India's Constitution Day Observance

Constitution Day of India - Summary Notes

• Date of Significance:

  • November 26, 1949: The Constitution of India was adopted by the Constituent Assembly.
  • January 26, 1950: The Constitution came into effect; celebrated as Republic Day.

• Constitution Day:

  • Officially observed on November 26 since 2015 to promote constitutional values among citizens.
  • Referred to as Samvidhan Divas, reflects gratitude towards the Constitution's makers.

• Government Initiative:

  • Announced by the Union Cabinet in May 2015, aligned with the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the Chairman of the Drafting Committee.
  • The initiative aims to honor Ambedkar's legacy and foster outreach to the Dalit community.

• Constituent Assembly Background:

  • First session held on December 9, 1946, with 207 members (including nine women).
  • Initially composed of 389 members, reduced to 299 after India's partition.
  • Spent over 3 years and over 114 days deliberating the draft's content.

• Key Figures Involved:

  • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (Chairman, Drafting Committee)
  • Other members: K.M. Munshi, Muhammed Saadulah, Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer.

• Preamble:

  • "Objectives Resolution" moved by Jawaharlal Nehru was adopted as the Preamble on January 22, 1947.

• Amendments and Final Draft:

  • The Drafting Committee reviewed approximately 7,600 amendments, discarding around 2,400 during debates.
  • Final adoption on November 26, 1949, with signing by 284 members.

• Reasons for January 26 Selection:

  • This date marks the declaration of the Congress' Poorna Swaraj resolution in 1930.

• Government's Promotional Activities:

  • Establishment of the Ambedkar International Centre at a cost exceeding Rs 197 crore to promote Ambedkar's ideas and philosophy.
  • Nationwide celebrations marking Ambedkar's contributions and the importance of the Constitution.

• Notable Government Statements:

  • Emphasis on honoring constitutional architects while critiquing previous political acknowledgment of Ambedkar.

This summary encapsulates the constitutional references, historical context, and governmental initiatives related to Constitution Day in India. It serves as an essential outline for understanding India's constitutional framework and the significance of November 26 in the nation's history.