Constitution Day of India: Why November 26 is being observed as Constitution Day since 2015

constitution day of india

Constitution Day of India

The Indian Constitution has been the backbone of our country’s democratic system for over seven decades, and its significance can’t be overstated. To promote constitutional values amongst citizens, the Union Cabinet announced that November 26 would be observed as Constitution Day in 2015. This decision was also seen as a move to claim the legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly.

A Brief History of the Indian Constitution (Constitution Day of India)

On November 26, 1949, the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution of India, and it came into effect on January 26, 1950. While January 26 is celebrated as Republic Day, since 2015, November 26 has been annually observed as the Constitution Day of India, or Samvidhan Divas.

The Constituent Assembly was formed to draft the Constitution of India, with 389 members initially. However, after Independence and the Partition of India, the strength was reduced to 299. The assembly took over three years to draft the constitution, spending over 114 days considering the content of the draft alone. A range of sources were consulted for the draft, including the Constitutions of other countries, and suitable amendments were made to adapt the provisions to what India needed at the time.

The Role of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (Constitution Day of India)

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar played a seminal role in the framing of the Indian Constitution as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly. Born on April 14, 1891, Ambedkar was a renowned jurist and politician who dedicated his life to the welfare of the downtrodden sections of society.

The central government’s decision to observe November 26 as Constitution Day was also seen as a move to claim Ambedkar’s legacy. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment decided to undertake several activities to promote Ambedkar’s ideas and philosophy, including the setting up of the Ambedkar International Centre at 15, Janpath in New Delhi at a cost of over Rs 197 crore.

The Significance of November 26 (Constitution Day of India)

November 26 is significant because it was on this day that the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution of India. The adoption of the Constitution marked the beginning of a new era in Indian democracy and paved the way for the country’s growth into a strong and prosperous nation.

In May 2015, the Union Cabinet announced that November 26 would be observed as Constitution Day to promote constitutional values amongst citizens. The decision was seen as a move to celebrate the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who played a crucial role in drafting the Indian Constitution.

How the Indian Constitution was Adopted (Constitution Day of India)

The Constituent Assembly took over three years to draft the Constitution, spending over 114 days considering the content of the draft alone. A range of sources were consulted for the draft, including the Constitutions of other countries, and suitable amendments were made to adapt the provisions to what India needed at the time.

One major source was the Government of India Act of 1935, which introduced bicameralism — upper and lower Houses — at the Centre and in six provinces along with direct elections to these chambers. At the time, it was one of the longest pieces of legislation passed in the British Parliament.

Another significant event that contributed to the adoption of the Constitution was the “Objectives Resolution” moved by Nehru on December 13, 1946. This resolution encapsulated the basic philosophy of the Constitution and paved the way for its adoption.

The Ambedkar International Centre (Constitution Day of India)

In 2015, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment set up the Ambedkar International Centre at 15, Janpath in New Delhi to promote Ambedkar’s ideas and philosophy. The centre was established at a cost of over Rs 197 crore and has been serving as a hub for various activities related to Ambedkar’s legacy.

Celebrating Constitution Day (Constitution Day of India)

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar played a seminal role in the framing of the Indian Constitution as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly. Born on April 14, 1891, Ambedkar was a renowned jurist and politician who dedicated his life to the welfare of the downtrodden sections of society.

The central government’s decision to observe November 26 as Constitution Day was also seen as a move to claim Ambedkar’s legacy. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment decided to undertake several activities to promote Ambedkar’s ideas and philosophy, including the setting up of the Ambedkar International Centre at 15, Janpath in New Delhi at a cost of over Rs 197 crore.

The Future of Constitution Day (Constitution Day of India)

As India continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that we continue to celebrate the Constitution Day to promote constitutional values amongst citizens. The celebration of this day is not limited to just one day but is an ongoing process that requires the active participation of citizens.

Citizens are encouraged to participate in various activities related to Constitution Day, including book readings, seminars, and debates on constitutional issues. The government also organizes events and programs to promote constitutional values and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s legacy.

In conclusion, November 26 is a significant day for India as it marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution. To promote constitutional values amongst citizens, the Union Cabinet announced that this day would be observed as Constitution Day since 2015. The celebration of Constitution Day is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the Constituent Assembly who played a crucial role in shaping our country’s democratic system.

Conclusion (Constitution Day of India)

In conclusion, November 26 holds great significance for India as it marks the adoption of the Indian Constitution. To promote constitutional values amongst citizens, the Union Cabinet announced that this day would be observed as Constitution Day since 2015. The celebration of Constitution Day is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and the Constituent Assembly who played a crucial role in shaping our country’s democratic system.

We hope that the celebration of Constitution Day will continue to promote constitutional values amongst citizens and inspire future generations to work towards building a strong and prosperous nation.

Dailyread Constitution Day of India

Source Constitution Day of India

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top