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| Understanding “Constitution Day” History & Origin | | | Omkar Dattatray
The grateful nation has observed and celebrated the constitution day on 26th of November and resolved to abide by the provisions contained in this supreme document which in fact is the guiding force for the democratic and secular government and the citizenry at large. The constitution day reminds the citizens to follow and adhere the laws contained in the constitution so that we are in a position to live up to the constitutional provisions and follow our duties towards the country and not to claim rights only because rights and duties are the two faces of the same coin and so we should not only seek and enjoy rights only but observe our duties as well and thus there should be balance between rights and duties for leading meaningful and purposeful life in a democracy. The importance of the constitution day cannot be overlooked as constitution is in fact the lifeline of our parliamentary democracy. The constitution day also reminds us to respect and revere constitution which is no less than a holy book for Indians and so it is in the fitness of things to pay great regard and respect to the constitution and never do anything which is ultra virus to the constitution. It is pertinent to mention here that every year constitution day is celebrated on 26th of November as it marks the commemoration day of the adoption of our constitution. It is worthwhile to mention here that in the year 1949, the Indian constitution was adopted by the constituent assembly on 26th of November 1949.However the constitution came into effect from January 26, 1950 and thus we celebrate republic day every year on this day .We have celebrated the constitution day all over the country on 26th November. It is observed every year on this day to commemorate the adoption of the Indian constitution although the constitution came into force from 26th November 1950. It was on November 19, 2015 that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment of the central government had announced that November 26,would be celebrated as constitution day every year. Since then, Constitution Day is celebrated every year on this day. This day has special importance for all the citizens as the day teaches us to learn about our rights and duties as well as about showing respect and regard to the constitution. The Indian constitution in its original form has 395 articles, 22 sections and 8 schedules. Our constitution has 1,45,000 words and it is the longest adopted constitution in the world. However at present our constitution has 470 articles, 25 sections and 12 schedules as well as 25 appendices. The constitution day is not a holiday but it is celebrated by observing many programmes in various government departments, organizations and the educational institutions. On this day in our schools and colleges various speeches, dialogues, debates, quizzes etc are organized so that the awareness and understanding of our constitution is promoted among the students. The decision of the government of India to celebrate 26 November every year as constitution day to promote the values of the constitution among the citizens was notified by Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on 19th November 2015. The year 2015 marked the 125th birth anniversary of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, also known as the father of the constitution. As a tribute to the chairman of the drafting committee of the constitution, the Modi government planned year-long celebrations. It was on August 29, 1947, the constituent assembly set up a Drafting Committee under the chairmanship of B.R. Ambedkar to prepare a draft of the constitution. On May 2015 in Mumbai. Prime minister Modi announced November 26 as Constitution Day earlier known as Law Day. Dr Rajendra Pradad, the first president of India was the president of the constituent assembly, which was established in 1946. It took almost three years to complete its historic task of drafting the constitution for the independent India. On August 29, 1947, the constituent assembly set up a Drafting committee under the chairmanship of Dr Ambedkar to prepare a draft. While deliberating upon the draft constitution moved, discussed and disposed of as many as 2473 amendments out of a total 7635 tabled. During this period it held eleven sessions covering a total 165 days. Out of these 114 days were spent on the consideration of the draft constitution. The government of India declared 26 November as the Constitution Day on 19th November 2015 by a gazette notification. The PM of India Narendra Modi made the declaration on 11 October 2015 while laying foundation stone of B.R. Ambedkar’s Statue of Equality memorial in Mumbai. The year 2021 was the 131st birth anniversary of Ambedkar, who had chaired the drafting committee of the constituent assembly. Previously this day was celebrated as the Law Day. 26 November was chosen to spread the importance of the constitution and to spread thoughts and ideas of Dr Ambedkar. Various departments of the government celebrate the constitution day by organizing debates, discussions, symposiums and other programmes to celebrate and mark the constitution day throughout India. The educational institutions mainly celebrate this day with enthusiasm, gaiety and fervor. The importance of the constitution is brought home to the children and students in schools, colleges and universities and this prepares them for their future role as the leaders, rulers and citizens of the democracy. The importance of the constitution is this that it decides how the government will be formed and constituted. It also sets limits on what government can impose on its citizens. These limits are fundamental in the sense that government may never trespass on them. To enable the government to fulfill the aspirations of a society and create conditions for a just society. The day aims to mark the significance of the constitutional values among citizens and also to bring awareness of the importance of the constitution of India among people and also of its chief architect, Dr BR Ambedkar. Constitution Day also Known as Samvidan Divas or National Law Day is celebrated in India on November 26 every day to commemorate the adoption of the constitution of India. The day aims to mark and inculcate the significance of the constitutional values among the citizens of India and also bring awareness of the importance of the constitution and its architect, Dr BR Ambedkar. The constitution of India is the longest –written constitution of any sovereign country in the world. Additionally it stresses the importance of constitutional fundamental Duties. Indian constitution has stood the test of the time and its guidance and light has made our destiny with the democracy a success. To conclude the constitution of India is the life line and guiding force for the governments and its 135 crore citizens and the significance of the constitution day cannot be denied or exaggerated. It is important that the average Indian should know about the fundamentals of the constitution to become the worthy citizens of the democracy and the constitution day infuses spirit and energy among the citizens to know about the importance of the constitution and the constitution day. Let us imbibe the high ideals of secularism, equality, socialist pattern of society and egalitarian values as well as the values of fraternity enshrined in the constitution for marching ahead as the worthy citizens of the democracy.
(The author is a columnist, social, KP activist & Freelancer) |
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