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National Constitution Day, also known as Samvidhan Divas, is commemorated every year on November 26 in India. While it is not an official public holiday, this day holds significant importance as it marks the adoption of the Constitution of India. On November 26, 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the Constitution, which officially came into effect on January 26, 1950, marking the beginning of a new era in the country’s history.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, widely regarded as the Father of the Indian Constitution, played a pivotal role in its creation. After India gained independence, he was invited by the Congress government to serve as the first Law Minister of India. On August 29, 1947, Dr. Ambedkar was appointed as the Chairman of the Constitution Drafting Committee. As the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, he is remembered for his vision of a united and progressive India.
“I feel that the constitution is workable, it is flexible and it is strong enough to hold the country together both in peacetime and in wartime. Indeed, if I may say so, if things go wrong under the new Constitution, the reason will not be that we had a bad Constitution. What we will have to say is that Man was vile” – BR Ambedkar
National Constitution Day Observance
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | November 26 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | November 26 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | November 26 | Thursday |
| 2027 | November 26 | Friday |
| 2028 | November 26 | Sunday |
History of National Constitution Day
The Government of India, in an official gazette notification on 19th November 2015, announced that 26th November would be observed as Constitution Day. During the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Dr. Ambedkar Memorial in Mumbai on 11th October 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared the observance of National Constitution Day. The year 2015 marked the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who played a pivotal role in drafting the Indian Constitution as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly.
Previously observed as National Law Day, 26th November was chosen as Constitution Day to highlight the significance of the Indian Constitution and promote awareness of Dr. Ambedkar’s ideas and vision. The Constitution of India was adopted to establish the country as an independent, secular, socialist, and democratic republic, ensuring justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for its citizens.
The adoption of the Constitution marked a significant milestone, ushering Indian citizens into a new era of self-governance, modernity, scientific progress, and unity. It symbolizes peace, dignity, and progress and stands as a distinctive document globally. Drafting the Constitution required immense dedication and took the Constituent Assembly two years, eleven months, and seventeen days to complete.
Other Celebrations on November 26
November 26 is also celebrated as
How to Celebrate National Constitution Day
You can celebrate National Constitution Day by participating in various events organized by different departments of the Government of India. Additionally, you can take part in competitions held on this day, such as quizzes and races. Use this opportunity to learn about the salient features of the Constitution of India and share your thoughts on National Constitution Day on social media using the hashtag #NationalConstitutionDay.