On National Constitution Day, PM Narendra Modi says it 'gave me, others power to dream'

On the occasion of Constitution Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tribute to the makers of India's Constitution, describing the document as one that "gives utmost importance to human dignity, equality and liberty."

Calling on Indians to reiterate their commitment to strengthening Constitutional values, PM Modi also released a lengthy letter in which he highlighted "the greatness of our Constitution".

Towards a Viksit Bharat

"26th November is a day of immense pride for every Indian. It was on this very day in 1949 that the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution of India, a sacred document that has continued to guide the nation’s progress with clarity and conviction. That is why, nearly a decade ago, in 2015, the NDA government decided to mark 26th November as Constitution Day," Modi wrote, recalling how his government had started the observance.

"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 the Government continuously for over 24 years. I still remember the moments 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 several others, like me, the power to dream and the strength to work towards it," the PM wrote, commenting on his journey from humble beginnings to the leader of the world's largest democracy.

"On Constitution Day, we remember all the inspiring members of the Constituent Assembly, which was presided over by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, who contributed to the making of the Constitution. We recall the efforts of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, who chaired the Drafting Committee with remarkable foresight. Several distinguished women members of the Constituent Assembly enriched the Constitution with their thoughtful interventions and visionary perspectives," PM Modi further wrote, honouring those who helped frame the document.

The Prime Minister also went on to pay tributes to the leadership of Vallabhbhai Patel, Birsa Munda and Mahatma Gandhi in the freedom struggle, saying that “these personalities and milestones remind us of the primacy of our duties…on how to collectively achieve social and economic progress.”

PM Modi also highlighted how this year's Constitution Day was “special”, saying that it marked the 150th birth anniversaries of “two extraordinary personalities, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Bhagwan Birsa Munda”. He added that this year also marks the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, as well as the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Teg Bahadur.

“25 years have already passed since this century began. In just over two decades from now, we will mark 100 years since freedom from colonial rule. In 2049, it will be a hundred years since the Constitution was adopted. The policies we frame, the decisions we take today and our collective actions will shape the lives of generations to come,” the Prime Minister further said, calling on citizens to reaffirm their pledges to fulfil their duties as citizens of “this great nation”.

“In doing so, we can all contribute meaningfully to the building of a Viksit Bharat that is developed and empowered,” the Prime Minister concluded.