Constitution Day (26 November): Celebrating India’s Constitutional Legacy

Why in the News ?

India is celebrating Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas) on 26 November to mark the adoption of the Constitution of India in 1949. The day is observed to honour the values, vision, and architects of the Constitution, especially Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.

Background

• Constitution Day was first celebrated in 2015, following a Government of India notification.
• It commemorates the adoption of the Constitution on 26 November 1949, though it came into force on 26 January 1950.
• The day highlights India’s commitment to constitutional morality, democratic governance, and rule of law.

Journey of the Indian Constitution

Formation of the Constituent Assembly

• The Constituent Assembly was formed in 1946, via Cabinet Mission Plan.
• Total members: 389 (reduced to 299 after Partition).
• Key committees included:
  • Drafting Committee (Chairman: Dr. B. R. Ambedkar)
  • Union Powers Committee (Jawaharlal Nehru)
  • Fundamental Rights & Minorities Committee (Vallabhbhai Patel)
  • Rules of Procedure Committee (Dr. Rajendra Prasad)

Drafting and Adoption

• Drafting took 2 years, 11 months, 18 days.
• Adopted on: 26 November 1949
• Enforced on: 26 January 1950 (to honour the 1930 Purna Swaraj Declaration).

Key Features of the Constitution

1. Lengthiest Written Constitution

• Contains provisions from:
  • Government of India Act, 1935
  • British, Irish, U.S., Canadian constitutions
  • Indian socio-cultural context

2. Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility

• Article 368 enables different modes of amendment.

3. Federal System with Unitary Bias

• Strong Centre, but flexible cooperative federalism.

4. Parliamentary System

• Inspired by the British model.

5. Independent Judiciary

• Ensures judicial review, constitutional supremacy, and protection of fundamental rights.

6. Fundamental Rights, Duties, and DPSPs

• Rights: Articles 12–35
• Duties: Article 51A
• DPSPs: Articles 36–51

Significance of Constitution Day

• Reinforces citizens’ commitment to:
  • Constitutional values
  • Democracy and equality
  • Liberty, justice, fraternity
• Promotes awareness about:
  • Role of the Constituent Assembly
  • Importance of responsible citizenship
  • Safeguarding democratic institutions and rights
• Strengthens civic responsibility and constitutional culture among students, institutions, and public servants.

Legacy and Inspirations

Constitution Day is a tribute to:

• Dr. B. R. Ambedkar – Chief Architect of the Constitution
• Jawaharlal Nehru – Vision of democratic nation-building
• Sardar Patel – Integration of India and federal structure
• Rajendra Prasad – Leadership of the Constituent Assembly

The day reflects India’s journey towards becoming a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic.