Page 10 - NIS English 16-31 December, 2025

NATION | Constitution Day

On Constitution
Day, Prime

Minister Modi
shared a letter
with citizens.

Here it is…

My fellow Indian, along with several other people from different walks of life,
Namaste! had the honour of being part of the procession.
When the Constitution completed 75 years, we decided that
26th November is a day of immense pride for every Indian. It was this would be an extraordinary milestone for the people of
on this very day in 1949 that the Constituent Assembly adopted India. We had the privilege of organising a special session
the Constitution of India, a sacred document that has continued of Parliament and launching nationwide programmes to
to guide the nation’s progress with clarity and conviction. That is commemorate this historic occasion. These programmes
why, nearly a decade ago, in 2015, the NDA government decided witnessed record public participation.
to mark 26th November as Constitution Day. This year’s Constitution Day is special for many reasons.
It is the power of our Constitution that enabled a person like It marks the 150th birth anniversary of two extraordinary
me, coming from a humble and economically disadvantaged personalities, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Bhagwan Birsa
family, to serve as the Head of the Government continuously Munda. Both of them made monumental contributions to our
for over 24 years. I still remember the moments in 2014, when nation. Sardar Patel’s visionary leadership ensured the political
I came to Parliament for the first time and bowed, touching unification of India. It was his inspiration and courage of
the steps of the greatest temple of democracy. Again, in 2019, conviction that guided our steps to act against Article 370
after the election results, when I entered the Central Hall of and 35(A). The Constitution of India is now fully in force in
Samvidhan Sadan, I bowed and placed the Constitution on my Jammu & Kashmir, ensuring all constitutional rights for the
forehead as a mark of reverence. This Constitution has given people, especially the women and marginalised communities.
several others, like me, the power to dream and the strength to The life of Bhagwan Birsa Munda continues to inspire India’s
work towards it. resolve to ensure justice, dignity and empowerment for our
On Constitution Day, we remember all the inspiring members tribal communities.
of the Constituent Assembly, which was presided over by This year, we also celebrate the 150th anniversary of Vande
Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who contributed to the making of Mataram, whose words resonate with the collective resolve of
the Constitution. We recall the efforts of Dr. Babasaheb Indians through the ages. At the same time, we commemorate
Ambedkar, who chaired the Drafting Committee with the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji,
remarkable foresight. Several distinguished women members whose life and sacrifice continue to illuminate us with courage,
of the Constituent Assembly enriched the Constitution with compassion and strength.
their thoughtful interventions and visionary perspectives. All these personalities and milestones remind us of the primacy
My mind goes back to the year 2010. This was when the of our duties, something the Constitution also emphasises
Constitution of India completed 60 years. Sadly, the occasion through a dedicated chapter on Fundamental Duties in Article
did not receive the attention it deserved at a national level. 51A. These duties guide us on how to collectively achieve social
But, to express our collective gratitude and commitment to and economic progress. Mahatma Gandhi always emphasised
the Constitution, we organised a ‘Samvidhan Gaurav Yatra’ in the duties of a citizen. He believed that a duty well performed
Gujarat. Our Constitution was placed on an elephant and I, creates a corresponding right and that real rights are a result of

dressed the members of both Houses of Parliament other dignitaries were present on the occasion. On
on the occasion of Constitution Day. The Vice Presi- the occasion of Constitution Day, Prime Minister
dent of India and the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Narendra Modi participated in the Constitution
the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Day celebrations held in the historic Central Hall
the Leaders of the Opposition in both Houses, and of the Constitution House in New Delhi. On this

8 NEW INDIA SAMACHAR || December 16-31, 2025