President Droupadi Murmu addresses Constitution Day event at Parliament
Andalib Akhter
President Dropadi Murmu today said that our Constitution is the strong foundation of our democratic republic she said that Indian Constitution ensures our collective and individual dignity she urged citizens to imbibe the Constitutional ideals into their behaviour, fulfill their fundamental duties and work towards achieving the national goal of a developed India by 2047. Addressing a grand event organised at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan in New Delhi to mark the Constitution Day today.
She said as per the Constitution, it is the duty of the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary to work together to make the lives of common people comfortable. The President observed that the Government has taken several measures in recent years for the welfare of all sections of society, especially the weaker sections. She added that the poor are getting their own houses and world-class infrastructure is being developed in the country. Lauding the passing of Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam related to reservation for women in Lok Sabha and State assemblies, she said it has created a new era of women empowerment.
The President said ideals of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity mentioned in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution give opportunities to citizens to prosper and take care of each other in the society. The President also talked about implementation of the GST regime and granting constitutional status to the National Commission for OBCs and three new criminal laws and lauded the Parliamentarians for these historic decisions. The President highlighted that India is getting a new identity globally with its new thoughts. She added that India being the leading economy in the world is also playing the role of Vishwabandhu. The President said Baba Saheb Bhimrao Ambedkar had left progressive and inclusive imprint on the Indian Constitution. In her address, the President recalled the contribution of 15 women members of the Constituent Assembly in framing the Constitution. She said the Constituent Assembly had representation of all regions of the country. She also stated the nation will celebrate its 75th anniversary of being a Republic on the 26th of January next year and such occasions give the countrymen the opportunity to make better plans for the future.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar said this momentous day marks a historic milestone as the country celebrates 75 years since it adopted its Constitution, a remarkable achievement for the world’s largest and most dynamic democracy. He said India thrives with remarkable economic growth, robust infrastructure, widespread digital adoption and all these are getting international recognition. He added that these achievements are vindication that the Constitution has effectively anchored Indian democracy. Mr. Dhankhar highlighted that this is the occasion to reflect on the Constitution’s core values and reaffirm commitment to its guiding principles.
In his address, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said the Indian Constitution is the result of years of penance, sacrifice, ingenuity and strength of people of the country. He added that the Constitution was prepared after around three years of hard work binding the geographical and social diversities of the country into one thread. Mr Birla added that the Constitution has been a driving force for social and economic change in the country. He urged MPs to celebrate the 75 years of adoption of the Constitution in their areas among the people. Mr. Birla appealed to the Parliamentarians to follow the tradition of constructive and dignified debates set by the Constituent Assembly.
During the event, the President released a commemorative Coin and a Stamp dedicated to the 75th anniversary of adoption of the Constitution of India. Books titled “Making of the Constitution of India: A Glimpse” and “Making of the Constitution of India and its Glorious Journey” were also released. The Constitution in Sanskrit and Maithili languages were also released. A Booklet dedicated to the Art of Constitution of India was also unveiled during the event.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several Union Ministers, Leaders of Opposition in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Members of Parliament and other dignitaries attended the event. The President led the ceremonial reading of the Preamble of Indian Constitution on this occasion.