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Constitution Day of India: 26th November
Samvidhan Divas: Celebrating the Soul of Indian Democracy
Every year on November 26th, India celebrates Constitution Day, also known as Samvidhan Divas. This day commemorates the historic moment in 1949 when the Constituent Assembly of India formally adopted the Constitution of India. While the Constitution officially came into effect on January 26, 1950 (celebrated as Republic Day), November 26th is the day the document was finalized, signed, and given to the people. It is a day to honor the foundational text that defines the world's largest democracy.
History and Origin: Why November 26?
For decades, November 26 was observed as National Law Day. However, the significance of the day was elevated in 2015.
To mark the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Chief Architect of the Indian Constitution, the Government of India officially declared November 26 as Constitution Day. The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment notified this decision on November 19, 2015, to promote constitutional values among citizens and pay tribute to Dr. Ambedkar's visionary leadership.
The Journey of Drafting (1946–1949)
The making of the Indian Constitution was a monumental task that brought together the best minds of the freedom struggle.
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Formation: The Constituent Assembly was founded on December 9, 1946.
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Drafting Committee: On August 29, 1947, a Drafting Committee was appointed with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as the Chairman.
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Timeline: It took precisely 2 years, 11 months, and 17 days to draft the constitution.
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Adoption: On November 26, 1949, the motion to adopt the Constitution was passed. It received the signatures of 284 members of the Assembly.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: The Father of the Constitution
Constitution Day is inextricably linked to the legacy of Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar. As the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, he studied the constitutions of over 60 countries, synthesizing their best features to suit India's unique diversity. He championed a system that ensured:
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Social Justice: Affirmative action for the marginalized.
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Equality: Fundamental rights that prohibited discrimination.
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Fraternity: A united nation rising above caste and creed.
Key Features of the Indian Constitution
The Indian Constitution is a living document, unique in several ways:
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Length: It is the longest written constitution of any sovereign country in the world.
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Handwritten Masterpiece: The original Constitution was not printed or typeset. It was handwritten in English and Hindi by Prem Behari Narain Raizada and illuminated by artists from Shantiniketan, including Nandalal Bose.
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Blend of Rigidity and Flexibility: It can be amended to changing times but maintains a "Basic Structure" that cannot be altered.
The Preamble: The Soul of the Document
On this day, the Preamble is read in schools, colleges, and government offices across the nation. It encapsulates the philosophy of the Constitution:
- "WE, THE PEOPLE OF INDIA, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a SOVEREIGN SOCIALIST SECULAR DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC and to secure to all its citizens:
- JUSTICE, social, economic and political; LIBERTY of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; EQUALITY of status and of opportunity; and to promote among them all FRATERNITY assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation..."
Celebrations in 2025: "Hamara Samvidhan - Hamara Swabhiman"
Today, on November 26, 2025, the nation celebrates under the theme "Hamara Samvidhan - Hamara Swabhiman" (Our Constitution - Our Pride).
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Mass Preamble Reading: Led by the President of India, citizens across the country read the Preamble at 11:00 AM.
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Digital Engagement: The government has launched campaigns on portals like MyGov and Constitution75.com for citizens to take pledges and participate in quizzes.
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Language Inclusivity: Special focus has been placed on releasing the Constitution's text in multiple regional languages to ensure every citizen can access the law of the land.
Constitution Day is not just a government observation; it is a reminder of the contract between the State and the Citizen. It is a day to remember that while we enjoy Fundamental Rights, we must also adhere to our Fundamental Duties. As we celebrate this day, we renew our pledge to uphold the values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity that bind the nation together.
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