75th Constitution Day: Congress Cites Ambedkar, Govt Plans Nationwide Preamble Relay
The day will also see massive civic participation.
75th Constitution Day: Congress Cites Ambedkar, Govt Plans Nationwide Preamble Relay
India is set to observe the 75th Constitution Day on November 26. Political, civic and grassroots institutions are marking this moment with renewed attention to Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s contribution and the enduring relevance of constitutional values in today’s times. India has been celebrating Constitution Day annually since 2015 to commemorate the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949.
On Tuesday, the Congress recalled that “exactly 76 years ago”, Ambedkar moved the historic resolution for the formal adoption of the Draft Constitution. According to Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, Ambedkar’s closing speech that day remains “one of the greatest orations of the 20th century.” Ramesh also cited Ambedkar’s own words praising the Congress for bringing order and discipline to the Assembly debates, which he said ensured the smooth passage of each article and amendment. The Congress additionally alleged that Ambedkar and his constitutional vision were subjected to a “ferocious assault” by the RSS at the time—a criticism the party claims continues across decades.
The day will also see massive civic participation. According to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, around 2.63 lakh Panchayats will observe Constitution Day through mass readings of the “Preamble in local languages”. Ministry officials said that a nationwide “Constitution Connect – Preamble Reading Relay” will run from 10:00 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. Every state and union territory will join for a 15-minute segment. The ministry noted that discussions, seminars, quizzes and “Our Village, Our Constitution” gatherings will be held across three-tier Panchayati Raj Institutions, with special focus on PESA areas.
At the national level, President Droupadi Murmu will lead the Constitution Day ceremony in the historic Central Hall of the old Parliament building. The Vice President and the Lok Sabha Speaker will also participate. Officials highlighted that while some constitutional provisions came into force immediately in 1949, the remainder took effect on January 26, 1950, when India became a republic nation.
As political parties continue to claim Ambedkar’s legacy, Constitution Day serves as a reminder of the values that anchor India’s democratic values that remain central amid evolving national debates.