India Constitution Day, celebrated on the 26th of November every year, is a momentous occasion to pay homage to the makers of the constitution. This day marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly in 1949, a pivotal step that culminated in its enforcement on the 26th of January 1950. As we commemorate Samvidhan Diwas, let’s delve into the essence of this celebration and understand its significance in fostering constitutional values among citizens.
The Birth of India Constitution Day
Constitution Day, also known as ‘Samvidhan Divas,’ holds its roots in the adoption of the Constitution of India by the Constituent Assembly on the 26th of November 1949. This transformative document, embodying the aspirations and ideals of a newly independent nation, came into effect on the 26th of January 1950, officially marking the birth of the Republic of India.
Government’s Initiative to Promote Constitutional Values
In a landmark decision in 2015, the Government of India took a significant step to celebrate the 26th of November each year as Constitution Day. This initiative aimed at promoting constitutional values among citizens and fostering a deep understanding of the principles that form the bedrock of our democracy.
To kickstart the celebrations of Constitution Day, President Droupadi Murmu recently unveiled the statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, at the Supreme Court. This powerful gesture pays homage to the visionary leader whose contributions played a pivotal role in shaping the constitutional framework of our nation. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and other esteemed judges joined in commemorating this event.
Ministry’s Call for Citizen Participation
In line with the celebration, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has encouraged widespread citizen participation through various activities. To commemorate the 73rd Samvidhan Diwas, citizens are invited to participate in the Constitution Quiz and engage in the Online Reading of the Preamble. The Ministry has introduced two user-friendly web portals, readpreamble.nic.in and constitutionquiz.nic.in, ensuring Maximum Jan Bhagidari (public participation).
Online Preamble Reading and Constitution Quiz
The web portal readpreamble.nic.in facilitates online readings of the Preamble in 22 Official Languages along with English. This inclusive approach ensures that citizens across the linguistic spectrum can actively participate in honoring the essence of the Constitution. Additionally, the constitutionquiz.nic.in portal provides a platform for individuals to test their constitutional knowledge through an engaging online quiz. Participants have the opportunity to receive a Certificate of participation, further encouraging awareness and involvement.
Sharing the Spirit on Social Media
As part of the celebration, participants are encouraged to share their certificates on social media platforms using the hashtag #SamvidhanDiwas. This collective sharing not only spreads awareness but also fosters a sense of community engagement and pride in understanding and upholding the values of the Indian Constitution.
India Constitution Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it is a celebration of our shared commitment to democratic principles and constitutional ideals. By actively participating in the various initiatives organized by the government, citizens can contribute to the legacy of our constitutional heritage. As we commemorate the 73rd Samvidhan Diwas, let’s embrace the spirit of empowerment, knowledge, and unity, reflecting the enduring strength of our constitutional democracy.