Prime Minister urges citizens to uphold Constitutional duties, strengthen democracy on Constitution Day
Modi said this year’s Constitution Day holds added significance as it aligns 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.
New Delhi, November 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday called upon citizens to place their Constitutional duties at the centre of national life as India advances toward the vision of a Viksit Bharat. In a letter written to the people on Constitution Day, the Prime Minister reflected on the historic adoption of the Constitution in 1949 and its enduring role in empowering generations of Indians.
Modi recalled the government’s decision in 2015 to declare November 26 as Constitution Day and described the Constitution as a guiding force that has enabled individuals from modest backgrounds to rise to positions of national responsibility. He referred to personal moments of reverence for democratic institutions, including bowing at the steps of Parliament in 2014 and lifting the Constitution to his forehead in 2019.
Paying tribute to the Constituent Assembly, the Prime Minister remembered Rajendra Prasad, Babasaheb Ambedkar and several distinguished women members whose contributions shaped the nation’s foundational document. He also recounted previous national commemorations, from the Samvidhan Gaurav Yatra in Gujarat to the special parliamentary session marking 75 years of the Constitution.
Modi said this year’s Constitution Day holds added significance as it aligns 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, reinforce the primacy of duties as articulated in Article 51A. Citing Mahatma Gandhi, he noted that rights emerge from the fulfilment of duties and that this principle forms the basis of social and economic progress.
Looking ahead to 2047 and 2049 — when India will mark 100 years of independence and 100 years of the Constitution — the Prime Minister said the choices made today would shape the lives of future generations. He urged citizens to keep their duties foremost in mind as India moves toward long-term national goals.
Modi also emphasised the responsibility of strengthening democracy by exercising the right to vote. He encouraged schools and colleges to honour first-time voters turning 18 and said instilling pride and responsibility in young citizens would reinforce democratic values.
In posts on X, the Prime Minister said he had written to citizens highlighting the greatness of the Constitution, the importance of Fundamental Duties and the significance of becoming a first-time voter.
Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the framers of the Constitution, stating that their vision and foresight continue to motivate the nation. He said the Constitution places the highest importance on dignity, equality and liberty, and reminded citizens that duties are the foundation of a strong and vibrant democracy.
Reaffirming national resolve, Modi called upon people to strengthen Constitutional values through their actions and contribute meaningfully to building a developed and united India.
