Celebrating Indian Constitution Day: Honouring the Foundation of Our Democracy

New Delhi, November 26, 2024: The Supreme Court on November 25, in an order, upheld the inclusion of ‘socialist, secular’ in the Preamble of the Constitution.

The order was based on a batch of petitions filed in 2020 challenging the validity of the inclusion of ‘socialist’ and ‘secular’ in the Preamble through the 42nd Constitution Amendment in 1976. 

The petitioners, who included Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy, argued that the insertions made with retrospective effect, that is, from the date of adoption of the Constitution by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949 amounted to a fraud on the Constitution. 

November 26th marks a significant day in Indian history, as it commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of India in 1949. 

But, four days later, (30 November 1949) the RSS rejected it through an editorial in its English organ Organiser and demanded the archaic Manusmriti as the Indian constitution.

This pivotal document has shaped the country's governance, laws, and social fabric, making it an integral part of India's identity.

The Constitution of India was drafted by a Constituent Assembly, comprising 389 members, over a period of two years, eleven months, and seventeen days.

 Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a renowned jurist and social reformer, played a crucial role in shaping the Constitution's provisions.

Constitution Day serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the principles and values enshrined in the Constitution. 

It encourages citizens to reflect on their responsibilities towards the nation and to strive for a more just and equitable society.

As we celebrate Indian Constitution Day, let us honour the vision and efforts of our founding fathers.

 Let us reaffirm our commitment to the values and principles enshrined in the Constitution, working together to build a brighter future for our nation.

By Fr. Suresh Mathew