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.
Following the landslide victory of the Mahayuti coalition in Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde has resigned as Chief Minister and been appointed as caretaker by the Governor. However, the suspense over who will be the next chief minister continues as the Aghadi alliance's dream to wrest power has been shattered. Despite their thumping victory, the Mahayuti coalition has been delayed in forming the government due to the Shiv Sena's insistence on Shinde continuing as chief minister.
Six people, including security personnel, have been killed and over 100 injured as protests turned violent in Islamabad. The government has deployed the army and ordered them to shoot on sight. The protests, demanding the release of ex-PM Imran Khan, come amidst political tension in the country. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi also invoked the Constitution in a recent speech, suggesting that the issue may play a role in the 2024 elections.
The Supreme Court of India has rejected three petitions requesting the removal of the words 'secular' and 'socialist' from the Indian Constitution's Preamble. The Bench, headed by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, stated that the power of Parliament to amend the Constitution extends to the Preamble as well. The court also clarified that the terms 'secular' and 'socialist' are integral to the Constitution and do not restrict the government's economic policies or private initiatives.
As India celebrates the 75th anniversary of its Constitution, the political scene is abuzz with discussions on its teachings and values. The Congress has requested two days in Parliament to discuss the document, while President Droupadi Murmu stressed its significance in a joint sitting. The Supreme Court also upheld the validity of ‘secular’ and ‘socialist’ in the Preamble, with Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue to uphold the sanctity of our democratic institutions and promote informed citizenship.
In a special event held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu paid tribute and recognized the crucial contributions of 15 women members of the Indian Constituent Assembly in shaping the country's constitutional framework. During her address, President Murmu highlighted the significant impact of these women in ensuring gender equality and representation in the democratic process, and their tireless efforts in making the Constitution inclusive and progressive. This event serves as a powerful reminder of the remarkable women who have played a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of India.
After the term of the Maharashtra state assembly came to an end, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde stepped down from his post. However, he will continue serving as the caretaker CM until the Mahayuti alliance decides on new leadership. The political decision has sparked discussions and speculations about who will take over as the new CM.
Chief Justice of India Sanjeev Khanna spoke at a Constitution Day event, highlighting the transformative journey of India since independence and the role of the Constitution in shaping the country. He emphasized that the Constitution is a way of life that must be upheld by both judges and members of the bar. The annual observance of Constitution Day was officially declared in 2015 to honor the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
The Supreme Court has dismissed a set of petitions demanding the elimination of "secular", "socialist" and "integrity" from the Preamble of the Indian Constitution. The court stated that after 44 years of their introduction in 1976 by the Indira Gandhi government, there is no genuine reason for challenging the Constitutional amendment. The petitioners, including Subramanian Swamy, argued that these words violate the basic structure of the Constitution, but the apex court disagreed and emphasized that parliament holds the power to amend it. The court also pointed out the delay in filing the petition and clarified that parliament's power to amend the Constitution is not constrained by the date of its adoption.
After Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi's victory in the 2024 Indian parliamentary elections, members of the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) expressed their congratulations and belief that her win signifies a boost for women's empowerment in India. They also drew comparisons to her grandmother, Indira Gandhi, who they say championed women's rights during her tenure as prime minister. Meanwhile, they criticized the opposing BJP and RSS parties for their lack of support for women in politics and society.
As Maharashtra commemorated the 16th anniversary of the 26/11 terror attacks, key figures from the state came together to pay their respects at a memorial in Mumbai. The event was attended by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, whose upcoming resignation is set to create political turmoil and potentially form a new government. The day also saw tensions rise in Udaipur's royal family feud, Trump's plans to appoint Kash Patel to a key position, and unrest in Bangladesh over the arrest of a Hindu leader.