ANDALIB AKHTER / NEW DELHI
INDIA today celebrated ‘Samvidhan Divas’ or Constitution Day to mark the adoption of the Constitution by the Constituent Assembly on this day in 1949. The main function was held at the Parliament House with President vice president and prime minister addressed the joint session.
The Constitution of India came into force on 26th January 1950, marking the beginning of a new era in the history of the Indian Republic.
A joint sitting of the parliament was called to commemorate the Samavidhan Divas. Addressing the joint sitting, President Ram Nath Kovind said that rights and duties are the two sides of the same coin and while being about their rights, citizen should also conscious of their duties. He said, the people need to perform their duties and thereby create circumstances which would ensure effective protection of their rights.
“The illustrious makers of our Constitution had with complete devotion and honesty, envisioned to serve and work conscientiously while remaining free from fear or favour, affection or ill-will and bias”, said President Kovind adding that the people of country deserve to be complimented for the value and respect that the Indian Constitution has earned over the last 70 years
Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu said, in the last 70 years the country has not only adhered to its democratic constitution but has also made tremendous progress in breathing life into the constitution and deepening the democratic ethos.
Mr Naidu urged every citizen to take responsibility for protecting the sovereignty, unity and integrity of the country; promoting harmony; defending and promoting the dignity of women; protection of environment; preserving the rich heritage and culture including promotion of Indian languages; inculcating a strong civic sense; protecting public property and abjuring violence; and striving for excellence.
To spread awareness among the citizens about their Fundamental Duties, the Vice President suggested a three-point action plan including the introduction of Fundamental Duties at an appropriate level in the curriculum, displaying the duties at all the educational institutions, offices and public spaces across the country and reaching out to the youth through appropriate campaigns.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi referred to the strength and inclusivity of the Indian Constitution. He said, the Constitution of India highlights both rights and duties of citizens and this is a special aspect of our Constitution. Mr Modi said, let us think about how we can fulfill the duties enshrined in the Constitution.
The Constituent Assembly was established to draft a constitution for India. It lasted for nearly three years in which many debates on the need for a constitution were held on numerous occasions. In his address in the assembly on 15th August 1947, Rules of Procedure Committee Chairman, Rajendra Prasad called for a clear vision for the nation.
Meanwhile, the Opposition parties led by congress boycott the joint setting. However, members of the other opposition parties including BSP, YSR Congress, TRS, TDP and BJD attended the function.
Meanwhile, President of the UN General Assembly today Congratulated India on the occasion. He said the country’s Constitution is a “seminal document” which marked its emergence from the shadows of colonialism to the light of independence.