New Delhi, – Today the country is celebrating the 76th Constitution Day, also called Samvidhan Divas. On this day in 1949, the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution of India. Two months later, on 26 January 1950, it came into force and India became a republic.
Main Event at Samvidhan Sadan (Old Parliament)
President Droupadi Murmu led the national celebration at the historic Central Hall of the old Parliament building, now renamed Samvidhan Sadan. Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh, Union ministers, MPs and many judges were present.
President Murmu said, “Our Constitution is the soul of India. It joins 140 crore people with the idea of unity in diversity. It gives equal rights to everyone – rich or poor, man or woman, from any religion or caste.”
She paid rich tributes to Dr B.R. Ambedkar and all members of the Constituent Assembly who worked day and night for almost three years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “We bow to Babasaheb Ambedkar and every member who gave us the world’s longest written Constitution. This is not just a law book – it is the guarantee of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity for every Indian.”
He told the gathering that from this year, the Preamble of the Constitution is being read in every school and college on 26 November so that children grow up knowing its values.
Nationwide Celebrations
- In schools and colleges across the country, teachers and students read the Preamble together.
- Many schools organised drawing competitions, essay writing, and quizzes on the Constitution.
- Government offices, courts, banks, and post offices also held special programmes.
- Doordarshan and All India Radio broadcast live the Central Hall event.
- The Ministry of Education asked all schools to take a pledge: “I will follow the Constitution and make India strong and united.”
Special Events Across States
- Jammu & Kashmir: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha hoisted the national flag at Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu and spoke about Article 370 and how the region is now fully part of the Constitution.
- Kerala: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan released a new Malayalam translation of the Constitution for school children.
- Maharashtra: In Nagpur, where Dr Ambedkar took Buddhist vows, thousands visited Deekshabhoomi and paid tributes.
- Tamil Nadu: Governor R.N. Ravi and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin took part in separate events in Chennai.
Government Initiatives Launched Today
- Digital Constitution Portal – People can now read the original Constitution with Dr Ambedkar’s handwriting online.
- Constitution Park in Delhi will open for public from tomorrow.
- Special Postage Stamp on 75 years of the Supreme Court was released by the President.
- Mobile Exhibition Vans will travel to villages to teach people about their fundamental rights.
What Leaders Said Today
- Home Minister Amit Shah: “The Constitution is the biggest weapon against poverty, illiteracy and division. We are taking it to every home through Jan Bhagidari.”
- Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge: “We must protect the Constitution from those who want to change it for political gain.”
- BSP Chief Mayawati: “Only by following Babasaheb’s Constitution can we end caste discrimination forever.”
- Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal: “India’s Constitution is a living document. Even after 75 years, it is guiding the nation towards progress.”
Why 26 November is Important
- 26 November 1949 – Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution after almost 3 years of hard work (2 years, 11 months, 18 days).
- 284 members signed the final copy on 24 January 1950.
- The handwritten copies in Hindi and English with beautiful calligraphy are still kept safely in the Parliament Library.
- Dr Rajendra Prasad became the first President and the Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950 – that is why we celebrate Republic Day on that date.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Constitution Day
Q1. Why do we celebrate Constitution Day on 26 November and not on 26 January?
26 November is the day the Constituent Assembly adopted (passed) the Constitution in 1949. 26 January is the day it actually started working in 1950. So both dates are important – 26 Nov is Adoption Day, 26 Jan is Republic Day.
Q2. Who wrote the Constitution of India?
The Drafting Committee under Dr B.R. Ambedkar prepared the final draft, but the whole Constituent Assembly (389 members at start, 284 signed) discussed and improved it for almost three years.
Q3. How long is the Indian Constitution?
It is the longest written constitution in the world. Original copy had 395 Articles and 8 Schedules. Today it has around 470 Articles and 12 Schedules because of amendments.
Q4. Can the Constitution be changed?
Yes, Parliament can amend (change) it, but basic structure like democracy, secularism, federalism cannot be changed (Kesavananda Bharati case 1973).
Q5. How many times has the Constitution been amended till November 2025?
106 times. The latest amendment was the 106th Amendment Act about women’s reservation in Lok Sabha and Assemblies.
Q6. Where can I read the Constitution online for free?
Visit: https://legislative.gov.in/constitution-of-india (official government site).