Our Constitution is the voice of marginalized and prudence of majority. Its wisdom continues to guide us in moments of crisis. It is our best interest to heed advice under the Constitution. If we do not, our hubris will result in a sharp descent into chaos.
Although this being the 69th year since the Constitution came into effect, today is the solitary 4th anniversary of ‘The Indian Constitution Day’. It was Narendra Modi-led government that declared November 26 ‘Constitution Day’ on November 19, 2015.
That year the government was observing the 125th birth anniversary of Ambedkar, and as part of the celebrations had decided to celebrate Constitution Day. The Prime Minister made the announcement while laying the foundation stone of an Ambedkar memorial at Indu Mills compound in Mumbai then. Addressing nation in his monthly radio program Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he hopes that ‘Constitution Day’ reinforces people’s obligation towards upholding the constitutional ideals and values.
“I hope that the Constitution Day reinforces our obligation towards upholding the constitutional ideals and values, thus contributing to nation-building. After all, this was the dream of the makers of our Constitution,” PM Modi was quoted as saying. “My dear countrymen, November 26 is Constitution Day and it is a special day for the whole country. This year it is even more special as we will be completing 70 years of the adoption of the Constitution,” he added.
The supreme law i.e the constitution holds a crucial position in the democratic nation. It lays down the framework demarcating fundamental political code, structure, procedures, powers and duties of the Government. It also sets out fundamental rights, directive principles and duties of the citizens. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar is widely considered to be its chief architect.
The Drafting Committee of the Constitution was headed by Ambedkar. Over the course of the next two years, the committee took important decisions regarding the objectives, principles and other aspects of the Constitution. It was finally adopted on November 26, 1949, and came into effect two months later on January 26, 1950, which is celebrated as Republic Day.
Elaborating upon the history of the Constitution today in Delhi, it is important to note that when the Constitution was brought into force, it was criticized. Sir Ivor Jennings termed it as far too large and rigid. However, as time has weakened criticism, it is a matter of pride that our Constitution has lived with great vigour in the last seven decades. The Constitution is not a document frozen in time. Every generation inherits the Constitution and in turn leaves an imprint.
Constitution Day, not being a public holiday, schools, universities and other cultural and educational institutions observe it by disseminating information on the Constitution through quizzes, debates, extempores. However, this year for the first time, the Buddhist Association for the blind and the Saavi Foundation and Swagat Thorat will produce, the Constitution in Braille language for the benefit of those who are visually challenged.
Source: NEWS BHARATI
First Published On 26.11.2019
