76th Constitution Day: President, PM pay tributes to founding fathers

New Delhi: India celebrated its 76th Constitution Day on Wednesday, commemorating the adoption of the Constitution by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949. Observed annually as Samvidhāna Divas or National Law Day, the occasion honours the nation’s guiding document, which came into force on 26 January 1950.

This year’s theme, Hamara Samvidhan–Hamara Swabhiman, set the tone for the main ceremony held in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan in New Delhi. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Union Ministers and Members of Parliament attended the event, Akashvani reported.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to the Constitution’s framers in a post on X, emphasising their vision of human dignity, equality and liberty. He noted that while the Constitution empowers citizens with rights, it also reminds them of essential duties that strengthen democracy. “Let us reiterate our commitment to strengthening Constitutional values through our actions,” he wrote, adding that he had also penned a letter to mark the occasion.

The Indian Constitution—completed in 11 months and 17 days—remains one of the world’s most comprehensive foundational documents. Dr B. R. Ambedkar, who chaired the Drafting Committee and played a pivotal role in shaping key provisions such as fundamental rights, abolition of untouchability and reservations for disadvantaged communities, is widely regarded as the “Father of the Indian Constitution.”

The day’s observance reaffirmed national pride in the Constitution and its enduring role in sustaining India’s democratic framework. (Agencies)