India marked a significant milestone on November 26, 2024, celebrating the 75th anniversary of the adoption of its Constitution. On this day in 1949, the Indian Constituent Assembly officially adopted the Constitution, which came into force on January 26, 1950, establishing India as a sovereign democratic republic. In 2015, the Government of India declared November 26 as Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas) to honor this historic event, and since then, the nation has annually celebrated this day to reaffirm its commitment to the Constitution.
The year-long 75th anniversary celebrations will focus on four key pillars: the Preamble of the Constitution, “Know Your Constitution,” the Making of the Constitution, and Celebrating the Glory of the Constitution. The main commemorative event took place today, November 26, 2024, in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan.
The event was attended by the President of India, Vice President, Prime Minister, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, and other dignitaries. The ceremony began with the National Anthem, followed by a welcome speech by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha. In her address, the Speaker highlighted the vision of the Constitution’s framers, particularly Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and their dedication to creating a document that guarantees fundamental rights for all citizens, irrespective of their background.
A short film was shown, celebrating the Indian Constitution. The film detailed its creation, the contributions of figures like Dr. Ambedkar, and the Constitution’s role in shaping India’s democratic framework. It reflected on the ongoing relevance of the Constitution over the past 75 years, emphasizing key amendments and judicial milestones.
The Vice President, in his address, underscored the enduring significance of the Constitution in shaping India’s democratic identity. He lauded the foresight of the Constituent Assembly and the importance of building national consensus. He also called for the adherence to both Fundamental Rights and Duties, emphasizing the importance of placing the nation’s interests above political divides and warned against divisiveness based on creed.
During the event, several commemorative items were unveiled, including:
- A commemorative Coin and Stamp marking the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of India.
- Two books titled “Making of the Constitution of India: A Glimpse” and “Making of the Constitution of India & its Glorious Journey.”
- A booklet dedicated to the Art of the Constitution of India.
- The Constitution of India in Sanskrit and Maithili.
In her speech, the President of India described the Constitution as a living, progressive document that has enabled India to achieve social justice and inclusive development. She emphasized that India is now earning a new identity on the world stage, playing an active role in promoting international peace and security, in line with the vision of its Constitution-makers.
A special moment during the event saw all Indians across the globe joining in a live reading of the Preamble to the Constitution, led by the President. This collective act symbolized the nation’s shared responsibility to uphold the ideals of the Constitution.
The 75th anniversary of the Constitution’s adoption serves as a powerful reminder of India’s unwavering commitment to democracy, justice, and equality. It reaffirms the collective duty to protect, strengthen, and promote these core values, ensuring that the Constitution continues to guide the country’s growth and unity in the years to come.
