26th November is a remarkable day in India’s history and in fact, of our nation building. It was on this day in 1949, the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution. The government had last year, decided to observe 26th November as Constitution Day to honour this sacred text of national importance, our Constitution.
The day is celebrated to value and preserve the rich heritage of composite culture and to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform. Prime Minister Narendra Modi released two books on the Constitution in New Delhi on Friday. Speaking on the occasion, he said it is important to connect to the spirit of the Constitution and to be aware of its various articles. He also said that though the nation celebrates Republic Day on 26th January with pride, it is incomplete without celebrating Constitution Day on 26th November.
(Source – The Indian Express, http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/nation-observes-constitution-day-on-saturday-4395803/)
Pandit Nehru signing the Constitution. Image source – Wikipedia
The Constitution of India is the supreme law of India. It lays down the framework defining fundamental political principles, establishes the structure, procedures, powers and duties of government institutions and sets out fundamental rights, directive principles and the duties of citizens. It is the longest written constitution of any sovereign country in the world. The nation is governed by it. B. R. Ambedkar is regarded as its chief architect.
The Constitution grants us fundamental rights, such as:
- Right to Equality
- Right to Freedom
- Right against Exploitation
- Right to Freedom of Religion
- Cultural and Educational Rights
- Right to Constitutional Remedies
It also expects us, the citizens of the country, to perform certain duties unflinchingly.
Our Constitution is a document to be proud of. Yet, as Dr. Ambedkar warns us in the video, it is only as good as the people who implement it.
Join all of us at Desh Apnayen in taking a pledge to uphold our Constitution and all the values it embodies for us, our children and our country.
Jai Hind!