Delhi, 26 November (H.S.): President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday described the Constitution as a guiding document for shedding the colonial mindset and embracing a nationalistic vision, stating that its framers considered the protection of individual and democratic rights paramount.

Addressing a ceremony on Constitution Day, she highlighted that this foundation has empowered women, youth, SCs, STs, farmers, the middle class, and the neo-middle class to fortify the nation's democracy. She also cited lifting 250 million people out of poverty as one of the country's major achievements.

The President presided over the event held today in the Central Hall of the Samvidhan Sadan (Constitution House). The Vice President, Prime Minister, Lok Sabha Speaker, Union Ministers, and members of both Houses were in attendance. During the ceremony, digital editions of the Constitution were launched in nine languages: Malayalam, Marathi, Nepali, Punjabi, Bodo, Kashmiri, Telugu, Odia, and Assamese.

Additionally, a commemorative booklet prepared by the Ministry of Culture, titled Art and Calligraphy from the Constitution of India (Hindi Edition), was unveiled. The Lok Sabha Speaker and the Vice President also addressed the gathering before the President's speech.

President Murmu noted that by ending a social evil like Triple Talaq, Parliament has created history in empowering women. She pointed out that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) stands as the most significant tax reform since independence, strengthening economic integration.

Furthermore, the abrogation of Article 370 removed a major obstacle to national political integration.She recalled that the decision to observe November 26 as Constitution Day was made in 2015, coinciding with the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.

On this day, the entire nation shows its respect for our Constitution and its makers, she stated, adding that the initiative to start and continue this tradition is praiseworthy beyond words.Our Constitution is a document of our national pride, the President affirmed.

It is our national identity and a guide to move the country forward with a nationalist approach, leaving behind colonial thinking. She added that essential laws related to the criminal justice system—the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam—have been implemented with a focus on justice over punishment, keeping social and technological progress in mind.

In his address, Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan highlighted the foresight, values, and enduring legacy of the Indian Constitution. He remarked that celebrating Constitution Day since 2015 has transformed it into a festival for every citizen. He also underscored the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam and the contributions of tribal communities, reiterating the commitment to a 'Viksit Bharat 2047' (Developed India 2047) while upholding constitutional values.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla called upon the nation to translate constitutional values into practice, describing it as the first essential step towards a developed India. He emphasized that the preamble's phrase, 'We, the People of India,' is not merely words but the most powerful expression of India's unity, collective strength, and public welfare.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar