Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tribute to the framers of the Constitution on Constitution Day, emphasising the document’s central values and urging citizens to strengthen constitutional principles through their actions.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “On Constitution Day, we pay tribute to the framers of our Constitution. Their vision and foresight continue to motivate us in our pursuit of building a Viksit Bharat. Our Constitution gives utmost importance to human dignity, equality and liberty. While it empowers us with rights, it also reminds us of our duties as citizens, which we should always try to fulfil. These duties are the foundation of a strong democracy. Let us reiterate our commitment to strengthening Constitutional values through our actions.”
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister addressed citizens through a detailed letter marking the occasion. He described 26 November as a day of “immense pride”, recalling that the Constitution was adopted on this day in 1949.
PM Modi said that it was the strength of the Constitution that made it possible for a person from a “humble and economically disadvantaged family” to serve as head of the government for more than two decades. He referred to his first entry into Parliament in 2014, saying he “bowed, touching the steps of the greatest temple of democracy”. He also recalled that after the 2019 election, he entered the Central Hall with a copy of the Constitution placed on his forehead in reverence.
The Prime Minister paid homage to Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and other members of the Constituent Assembly, including the women members who contributed to the making of the Constitution.
He also recalled the 2010 ‘Samvidhan Gaurav Yatra’ held in Gujarat, noting that the Constitution’s 60th anniversary had not received adequate national attention at the time.
PM Modi said that this year’s Constitution Day is significant as it coincides with the 150th birth anniversaries of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, and the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. He noted Sardar Patel’s role in national integration and said the removal of Articles 370 and 35(A) ensured the Constitution is now “fully in force” in Jammu & Kashmir.
The Prime Minister stressed the importance of fundamental duties listed in Article 51A, stating that Mahatma Gandhi believed real rights arise from the performance of duty. He called on citizens to prioritise duties as India works toward becoming a developed nation.
PM Modi emphasised that national progress depends on collective responsibility: “Every action of ours should strengthen the Constitution and further national goals and interests.”
Highlighting the constitutional duty of voting, he urged citizens not to miss any opportunity to participate in elections. He suggested that schools and colleges organise special events every year on 26 November to recognise students turning 18, in order to instill pride and responsibility among first-time voters.
He underlined that the decisions India makes today will shape the decades leading to 2047 and 2049 – 100 years of independence and 100 years since adoption of the Constitution.
Ending his message, PM Modi called for reaffirming commitment to the nation’s progress: “Let us, on this Constitution Day, reaffirm our pledge to fulfil our duties as citizens of this great nation. In doing so, we can all contribute meaningfully to the building of a Viksit Bharat that is developed and empowered.”