President Droupadi Murmu presided over the Constitution Day celebration at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan on Wednesday, marking 76 years since the adoption of the Constitution.
Addressing the gathering, the President recalled that the observance of November 26 as Constitution Day began in 2015, the 125th birth anniversary year of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. She said the decision has proved meaningful as it has strengthened national commitment to constitutional values. “On this day, the entire nation reaffirms its respect for our Constitution, the foundation of Indian democracy, and its makers. ‘We, the people of India’ express faith in our Constitution, both individually and collectively,” she stated.
The President highlighted that the ideals forming the soul of the Constitution — social, economic and political justice; liberty, equality and fraternity — have been consistently upheld through parliamentary functioning. She noted that India is progressing rapidly towards becoming the world’s third-largest economy and referred to the government’s claim that nearly 25 crore people have risen out of poverty in the last decade. She said this stands as evidence of the success of parliamentary democracy and developmental governance.
Calling the Constitution a “document of national pride and identity,” President Murmu said it represents a decisive shift away from a colonial mindset and guides the nation toward progress. She underlined the recent implementation of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam as major reforms in the criminal justice system based on “the spirit of justice rather than punishment.”
She remarked that India’s parliamentary system has strengthened steadily over the years, with growing civic participation across demographics. “Women, youth, the poor, farmers, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, disadvantaged communities, the middle class and the neo-middle class are strengthening democracy from Panchayat to Parliament,” she said. She also stressed that increasing voter turnout by women has added a “distinct social expression” to India’s democratic journey.
Quoting former Constituent Assembly Chairman Dr. Rajendra Prasad, she said protecting independence and ensuring its benefit to the masses depends on those who implement the Constitution. The President expressed satisfaction that Parliament has acted in the national interest and worked continuously to improve the lives of common citizens.
She emphasised that the executive, legislature and judiciary have adhered to constitutional principles and provided stability and support to citizens’ lives. According to her, in future comparative studies of democracies across the world, the Indian Constitution and its democratic experience “will be written in golden letters.”
President Murmu paid tribute to the women members of the Constituent Assembly and recalled the words of Hansa Mehta: “What we have asked for is social justice, economic justice and political justice.” She said the passage of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam in 2023 is a tribute to the women who shaped the Constitution and will ensure greater participation of women in nation-building.
The President also acknowledged the contribution of tribal communities to the freedom movement and the Constituent Assembly, noting that the commemoration of Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas since 2021 reflects the country’s respect for their sacrifices.
Speaking on reforms, she said India needs electoral, judicial and financial reforms to meet the aspirations of a changing world. She cited GST as an example of successful reform and credited the JAM (Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile) framework and Direct Benefit Transfers with empowering citizens and eliminating intermediaries.
President Murmu said the ambitious goal of building a “Viksit Bharat” during the Amrit Kaal requires constructive use of modern technology and conscious contribution from every citizen. She called upon elected representatives to uphold dialogue, debate and discussion in public institutions to meet people’s expectations.