New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu, leading the Constitution Day celebrations on Wednesday, reminded the nation of the sanctity of the document that defines India’s democratic identity.
Speaking at a solemn gathering of lawmakers, judiciary members and officials at the Central Hall of the Parliament, the President described the day as a collective reminder of India’s shared legacy and responsibilities. “The Constitution is the holiest book of our country,” she said.
“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,” she said.
Reflecting on the historic adoption of the Constitution in 1949, she further noted that “we all are both participants and witnesses of a historic occasion”, and emphasised that democracy flourishes when every citizen embraces constitutional values in spirit and action.
The President said, “Our Constitution-makers wanted our personal, democratic rights to be always protected. The Constitution is a guiding document to shun colonial mindset and adopt nationalistic thinking.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address following the President’s remarks, focused on the importance of citizens aligning their actions with national interests. He underscored that the Constitution not only grants rights but also entrusts duties that form the core of responsible citizenship. “Every action of ours should strengthen national goals,” the PM said. His message centred on the need for civic participation and collective responsibility as the foundation for progress in a dynamic democracy.
In an open letter to Indians on the occasion of Constitution Day, the PM wrote: ““It is the power of our Constitution that enabled a person like me, coming from a humble and economically disadvantaged family, to serve as the Head of government continuously for over 24 years. I still remember the moment in 2014, when I came to Parliament for the first time and bowed, touching the steps of the greatest temple of democracy. Again, in 2019, after the election results, when I entered the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, I bowed and placed the Constitution on my forehead as a mark of reverence. This Constitution has given countless others, like me, the power to dream and the strength to work towards realising those dreams.”
The event witnessed the presence of the Vice-President, Union ministers, the Chief Justice of India, Supreme Court judges, members of Parliament, senior defence personnel and constitutional functionaries. Their attendance symbolised the unity of all pillars of governance — executive, legislature and judiciary — in their shared role of safeguarding the nation’s legal and democratic framework.
Tributes were offered to the members of the Constituent Assembly whose deliberations and dedication gave India its Constitution on 26 November, 1949.
A collective reading of the Preamble marked a key moment of the ceremony, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.
The celebrations concluded with the reaffirmation that the Constitution is not merely a historical document but a living guide shaping India’s future. Speakers throughout the programme emphasised that the strength of democracy lies not only in laws and institutions but in the participation and integrity of citizens.
As the nation marked Constitution Day, the collective message underscored that the vision of the framers continues to define India’s democratic journey, calling upon every citizen to uphold constitutional values through unity, responsibility and shared national purpose.
Exhibitions and presentations highlighting the Constitution’s evolution and the work of its architects complemented the formal proceedings, alongside events in educational institutions and public departments across the country. Seminars, awareness programmes, debates and outreach activities placed special focus on educating citizens about their constitutional rights and duties.