Constitution Day (Samvidhan Diwas)

Context: On November 26, the President and Prime Minister of India extended their wishes on the occasion of Constitution Day, also known as National Law Day or Samvidhan Diwas.

• The Indian Constitution was adopted on November 26, 1949, and came into effect on January 26, 1950.
• It was drafted under the leadership of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Chairman of the Drafting Committee.
• In 2015, the Union Government declared November 26 as Constitution Day to promote awareness of constitutional values, coinciding with the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

“Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman” Campaign

Launched by: Vice President of India

Objective:

• Simplify the Constitution and raise awareness about Fundamental Rights and Duties among citizens.

Key Initiatives:

1. Legal Accessibility:
   • Programs like “Sabko Nyay” and “Har Ghar Nyay” aim to educate citizens about their legal rights and assist them in seeking justice.
2. Empowerment of Marginalised Communities:
   • The “Vidhi Jagriti Abhiyaan” focuses on providing legal awareness and ensuring that rural and marginalized populations can access government benefits.
3. Online Engagement Portal:
   • A dedicated portal offers resources such as quizzes, discussion forums, and interactive tools to enhance public understanding of constitutional values.

Key Facts About the Indian Constitution

1. Longest Written Constitution:
   • It is the most comprehensive constitution of any sovereign country in the world.
2. Languages:
   • The original document was handwritten in English and Hindi.
3. Artistic Handwriting:
   • Prem Behari Narain Raizada calligraphed the Constitution, while artists from Shantiniketan, under the guidance of Nandalal Bose, decorated each page.
4. Foundation:
   • The basic structure of the Constitution is inspired by the Government of India Act, 1935.
5. Core Values:
   • Declares India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic, ensuring justice, equality, liberty, and promoting fraternity among citizens.

Features Borrowed from Other Constitutions

Source	Features Borrowed
British Constitution	Parliamentary form of government, Rule of Law, Single Citizenship, Lawmaking procedures, Speaker’s role, Doctrine of pleasure for civil servants.
American Constitution	Judicial Review, Fundamental Rights.
Canadian Constitution	Federal System with a strong central government, Residual powers, Centre-State relations.
Irish Constitution	Directive Principles of State Policy, Procedure for Presidential Elections.
Australian Constitution	Concurrent List, Freedom of Trade and Commerce within the country.
Weimar Constitution	Emergency provisions.
Soviet Constitution	Fundamental Duties, Five-Year Plans.
Government of India Act, 1935	Office of the Governor, Powers of the federal judiciary.
South African Constitution	Procedure for Constitutional Amendments.
Japanese Constitution	Concept of “Procedure Established by Law.”

By recognizing the diverse origins and the monumental effort in drafting the Constitution, Constitution Day serves as a reminder of the values that bind India as a democratic republic and encourages citizens to uphold these principles in their daily lives.