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TueNov 26

National Law Day – November 26, 2024

National Law Day — also known as Samvidhan Divas — is celebrated in India on November 26 every year to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India. Constitution Day is not a public holiday, however, government departments and schools across the country acknowledge the day with various events and activities. As per the Department of Education and Literacy, the preamble of the constitution is read in all schools by all students. Also, there are quiz and essay competitions both online and offline on the subject. The Department of Higher Education also requests various universities to arrange mock parliamentary debates in colleges.

History of National Law Day

On November 26, 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India formally adopted the Constitution of India. It came into force on January 26, 1950. Constitution Day aims to bring awareness about the importance of the Constitution and Dr. B R Ambedkar. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, chairman of the drafting committee, is considered to be the chief architect of the Constitution of India. He is also called the Father of the Indian Constitution. The Constitution of India was drafted by the members of the Constituent Assembly.

The Constitution is a set of written principles and precedents of the Government of India. It frames fundamental political principles, procedures, rights, directive principles, restrictions, and duties of the government and the citizens of the country. The Constitution of India declares the country a sovereign, secular, socialist, and democratic republic. It assures its citizen’s equality, liberty, and justice.

The preamble is a brief statement which records the aims and aspirations of the people of India. The Constitution of India reads: “We, the people of India, having solemnly resolved to constitute India into a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, republic, and to secure to all its citizens:

 “Justice, social, economic and political; liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; equality of status and opportunity, and to promote among them all — fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the Nation; In our Constituent Assembly this twenty-sixth day of November 1949, do hereby adopt, enact and give to ourselves this constitution.”

 From 1947 to 1950, India continued to use the legislation implemented when it was a dominion of Britain. In the meantime, the Constituent Assembly drafted the Constitution of India, which would replace the Government of India Act, 1935, as the country’s fundamental governing document. The Constitution was drawn from several sources, while India’s needs and conditions were given paramount importance. B R Ambedkar studied the Constitutions of over 60 countries before drafting the Constitution of India. Now, various programs are held by ministries and departments throughout the year to spread thoughts and ideas of Ambedkar across the country.

National Law Day timeline

2015
Tribute to India’s constitution

Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi announces that November 26 will be celebrated as "Constitution Day" or National Law Day to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India.

1949
History in the making

On 26 November 1949, the Constituent Assembly of India adopts the Constitution of India, coming into effect on 26 January 1950.

1947
India’s Constitution committee formed

The drafting committee appoints Ambedkar as its chairman and six other members — Munshi N Gopalaswami Ayyangar, Khaitan, Mitter, Muhammed Sadulla, and Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer.

1891
B R Ambedkar is born

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, also known as Babasaheb Ambedkar, is born, later to become an Indian scholar, jurist, economist, politician, and the chief architect of the Constitution of India.

National Law Day FAQs

What is the importance of the Constitution of India?

The Constitution of India is the supreme law of India. The document lays down the framework demarcating fundamental political code, structure, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions and sets out fundamental rights, directive principles, and the duties of citizens.

 

Why do we need a Constitution?

A Constitution is necessary because of the following reasons iIt is an important law of the land. It determines the relationship of the citizens with the governments. It lays down principles and guidelines which are required for people belonging to different ethnic and religious groups to live in harmony.

 

How long did it take to prepare the Indian Constitution?

Ambedkar in the Constitution Assembly, “Looking back on the work of the Constituent Assembly it will now be two years, eleven months, and seventeen days since it first met on the 9th of December 1946. During this period the Constituent Assembly has altogether held eleven sessions.”

How to Observe National Law Day

  1. Read up on India’s Constitution

    The formation of Independent India’s Constitution is an important part of history. It is the brickwork of the nation after its independence from the British in 1947. If you’re Indian, now is a great time to brush up on the principles of the country, and if you’re not Indian, it’s great to be informed about the most populous democracy in the world. As the Constitution states, people must have the right to liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith, worship, and equality of opportunity. This is an important reminder when voting for leaders of the country, in order to make an informed vote.

  2. Understand who BR Ambedkar was

    Like many great leaders who have partaken in India’s independence, Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar was one of them, because he was considered to be the chief architect of the Constitution of India. He also led a very interesting life and was known as a scholar who tirelessly advocated political rights and social freedom for Dalits. On National Law Day, make sure to read up about him and his work.

  3. Participate in an essay competition

    There are various scholarly events that happen across India on National Law Day, to honor the country’s Constitution. If you attend high school or university, consider entering an essay competition on your topic of choice about the day and what it means to India. If writing isn’t your thing, look for a debating team and speak it out!

5 Amazing Facts About B R Ambedkar

  1. He earned doctorates

    Ambedkar was a prolific student, earning doctorates in economics from both Columbia University and the University of London, and gaining a reputation as a scholar for his research in law, economics, and political science.

  2. He inspired a movement

    Ambedkar politician and social reformer, who inspired the Dalit Buddhist movement and campaigned against social discrimination towards the untouchables (Dalits), while also supporting the rights of women and labor.

  3. He converted to Buddhism

    In 1956, Ambedkar converted to Buddhism, initiating mass conversions of Dalits.

  4. He was born poor

    Ambedkar was born into a poor low Mahar (Dalit) caste, who were treated as untouchables and subjected to socio-economic discrimination.

  5. He broke barriers

    In 1897, Ambedkar's family moved to Mumbai where Ambedkar became the only untouchable enrolled at Elphinstone High School — Ambedkar also entered Elphinstone College, which was affiliated to the University of Bombay, becoming the first from his Mahar caste to do so.

Why National Law Day is Important

  1. It is moving

    On November 25, 1949, the day before the Constituent Assembly wound up its proceedings, BR Ambedkar made a moving speech. It ended with three warnings for the future. The first was regarding the place of popular protest in a democracy. “One must abandon the methods of civil disobedience, non-cooperation and satyagraha,” he said. The second warning dealt with the unthinking submission to charismatic authority. “Bhakti in religion may be the road to salvation of a soul. But in politics, bhakti or hero-worship is a sure road to degradation and to eventual dictatorship,” Ambedkar said. His final warning was that Indians should not be content with political democracy as inequality and hierarchy were still embedded in Indian society. “If we continue to deny it (equality) for long, we will do so only by putting our political democracy in peril.”

  2. Everybody learns the Constitution

    The Constitution of India is now understandable for every Indian, no matter what language or dialect they speak. The Ministry of External Affairs directed all overseas Indian schools to celebrate 26th November as Constitution Day and directed embassies to translate the constitution into the local language of that nation and distribute it to various academies, libraries, and faculties of Indology. There are actually, officially, over 22 languages spoken in India.

  3. It’s a reminder of the nation

    India, as a democratic nation, has actually outlined the rights of its citizens in the Constitution which should always be followed accordingly. Therefore, every citizen must know their rights, which is extremely important when it comes to voting for leaders and ministers in the country and states.

National Law Day dates

YearDateDay
2024November 26Tuesday
2025November 26Wednesday
2026November 26Thursday
2027November 26Friday
2028November 26Sunday

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