The North News
New Delhi, November 26
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called on citizens to reaffirm their commitment to constitutional duties, marking Constitution Day with a letter that reflects on the country’s democratic journey and the text that underpins it. In his message on Wednesday, Modi recalled the adoption of the Constitution in 1949 and noted that the government designated 26 November as Constitution Day in 2015 to honour what he described as a “sacred document”. He said the Constitution has empowered generations of Indians from modest backgrounds to rise to positions of national leadership.
The Prime Minister cited personal moments symbolising his respect for democratic institutions, including bowing at the steps of Parliament in 2014 and placing a copy of the Constitution on his forehead in 2019. These acts, he said, reflect the sense of responsibility the Constitution inspires.
Modi also paid tribute to members of the Constituent Assembly, naming Dr Rajendra Prasad, Dr B.R. Ambedkar and several women leaders whose contributions shaped the nation’s guiding framework. He recalled earlier commemorations, including the Samvidhan Gaurav Yatra during its 60th anniversary and the special Parliament session held this year to mark 75 years of the Constitution.
This year’s observance, he added, carries added significance as it coincides with the 150th birth anniversaries of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Birsa Munda, the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, and the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. These milestones, he said, underscore the importance of the duties laid out in Article 51A, echoing Mahatma Gandhi’s belief that rights arise from the performance of duties.
Looking ahead, Modi noted that India is roughly 25 years into the 21st century and will mark 100 years of independence in just over two decades. The adoption of the Constitution will complete a century in 2049. Choices made today, he said, will shape the lives of generations to come as India pursues the goal of becoming a developed nation.
Calling for wider democratic participation, he urged schools and colleges to celebrate Constitution Day by honouring first-time voters. Instilling civic responsibility among the young, he said, would strengthen India’s democratic fabric. Modi concluded by urging citizens to reaffirm their commitment to building a “developed and empowered India”. In separate posts on X, he said his letter highlighted the greatness of the Constitution, the value of fundamental duties and the significance of becoming a first-time voter.
