights and duties in modern India and to remember the vision of the makers of our Constitution
INTRODUCTION
Constitution Day or Samvidhaan Diwas celebrated annually on 26th November, marks the day when the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the Constitution in 1949. Initially, this day was celebrated as “Law Day”, it was renamed Constitution Day by the Indian Government in 2015. While the Constitution came into effect on 26th January, 1950, this day highlights the visionary framework that serves as the backbone of India's democratic governance. The observation of Constitution Day promotes awareness of constitutional values like justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
The Indian Constitution, which was adopted on 26th November, 1949 and went into effect on 26th January, 1950, is the culmination of centuries of rule, colonial legacies, and the goals of an independent India. British colonial power imposed centralised governance, whereas ancient India, through books like the Arthshashtra demonstrated decentralised systems like the Panchayati Raj. Calls for self-rule were sparked by important statutes that excluded real Indian representation, such as the Regulating Act (1773) and the Government of India Acts (1858, 1919, 1935).
With landmarks like the Karachi Resolution (1931) and the Nehru Report (1928), which placed a strong emphasis on social justice and fundamental rights, the liberation fight further solidified constitutional aspirations. The framework for a Constituent Assembly charged with the duty of creating a new Constitution for Independent India was established under the Cabinet Mission Plan (1946). To develop a framework appropriate for India's diversity, this varied assembly, which had members from every nook and corner of the country began its work on 9th December, 1946.
After almost three years of discussion, on 26th November 1949, the Assembly created a Constitution that was specific to India's requirements while drawing inspiration from international models such as the Canadian federal system, the Irish Directive Principles, the U.S. Bill of Rights, and the British parliamentary system. The Indian Constitution is a living document that keeps evolving and changing according to the needs of the citizens of India.
SIGNIFICANCE
The Constitution Day serves as a reminder of the values enshrined in the Constitution and their relevance to the Indian Society. It is a day to revisit our commitment to justice, equality, liberty and fraternity which are the foundational principles that continue to guide the largest democracy in the world. The Indian Constitution keeps evolving through amendments, and interpretations from the judiciary. Constitution Day thus celebrates this very dynamic nature of our Constitution reminding us that its relevance lies in its ability to adapt to changing times while preserving its basic features.
CONCLUSION
In sum, Constitution Day serves as a reminder of the vision and relevance of the Indian Constitution. It emphasises the importance of upholding the fundamental values of justice, equality, liberty and fraternity enshrined in our constitution. As a living document, the Constitution adapts to the needs of the society.
Constitution Day is not merely a celebration but a call to action for every citizen to remain committed to the values of the Constitution and care not just for their rights but also their duties.
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