ADDRESS BY THE HON’BLE PRESIDENT OF INDIA SMT. DROUPADI MURMU ON THE OCCASION OF ‘SAMVIDHAN DIVAS’ IN THE CENTRAL HALL OF SAMVIDHAN SADAN

 Honorable Members of Parliament,

I am delighted to be among you on the historic occasion of Constitution Day. On this day, November 26, 1949, in this Central Hall of the Constitution House, the members of the Constituent Assembly completed the task of drafting the Constitution of India. On this very day that year, we, the people of India, adopted our Constitution. After independence, the Constituent Assembly also served as India's interim Parliament.

Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, Chairman of the Drafting Committee, was one of the principal architects of our Constitution. In 2015, the year of Baba Saheb's 125th birth anniversary, it was decided to celebrate November 26th annually as Constitution Day. That decision has proven to be really meaningful. On this day, the entire nation reaffirms its respect for our Constitution, the foundation of Indian democracy, and its makers. 'We, the people of India,' express faith in our Constitution, both individually and collectively. Through numerous events, the citizens, especially the youth, are made aware of constitutional ideals. The initiative to start and continue the tradition of celebrating Constitution Day is praiseworthy beyond words.

Honorable Members of Parliament,

The strong arguments given in the Constituent Assembly in favour of adopting the parliamentary system are relevant even today. The Indian Parliament, which expresses public aspirations in the world's largest democracy, today serves as an example for many democracies around the world. Our Constitution makers wanted our collective and individual self-respect to be ensured through the Constitution. I am very happy to say that in the last decade, our Parliament has presented very effective examples of expressing people's aspirations.

I congratulate all of you, members of parliament for living up to the expectations of the Constitution makers. Furthermore, on behalf of a grateful nation, I pay my respectful homage to the memory of the most respected members of the Constituent Assembly. The ideals that express the soul of our Constitution are: social, economic and political justice; liberty, equality, and fraternity. I am pleased to see that on all these dimensions, the members of parliament have actualized the visions of the Constitution makers. As a tangible testament to the success of our parliamentary system, today India is rapidly progressing toward becoming the world's third-largest economy. India has achieved one of the world's greatest successes on the scale of economic justice, with nearly 250 million people coming out of poverty.

In our Constitution, social justice has been given priority. Efforts are being made to promote inclusive development in accordance with the ideals of social justice. Such initiatives include providing reservations to Economically Weaker Sections in educational institutions and employment; enacting and implementing a special Act for differently-abled persons by expanding the definition of the Act; and granting constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes. By curbing the social evil of triple talaq, Parliament has taken a historic step towards the empowerment and social justice of our sisters and daughters. For the economic integration of the country, the biggest tax reform since independence was implemented in the form of the Goods and Services Tax. By repealing the provisions of Article 370, an obstacle that had been hindering the country's inclusive political integration was removed.

The 'Nari Shakti Vandan Act' will usher in a new era of women-led development. The veneration of women power, or the mother power, holds a very important place in our culture. This year, starting from November 7th, nationwide commemorative events are being held to mark the 150th anniversary of the composition of our national song, "Vande Mataram." This commemoration is an opportunity to resolve to make Mother India prosperous, strong, and self-reliant. I am confident that all of you will provide direction and inspiration to the people of India to achieve this national resolve.

Our Constitution is the document of our national pride. It is the text of our national identity. It is a guiding text for taking the country forward with a nationalist mindset by abandoning the colonial mindset. With this spirit and keeping in mind the social and technological developments, important legislations related to the criminal justice system have been implemented. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, based on the spirit of justice rather than punishment, have been implemented. I wholeheartedly commend the Members of Parliament for passing many such progressive bills after meaningful debate.

While discussing the importance of constitutional amendment provisions, it was emphasized that the Constitution itself should provide for future generations to make appropriate amendments as needed. Thus the Constitution makers provided dynamism and vitality to our Constitution.

Hon'ble Members of Parliament,

Our Constitution makers not only provided a constitutional foundation for Indian democracy but also wove the fabric of our national unity. Besides playing a leading role in the drafting of the Constitution, Sardar Patel gave a new shape to India's unity by carrying out the monumental task of merging several princely states. This year, the nation celebrated Sardar Patel's 150th birth anniversary. To mark his 150th birth anniversary, the nation will connect with the ideals of national unity and pride through programs being organized from last year to next year. Our Parliament is a reflection of our nation. Your contribution is crucial in promulgating and implementing the ideals of the Iron Man, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Our parliamentary system, reflecting public expression, has become stronger in various dimensions. The success of our Constitution's faith in public wisdom through the provision of adult franchise is lauded in many other countries. Over the past few years, the increased voter turnout by women voters has given special social expression to our democratic consciousness. Women, youth, the poor, farmers, members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, people from disadvantaged sections, the middle class, and the neo-middle class are strengthening our democratic system from the Panchayat to Parliament. Our inclusive democracy encourages public participation. The tradition of celebrating Tribal Pride Day on the birth anniversary of Dharti Aba Bhagwan Birsa Munda has been initiated and is being given  multifaceted expansion. Throughout the year, celebrations related to the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda were held across the country. Tribal traditions that link heritage and development are being preserved and promoted.

The all-inclusive vision enshrined in constitutional ideals provides direction to our governance system. The Directive Principles of State Policy enshrined in our Constitution provide guidance for our governance system. Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Chairman of the Constituent Assembly, stated that protecting and preserving the independence we have achieved and making it useful for the common people depends on those who implement this Constitution. It is heartening that our Parliament has acted in the national interest, as envisioned by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, and has made continuous efforts to improve the lives of the common people. By integrating modern development with this vision of Antyodaya, India is presenting a new model of development to the global community. From the development of world-class infrastructure to the efforts to ensure that public welfare services reach all beneficiaries, our national progress has been unprecedented.

By moving forward in accordance with the constitutional system, our country's executive, legislature, and judiciary have strengthened the development of country and given stability and support to the lives of its citizens.

The members of both Houses of Parliament have not only taken our country forward but have also developed a healthy tradition of deep political thinking. In the coming eras, when comparative studies of various democracies and constitutions will be conducted, Indian democracy and the Constitution are described in golden letters.

All of you members are the bearers, creators, and witnesses of this glorious tradition of our Constitution and democracy. I am confident that under the guidance of our Parliament, the resolve to make India a developed nation will definitely be fulfilled. With this firm belief, I once again congratulate all the honorable members on Constitution Day and wish all the citizens a bright future.

Thank you,
Jai Hind!
Jai Bharat!