Why is 26 November celebrated as National Constitution Day? History, Significance & All You Need to Know

Today India is celebrating the National Constitution Day, also known as Samvidhan Divas, which is observed in India every year on 26 November. It is one of the red-letter days when the Indian Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949.

The Constituent Assembly officially approved the Constitution after nearly three years of debates and discussions, and the Constitution later came into effect on 26 January 1950, the day India became a sovereign democratic republic.

To celebrate the national constitution day today, the Indian government has organised an event in the Samvidhan Sadan, where the President of India will preside over the ceremony. The Vice-President of India, Prime Minister, Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Union Ministers and Members of Parliament from both Houses will also attend the event, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.

Why 26 November is Celebrated as Constitution Day?

The Government of India officially declared 26 November as Constitution Day in 2015, on the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Dr B.R. Ambedkar. Dr Ambedkar, who created the Indian Constitution and laid India's legal and democratic foundation.
Before 2015, this day was observed as National Law Day, but it was renamed so that citizens can learn more about their constitutional rights and fundamental duties.

History of National Constitution Day

The foundation of Constitution Day goes back to the massive nation-building exercise carried out by the Constituent Assembly between 1946 and 1949. The drafting committee led by Dr B.R. Ambedkar, along with other visionary leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Rajendra Prasad, and Alladi Krishnaswamy Ayyar, created what is now the world's longest written constitution.

After detailed discussions on governance, rights, the structure of the state, and democratic principles, the Constitution was finally adopted on 26 November 1949. It guided India's transition from colonial rule to an independent republic governed by its own laws and values.

PM Narendra Modi Writes a Letter to Citizens

On the occasion of Constitution Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a letter asking citizens to keep their duties at the forefront as India moves toward the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

In his message, the Prime Minister especially advised every Indian to make use of democracy by exercising their right to vote.

PM Modi wrote, "Our Constitution has given us the right to vote. As citizens, it is our duty to never miss the opportunity to vote in national, state, and local elections where we are registered. To inspire others, we can think of organising special ceremonies every 26th November in schools and colleges to celebrate youngsters who are turning 18. This way, our first-time voters will feel that in addition to being students, they are also active participants in the process of nation-building."

The Prime Minister's full letter can be read on his official website.