Constitutional Day is celebrated across India every year on November 26th. This day commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1950, with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar serving as the chairman of the Drafting Committee. PARA, an organization committed to advocating for people’s rights based on constitutional principles, observed Constitutional Day on November 26, 2024, with participation from its staff and village representatives.
Mr. Ajay, a resource person from Visakhapatnam, addressed the gathering. He began his talk by discussing the various forms of discrimination prevalent in society. To illustrate his point, he used the metaphor of a tree, stating, “A tree that produces leaves never produces identical ones.” Similarly, he explained that people, with their diverse backgrounds, cannot possess identical qualities and behaviors.
Mr. Ajay went on to provide a brief history of the Indian Constitution. Officially adopted on January 26, 1950, the Indian Constitution serves as the cornerstone of the world’s largest democracy. Its creation was a meticulous process undertaken by the Constituent Assembly, formed in December 1946. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, often hailed as the “Father of the Indian Constitution,” led the Drafting Committee.
The Indian Constitution is a remarkable document, drawing from various global sources such as the British parliamentary system, the U.S. Bill of Rights, and Ireland’s Directive Principles. It offers a robust framework for governance, balancing federal and unitary features, while enshrining fundamental rights and duties. These provisions aim to protect individual freedoms and promote justice, equality, and fraternity. With 448 articles, the Indian Constitution is one of the longest written constitutions in the world, reflecting the nation’s rich social, cultural, and linguistic diversity.
However, Mr. Ajay expressed concern about recent threats to constitutional values, suggesting that attempts are being made to replace its principles with those of the Manusmriti. He emphasized the urgent need for collective action to safeguard the Constitution, urging everyone to unite in its defense.
