Constitution Day
On 26th Nov 1949,our newly independent nation adopted its constitution, which was later adopted on 26th january 1950. This marked the beginning of a new journey where the people bestowed the responsibility of social transformation to their ‘Book of faith’- the constitution of India. To mark this beginning of change, since 2015, this day is observed as Constitution Day by the Government of India.
The Constitution or ‘Samvidhaan’ (as said in Hindi) is the cornerstone of Indian democracy. It was drafted after deliberate discussions on various aspects of Indian society, needs and wants of the people, various political systems around the globe and the British led constitutional reforms.It describes its people as the ‘sovereign’ and as ‘citizens’ which earlier as ‘subjects’. Aristotle’s principle of equal distribution of resources for its citizens, Gandhian principle of self governance, policy of affirmative action and the Social welfare model of State policy forms its core value.
Observation of constitution day is also important to create awareness among its people about the various opportunities that the constitution creates for its citizens which includes Fundamental rights and its redressal mechanism, Free and fair election,Directive principles of Governance, No privileges and discrimination in holding public offices facilitated by public service commissions,Independent and integrated judiciary, division of subject matters between central and State legislatures are a few among others.
On this day, various programmes are held throughout the country which involves reading the “Preamble” in public groups, offices etc. It also includes remembering the freedom fighters and their contribution in the Constituent assembly. Dr. Ambedkar’s starking contribution in leading the drafting committee is significantly remembered.
Although the observance and the events around constitution day are widely covered in media and public parlance, there is a larger need of educating our fellow citizens about their rights and facilities provided by this ‘living document’ in the form of our constitution.
