In India, Constitution Day is observed on November 26 each year. The day is also known as the 'Samvidhan Divas,' and it commemorates the adoption of India's Constitution. The Constituent Assembly of India adopted the Indian Constitution on November 26, 1949, and it went into effect on January 26, 1950.
On November 19, 2015, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment notified the Government of India's decision to observe November 26 as "Constitution Day" every year in order to promote Constitutional values among citizens. It should be noted that American historian Granville Seward Austin described the Indian Constitution, written by BR Ambedkar, as "first and foremost a social document." Ambedkar chaired the Constituent Assembly's drafting committee and was instrumental in the creation of the constitution.
History of Constitution Day
The 26th of November was chosen as Constitution Day in India with the goal of spreading the importance of the constitution as well as Dr. Ambedkar's thoughts and ideas. On November 19, 2015, the Government of India declared November 26 as Constitution Day via gazette notification. Previously, this day was known as Law Day. Because 2015 marked the 125th anniversary of B. R. Ambedkar's birth, the government decided to commemorate it in a big way in May 2015. A special committee chaired by the Prime Minister of India was formed for year-long celebrations, during which various programmes were held by various departments to spread Ambedkar's thoughts and ideas.
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As part of the celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared November 26 to be "Constitution Day" while laying the foundation stone for an Ambedkar memorial at the Indu Mills compounds in Mumbai in October 2015. As a result, the government officially declared the day to be celebrated in November 2015. Ambedkar's 131st birthday was celebrated in 2021. According to historical records, a seven-member Drafting Committee led by Ambedkar prepared a draught of the Constitution based on the reports of the 13 committees. The Indian Constitution is the world's longest-written constitution, with approximately 448 Articles, 25 Parts, and 12 Schedules.
The Importance of Constitution Day
Constitution Day is significant for all Indians because it marks the end of British rule in the country. Despite achieving independence in 1947, it remained a British Dominion for the next three years, until the Constitution took effect on January 26, 1950. This day emphasises the significance of the Indian Constitution and sheds light on Dr. BR Ambedkar's bipartisan ideas.
Constitution Day is significant because it highlights the work of BR Ambedkar, known as the "Father of the Indian Constitution." Several events are held in educational institutions where all students read the preamble to the constitution.