Rahul Gandhi left the event early without greeting President Murmu, drawing criticism from the BJP, which called his actions disrespectful.
NEW DELHI: India celebrated its 75th Constitution Day, or Samvidhan Divas, on Tuesday, 26 November, marking the adoption of the Indian Constitution. This day honours the framers of the Indian Constitution and reaffirms the core values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity enshrined in the document.
During a joint session of Parliament on this occasion, President Droupadi Murmu addressed the nation, emphasizing that the Constitution is a “living and progressive document”, which has enabled India to achieve social justice and inclusive development. She highlighted the importance of active participation by the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, and the citizens in upholding Constitutional ideals. The President also underlined the Fundamental Duties outlined in the Constitution, which include protecting India’s unity, promoting harmony, ensuring women’s dignity, safeguarding the environment, fostering scientific temper, and safeguarding public property.
President Murmu released a commemorative coin and stamp to celebrate the milestone. She also unveiled two books related to the Constitution during the event held at Samvidhan Sadan in Parliament. Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other prominent leaders attended the celebration.
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice President Dhankhar called for renewed commitment to Fundamental Duties, such as protecting national sovereignty, fostering unity, prioritizing national interests, and environmental conservation. He praised the Constitution for its balanced framework that defines the roles of democracy’s three pillars—Legislature, Executive, and Judiciary. Dhankhar emphasized on the importance of these institutions working in harmony while maintaining their distinct jurisdictions to guide India toward prosperity and equity.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also addressed the gathering, congratulating Indians on the occasion and reflecting on the Constitution’s creation. He described it as the result of years of dedication, sacrifice, and effort by India’s people. Birla noted that in 2015, inspired by Prime Minister Modi, the government decided to formally celebrate November 26 as Constitution Day. He highlighted the mass pledge to recite the Preamble and reaffirm the country’s commitment to the Constitution.
Opposition leader and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed appreciation for the event’s dignified and simple format but suggested that opposition voices should have been included, drawing parallels to the inclusive celebrations of Parliament’s 60th anniversary in 2012. However, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi left the event early without greeting President Murmu, drawing criticism from the BJP, which called his actions disrespectful. Congress countered by arguing that Gandhi, as a senior leader, should have been invited to speak.
The Ministry of Law and Justice highlighted that the Indian Constitution, adopted on November 26, 1949, and implemented on January 26, 1950, has been a cornerstone of India’s democratic and egalitarian governance. To mark the occasion, the government launched a special website encouraging citizens to read the Preamble, record videos, and upload them for a certificate. Mass Preamble readings were organized in schools nationwide. A special coin and stamp were also issued to commemorate the 75-year milestone.