Every year, on 26th November, India celebrates the National Law Day. And rightly so, as it was on this day in 1949 that the Indian national leaders adopted the Constitution written by the Constituent Assembly.
India is a young democracy. The nation was born after a lot of turmoil and struggle. The scars of independence are revived whenever there is a conflict in Kashmir with Pakistan or whenever communal riots break out in some part of India. The tragedy of partition, the oppressive rule by the British, the killings and executions of many national heroes have scarred the Indian soul.
But the Indian Constitution is a balm to the Indian conscience. It holds the spirit of India’s freedom.
Here are some interesting facts about the Constitution.
It is the longest written constitution. The writers of the Constitution read all the existing modern constitutions, and borrowed the best for India.
Leaders from all political ideologies participated in writing it. From the right to the left ideologies of a political spectrum contributed in its making. For instance, from Ambedkar to Nehru to Sardar Patel, all political hues found a voice in it.
It was written in Hindi as well as English.
Not only did it guarantee Fundamental Rights, but outlined the ideal government by stating the Directive Principles which should guide every rule. For instance, that every child should receive health care, that every man and woman should be paid equally, these fundamental values are enshrined in the Constitution.
India was among the earliest democracies to give voting rights to women. Women had participated equally, and politically achieved an equal status by then.
Unlike some modern states like United States, India provided single citizenship. This was to ensure that all citizens were Indians first, and then held regional loyalties.
So, it is a proud moment as we honour one of the greatest Constitutions of the modern world on this National Law Day.
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