As India commemorates the 75th anniversary of its Constitution, President Droupadi Murmu will address a joint sitting of Parliament and release translated versions of the Constitution in Sanskrit and Maithili. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other dignitaries will also attend the celebrations, together with the unveiling of a commemorative coin and stamp. The event coincides with the launch of a new website dedicated to engaging citizens with the legacy of the Constitution through interactive activities, and mass readings of the Preamble will be held nationwide. This is a significant day for India, as it honours the historic document that laid the foundation for its democracy.
Constitutional Day: Celebrating the Cornerstone of Indian Democracy
Background
Constitutional Day, celebrated on November 26th, holds immense significance for India as it commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution. This landmark document, which came into effect on January 26th, 1950, laid the foundation for India's democratic republic and enshrined the fundamental rights and duties of its citizens.
2023 Celebrations
This year, as India marks the 75th anniversary of its Constitution, elaborate celebrations are planned. Here are the key events:
Significance
The Indian Constitution is hailed as one of the most comprehensive and progressive constitutions in the world. It guarantees fundamental rights to all citizens, including equality before the law, freedom of speech and expression, and religious freedom. It also establishes a strong framework for a democratic and federal republic, with a clear separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judiciary.
Top 5 FAQs
1. When was the Indian Constitution adopted? Answer: November 26th, 1949
2. Who chaired the Constituent Assembly that drafted the Constitution? Answer: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
3. How many Articles are there in the Indian Constitution? Answer: 395 (as of 2023)
4. What is the Preamble of the Constitution? Answer: It is a statement of the Constitution's objectives and values, such as securing justice, equality, and liberty.
5. What are the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution? Answer: Right to equality, right to freedom, right against exploitation, right to freedom of religion, and cultural and educational rights.
Conclusion
Constitutional Day is a testament to the enduring legacy of India's Constitution. Its ideals of democracy, justice, and equality continue to guide the nation and inspire countless citizens. By commemorating this historic milestone, India reaffirms its commitment to upholding the values enshrined in its founding document.
A widow expresses her anger and sorrow as she confronts a medical professor at an inquest over her husband's death due to a misdiagnosed cancer. John Leach, a former NHS worker who was exposed to asbestos, passed away earlier this year after being denied a scan by the hospital. The professor defended his decision, explaining that scans are not routinely done for coughs.
On the 16th anniversary of the 26/11 terror attacks, India remembers the brave security personnel who sacrificed their lives and expresses solidarity with the victims' families. Leaders, including President Droupadi Murmu, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Home Minister Amit Shah, pay homage and reiterate India's firm commitment to defeating terrorism. The attacks, carried out by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, are described as a "cowardly act" and a "blot on humanity."
Calls for release of Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das Prabhu, a prominent leader of ISKCON Bangladesh, have intensified as Hindu rights advocacy and civil society groups in Bangladesh started protesting in major cities. The temple authorities have urged the Indian government to intervene and convey to the Bangladesh government that ISKCON is a peaceful Bhakti movement and has no links to terrorism. The arrest and detention of Sri Chinmoy Krishna Das have sparked tensions between India and Bangladesh.
On 26th November, 2008, Mumbai was struck by a dark day as ten armed militants from Pakistan evoked terror in the city. Today marks the 16th anniversary of this horrific event. The Maharashtra CM and Deputy CMs will pay their respects to the 166 people who lost their lives in the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack at the Martyrs' Memorial.
On November 26, India observes Constitution Day to honour Dr BR Ambedkar and celebrate the adoption of the Constitution in 1949. The day promotes awareness of constitutional values and reinforces the principles of democracy, justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity among citizens. It recognizes the contributions of the Constituent Assembly and serves as a reminder to uphold civic responsibilities and strive for a fair and inclusive society.
The Indian Supreme Court has rejected multiple petitions challenging the addition of the words "Socialist" and "Secular" in the Preamble of the Constitution. The Court, led by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, stated that the Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution, including the Preamble. The Court also noted that secularism is a core feature of the Constitution and has been upheld in previous judgements. The petitions argue that the concept of "Dharma" and the failure of the Communist theory of state make the insertion inappropriate and that Indian citizens should not be compelled to be secular.
As the nation gears up to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution on November 26, all eyes are on the iconic leader, Dr. BR Ambedkar. The Father of the Indian Constitution, Dr. Ambedkar was instrumental in the drafting and adoption of the Indian Constitution, which was the culmination of years of hard work. His contributions towards ensuring social justice and fundamental rights for all will be remembered and celebrated on this day.
In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court has cleared the way for the trial of Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, leader of Dera Sacha Sauda, in connection with the 2015 sacrilege incidents. This decision comes after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann granted permission for his prosecution, following the High Court’s order to expedite the case. With Ram Rahim currently serving a 20-year sentence for rape and murder convictions, the court's notice to him highlights the significance of this high-profile case.
Senior leader of the Shiv Sena, Sanjay Raut, has demanded a re-election using ballot papers due to alleged irregularities in the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) during the Maharashtra Assembly polls. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has come to the defense of the opposition party, stating that they should not blame EVMs for their loss. The Sena leader also cited complaints from party workers across the state, suggesting that the results do not add up and there may have been foul play during the counting process. The party has been advocating the use of ballot papers for the past decade and is now demanding that the Election Commission hold fresh elections using this method.