India's Constitution Day

 India’s Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas)

Observed on November 26

Constitution Day is celebrated every year on 26 November to commemorate the adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1949. It came into effect two months later, on 26 January 1950, celebrated as Republic Day.

Officially Declared in 2015

Though the adoption occurred in 1949, Constitution Day was officially declared in 2015 by the Government of India to honor Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s contribution and to promote constitutional values.

Honoring Dr. B. R. Ambedkar

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, the Chairman of the Drafting Committee, is often called the “Father of the Indian Constitution.” Constitution Day highlights his pivotal role in shaping India’s legal and democratic framework.

The Longest Written Constitution in the World

India’s Constitution is famous for being the longest written constitution of any country—containing 448 articles, 12 schedules, and numerous amendments.

Drafted After Nearly 3 Years of Deliberation

The Constituent Assembly met for 11 sessions over 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days, discussing, debating, and refining the document before adopting it.

Inclusive, Democratic, and Forward-Looking

The Constitution enshrines key values:

• Justice (social, economic, political)

• Liberty (thought, expression, belief, faith, worship)

• Equality (of status and opportunity)

• Fraternity (assuring dignity of the individual and unity of the nation)

Sources of the Indian Constitution

1. United Kingdom (UK)
Parliamentary form of government
Rule of law
Single citizenship
Cabinet system
Parliamentary privileges
Office of the Speaker
2. United States (USA)
Fundamental Rights
Judicial review
Impeachment procedure
Removal of Supreme Court & High Court judges
Independence of the judiciary
Vice President’s role (presiding over Rajya Sabha)
3. Ireland
Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs)
Method of electing the President
Nomination of members to Rajya Sabha
4. Canada
Federal system with a strong Centre
Distribution of powers between Centre & States
Appointment of Governors
Advisory role of the Supreme Court
5. Australia
Concurrent List
Trade and commerce provisions
Joint sitting of the two Houses
6. Germany (Weimar Constitution)
Emergency powers
Suspension of Fundamental Rights during emergencies
7. Russia (USSR)
Fundamental Duties
Ideals of justice (social, economic, political) in the Preamble
8. France
Ideals of liberty, equality, fraternity in the Preamble
9. South Africa
Procedure for amendment of the Constitution
Election of the Rajya Sabha members
10. Japan
Concept of “Procedure established by law”

A Living and Evolving Document

The Constitution has been amended over 100 times, proving its flexibility and relevance to changing social, economic, and political needs.