New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday arrived at the Samvidhan Sadan in New Delhi to participate in an event marking the 75th Constitution Day.

President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the enduring relevance of the Indian Constitution, describing it as a guiding document that encourages citizens to move beyond a colonial mindset and embrace nationalistic thinking. She noted that women, youth, Scheduled Castes and Tribes, farmers, the middle class, and the new middle class are all playing a vital role in strengthening India’s democratic system. She further hailed the country’s efforts in lifting 25 crore people out of poverty as one of its greatest achievements and emphasised that the framers of the Constitution intended for citizens’ personal and democratic rights to be always safeguarded.

 

President also released a digital version of the Indian Constitution, now available in nine languages.

Vice President CP Radhkrishnan, who hails from Tamil Nadu, on Wednesday began his Constitution Day address at Samvidhan Sadan in his mother tongue, Tamil.

He said that the “soul of our Constitution” has shown that Bharat is one and will remain united, adding that the Constitution embodies the country’s strong commitment to social justice and the economic empowerment of its weaker sections.

Union Ministers Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, Kiren Rijiju along with others minister and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also reached the Sadan to participate in the event.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi were also seen at the event.

On November 26, 1949, the Indian Constituent Assembly formally adopted the Constitution, which came into effect on January 26, 1950. The day is marked by the Central government's celebration of the principles of democracy, justice, and equality.

This year marks the 76th anniversary of the adoption of its constitution. The President will lead the reading of the Preamble to the Constitution of India during the programme. Further, a translated version of the Constitution of India will be released in nine languages, including Malayalam, Marathi, Nepali, Punjabi, Bodo, Kashmiri, Telugu, Odia, and Assamese, the release stated.

The commemorative booklet "Art and Calligraphy in the Indian Constitution" will also be released during the programme.

 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday urged citizens to fulfil their Constitutional duties, asserting that these were foundations for a strong democracy.

In a letter to citizens on Constitution Day, the prime minister also stressed the responsibility of strengthening democracy by exercising the right to vote, and suggested that schools and colleges celebrate Constitution Day by honouring first-time voters turning 18.

Modi recalled Mahatma Gandhi's belief that rights flow from the performance of duties, stressing that fulfilling duties is the foundation for social and economic progress.

The prime minister recalled the contribution of Rajendra Prasad and B R Ambedkar and several others in the drafting of the Constitution.

He also paid tributes to the leadership of Vallabhbhai Patel, Birsa Munda and Mahatma Gandhi in the freedom struggle.