NEW DELHI, Nov 26: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said the Indian constitution had been a shining light for the country and has guided the various decisions taken by his government.
President Droupadi Murmu kicked off the celebrations marking 75 years of India’s Constitution, with an address to the joint Houses of Parliament on Tuesday morning. While the Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949, it came into effect on January 26, 1950 when India became a republic.
To mark the occasion, the government has planned for year-long celebrations. On Monday the Centre launched a new website — https: //constitution75.com — to enable citizens to engage with the legacy of the Constitution.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Modi said, “…Dr Rajendra Prasad in his speech in the constituent assembly had said – India needs nothing but a group of 50 honest people who keep The country’s interest ahead of theirs. This spirit of Nation First will keep the Indian constitution lively for many years to come. I tried to follow the dignity that the Constitution has asked from me, I haven’t tried to do encroachment…”
Speaking on the progress the country had achieved in the last 75 years, Mr Modi said “…Today it looks easy that people have access to tap water, but even after 75 years of independence, only 3 crore houses had this facility… in the original copy of the constitution, lord Ram, mother Sita…have their images in it. The images symbolising Indian culture are there so that they can keep us reminded about human values. These human values are the foundation of policies and decisions of today’s India..”
While speaking on the occasion of the Constitution Day celebrations in the Supreme Court, Mr Modi said, “There was a time when senior citizens had to prove by visiting banks that they are alive. Today, senior citizens are availing the facility of digital life certificates…”
He said Dr BR Ambedkar’s Constitution had been fully implemented in Jammu and Kashmir as well, for the first time. “We have seen the Emergency in the country – our Constitution has faced this challenge that arose before democracy. It’s the power of the constitution, that today, in Jammu & Kashmir, Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution is fully implemented. Today, for the first time, Constitution Day is celebrated there (in J&K),” he said.
“During the long debate of the Constituent Assembly, serious discussions took place on India’s republican future. You all are well aware of that debate. Back then, Babasaheb Ambedkar had said that ‘Constitution is not a mere lawyer’s document, its spirit is always the spirit of age’. The spirit Babasaheb was talking about, it is very important…”
“At a time when we are commemorating this crucial festival of democracy, we cannot forget that today is also the anniversary of the terror attack in Mumbai. I pay homage to those who lost their lives in this attack. I reiterate the country’s resolve that every terrorist organisation challenging India’s security will be given a befitting reply,” Mr Modi said.
“I wish you and all the citizens of the country on the occasion of Constitution Day. The 75th year of the Constitution is a matter of immense pride for the entire nation. I bow respectfully to the Constitution and members of the Constituent Assembly,” the Prime Minister said.
(Manas Dasgupta)
