Samvidhan Divas 2024: Know The History, Significance, and Ways to Celebrate

On Tuesday, President Droupadi Murmu began a joint session of both Houses of Parliament in honour of the Indian Constitution's 75th anniversary. A memorial coin, a stamp, and three books on the Constitution of India will also be unveiled by the President as part of the celebrations.

Constitution Day, also known as Samvidhan Divas, is an important day for India as it marks the adoption of the country's Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land. Constitution Day is observed on November 26 of each year, and it serves as a reminder of the fundamental principles outlined in the Indian Constitution and the significance of preserving democratic values.

सभी देशवासियों को भारतीय संविधान की 75वीं वर्षगांठ के पावन अवसर पर संविधान दिवस की बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं।#75YearsOfConstitution pic.twitter.com/pa5MVHO6Cu

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 26, 2024

Constitution Day 2024: History

The Constituent Assembly enacted India's Constitution, the world's longest written constitution, on November 26, 1949, but it didn't take effect until January 26, 1950, which is now observed as Republic Day. 

The country's legal framework is established by the Constitution, which also describes the government's organisational structure, the division of powers between the central and state governments, and the fundamental rights of all individuals.

A collection of measures that would establish India as a sovereign democratic republic became increasingly necessary after the Government of India Act of 1935. This prompted the formation of a Constituent Assembly in December 1946, which was chaired by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the country's first president.

Prominent individuals including Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar were among the 389 members of the Assembly. Dr. Prasad officiated over its inaugural meeting, which took place on December 9, 1946.

A committee headed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was entrusted by the Assembly with writing the Constitution. After more than two years of discussions over eleven sessions, Ambedkar delivered the text in 1948. On November 26, 1949, the final version of the Constitution—with a few changes—was adopted.

As the longest written constitution in the world, the Indian Constitution originally contained 395 Articles and 8 Schedules, totaling around 1,45,000 words.

The idea of dedicating a day to the Constitution’s adoption was proposed by the Government of India in 2015, in recognition of its historic importance. Subsequently, November 26 was officially declared as Constitution Day in honour of the day the Constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly in 1949.

The My Government website mentions: “The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on 19th November 2015 notified the decision of Government of India to celebrate the 26th day of November every year as 'Constitution Day' to promote Constitution values among citizens.”

Constitution Day 2024: Significance 

Constitution Day holds immense significance for several reasons:

1. Celebration of Democracy and the Rule of Law

India's democracy and rule of law are celebrated on Constitution Day. India embraced a democratic system that guarantees equality and justice for all citizens, irrespective of caste, creed, or religion. The Constitution serves as a guide for how the state should operate as well as it protects individual liberties, further advancing social and economic equality.

2. Commitment to Secularism and Inclusivity

The Indian Constitution's dedication to secularism is one of its most important aspects. India is a land of immense religious diversity, and the Constitution protects religious freedom and makes sure the government doesn't support any one religion over another. 

3. Promotion of Fundamental Rights

Every citizen of India is entitled to a set of fundamental rights under the Constitution. The rights to equality, freedom of speech and expression, freedom of religion, and the right to life and liberty are all protected by Part III of the Constitution. Constitution Day serves as a reminder of these rights and how crucial it is to protect them from infringement.

4. Acknowledging the Role of the Constituent Assembly

The day serves as a tribute to the visionaries of the Constituent Assembly who, in a period of great challenges, shaped the future of India. The members of the Assembly were deeply committed to creating a just, equitable, and prosperous India, drawing from the best democratic principles available worldwide while tailoring the Constitution to the unique needs of India.

5. Promotion of Constitutional Values

Constitution Day is not just a ceremonial observance but also an occasion to reflect on the principles of liberty, justice, and equality that the Constitution upholds. Schools, colleges, government institutions, and other organizations across the country participate in activities such as discussions, seminars, and workshops to promote awareness about constitutional values and rights.

Constitution Day 2024: Preamble

WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a [SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens:

JUSTICE, social, economic and political;

LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship;

EQUALITY of status and of opportunity;

and to promote among them all

FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the [unity and integrity of the Nation;

IN OUR CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY this twenty-sixth day of November, 1949, do HEREBY ADOPT, ENACT AND GIVE TO OURSELVES THIS CONSTITUTION.

Constitution Day 2024: Inspiring Quotes

• However good a Constitution may be, if those who are implementing it are not good, it will prove to be bad. However bad a Constitution may be, if those implementing it are good, it will prove to be good. B. R. Ambedkar
• The Constitution is not a mere lawyer's document; it is a vehicle of life, and its spirit is always the spirit of age. B.R. Ambedkar
• Indians today are governed by two different ideologies. Their political ideal set in the preamble of the Constitution affirms a life of liberty, equality and fraternity. Their social ideal embodied in their religion denies them. B. R. Ambedkar
• The Constitution is the guide which I never will abandon. George Washington
• The Constitution is worth saving, the rule of law is worth saving, democracy is worth saving, but these things can and will be lost if everyone waits around for someone else. Timothy D. Snyder
• Our constitution is a ray of hope: H for harmony, O for Opportunity, P for people's participation and E for equality. Narendra Modi
• The spirit of the Constitution is to provide equality of status and opportunity to every citizen. – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
• A Constitution is not merely a document in black and white. It is a living document that evolves with the nation. – Justice PN Bhagwati
• The greatness of a nation lies in its fidelity to its Constitution and its adherence to the rule of law. – Pranab Mukherjee
• Our Constitution exists to secure individual freedom, the essential condition of human flourishing. Liberty is not provided by government; liberty preexists government. It's our natural birthright, not a gift from the sovereign. Our founders upended things and divided power to enshrine a promise, not a process. Don Willett

Constitution Day 2024: Ways to Celebrate

 Here are some meaningful ways to celebrate Constitution Day 2024:

1. Participate in a Reading of the Preamble

One of the simplest and most powerful ways to observe Constitution Day is by reading the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. The Preamble encapsulates the ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. Many schools, institutions, and government offices organize group readings, where citizens can come together to reaffirm their commitment to the Constitution.

2. Educational Programs and Seminars

Constitution Day is an ideal occasion to engage in discussions about the Constitution and its significance. Educational institutions, law colleges, and civic organisations often host seminars, panel discussions, and workshops on topics such as the history of the Constitution, the role of fundamental rights, and the importance of democratic governance. 

3. Constitution Day Competitions

Schools and colleges often organize essay writing, debate, and quiz competitions on Constitution Day. These competitions help students learn more about the Constitution and express their views on how the Constitution continues to shape India's growth. Participating in these events encourages critical thinking about constitutional values and their application in modern society.

READ| Constitution Day 2024: GK Quiz on Indian Constitution

4. Civic Engagement and Social Media Awareness

Social media platforms provide an opportunity to raise awareness and spark conversation about the significance of the Constitution. Citizens can post quotes, facts, and messages celebrating the values enshrined in the Constitution. 

In conclusion, Constitution Day 2024 provides a valuable opportunity for citizens to reconnect with the ideals that form the foundation of India's democracy. Whether through education, community involvement, or personal reflection, Constitution Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing relevance of the Constitution in shaping a just and inclusive India.