Constitution Day Live | 'Indian Constitution live, progressive document': President Murmu
The President also released translated versions of the Constitution in Sanskrit and Maithili, apart from a commemorative coin and stamp to mark the occasion;
The Indian Constitution is a live and progressive document through which "we have achieved the goals of social justice and inclusive development", President Droupadi Murmu said on Tuesday (November 26).
Addressing a joint sitting of both the Houses at the Old Parliament Building to kickstart the year-long celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, Murmu paid tributes to the Constitution makers. “We are part of a historic moment, 75 years ago today the Constitution of India was adopted,” she said. "Celebrations like these give us an opportunity to better the journey ahead… We are together in achieving national goals…," she added.
Lauding the Union government, President Murmu said, "The government has given opportunities to all sections of the society, especially the weaker sections, the poor are getting permanent houses, electricity facilities are being provided, word-class infrastructure is being created on a large scale in the country."
'Achieved goals of social justice'
Murmu recalled that President of India Rajendra Prasad had said keeping the Constitution alive depends on the people who govern it. “I can confidently say that our country has lived up to his aspirations. The experiences we have gained are important for future children to experience,” President Murmu said.
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Murmu also recalled the contribution of the 15 women members of the Constituent Assembly in framing the document. "Law on women reservation has started new era of women empowerment in our democracy," she said.
The President also released translated versions of the Constitution in Sanskrit and Maithili, apart from a commemorative coin and stamp to mark the occasion
New website launched
Earlier, the government on Monday announced that a new website -- https: //constitution75.com -- has been created to enable citizens to engage with the legacy of the Constitution through interactive activities and resources. Mass readings of its Preamble will take place in schools, cities and villages around the country, it also said.
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The landing page of the website carries the words 'Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Swabhiman'.
The website also has an AI-enabled interactive feature 'Know Your Constitution', where one can ask questions about the Constitution and get detailed answers related to the Constitution of India, the ministry said.
While the Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949, it came into effect on January 26, 1950 when India became a republic.
(With agency inputs)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said those against the Constitution are speaking of changing it, while he and his party are fighting to safeguard it.
He was speaking on the sidelines of an event to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution.
"Those who are against the Constitution, they are telling it (about changing the Constitution). Recently Swamiji of the Pejawar Math in Udupi had also spoken about the need for amending the Constitution. I don't know...we are fighting to ensure that the Constitution should not be changed," Siddaramiah said in response to a question.
Addressing reporters here, he said, "About 106 amendments have been made to the Constitution so far. We are celebrating 75 years (of adopting the constitution). Probably India's is the longest (written) Constitution in the whole world." Noting that it has been 75 years since the country adopted its Constitution, the CM said whether it is central or the state government or the local bodies, they have to function in accordance with the Constitution and uphold its principles.
Pointing out that his government has made it compulsory for students to read the preamble of the Constitution at schools and colleges, he said, "Every child should understand the preamble of the Constitution, its principles, and should function according to it. Everyone should be aware of the rights and duties that have been provided under the Constitution. So we observe the constitution day. It is a pious day."
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday said it was "disheartening" that the country's largest minority was facing "unprecedented threats" as it celebrated Constitution Day.
The People's Democratic Party (PDP) supremo referred to the violence in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal, where four people died during protests against a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque.
The government on Tuesday kick-started yearlong celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution."Today, as we celebrate Constitution Day, it is disheartening to see the largest minority in our country facing unprecedented threats. Their dignity, lives, livelihoods and places of worship are under attack, contradicting the Constitution's guarantee of equal rights and dignity for every citizen, regardless of their background," the former Jammu and Kashmir chief said in a post on X.
The violence in Sambhal, where four people died, "is a painful reminder of this harsh reality", she said.
"This trend of searching for temples under mosques continues despite a clear Supreme Court ruling that the status quo on all religious places, as they existed in 1947, should be maintained," Mehbooba added.
The PDP chief also said the "erosion of constitutional values and the rule of law is extremely concerning".
"...and unless we who believe in the idea of India rise up to defend these values, our nation risks losing its unique identity and becoming indistinguishable from its neighbours," she added.
The AAP has emerged stronger due to its "honesty and love of the people", party supremo Arvind Kejriwal said on the foundation day of the party on Tuesday, asserting the fight to save the Constitution and democracy will continue.
Addressing an event at the party headquarters in Delhi, Kejriwal, who is the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), highlighted that the party's foundation day coincides with the Constitution Day.
"It cannot be a coincidence that our party was born on Constitution Day. God knew the Constitution was going to be in danger," Kejriwal said, lauding the AAP's governance model, which he said was rooted in honesty and focused on the common man.
"The biggest achievement of the AAP is that we gave an honest model of governance. We provided basic facilities like education and health to the people while enhancing Delhi’s infrastructure,” he said.
Criticising opposition parties, Kejriwal warned against "Jhuggi tourism" being done by their leaders.
“Some leaders come to slums for show but later send bulldozers to destroy the homes there. People must be cautious of such hypocrisy,” he said.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi also addressed the gathering, highlighting AAP’s emphasis on "development-orientated" politics.
“Our party showed in 2020 that elections can be won based on development work and honest governance,” she said.
She pointed to the transformation of Delhi’s government schools as a benchmark for progress.
Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna on Tuesday said India has emerged as a vibrant democracy and a geopolitical leader, and the Constitution of the country has helped this transformation.
India has had a transformative journey from a nation, which under the aftermath and horrors of partition saw widespread illiteracy, poverty, lack of a robust democratic system of checks and balances, to one which has now become a self-assured country, the CJI underlined.
"But at the back of it, it is the Constitution of India, which has helped this transformation. It is today a way of life that has to be lived up to," he said.
The CJI was speaking at the Constitution Day function organised by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) at the apex court.
Attorney General R Venkataramani, SCBA president and senior advocate Kapil Sibal also addressed the gathering.