Every year on 26 November, India observes National Constitution Day, also known as Samvidhan Diwas. The day commemorates the moment in 1949 when the Constituent Assembly formally adopted the Constitution of India, a blueprint for the world’s largest democracy and a guiding force behind its political, social and legal evolution.
Beyond celebration, Constitution Day offers a moment of reflection: How has this document shaped our national identity? How has it evolved? And why should every Indian read it at least once?
A Historic Journey: How India’s Constitution Came to Life
The journey of the Constitution is one of the most remarkable democratic exercises in world history.
Key Historical Facts
- Drafting Period: December 1946 – November 1949
- Adopted On: 26 November 1949
- Came Into Force: 26 January 1950 (celebrated as Republic Day)
- Original Length: Approximately 395 Articles, 22 Parts, and 8 Schedules
- Total Amendments Today: 106 Constitutional Amendments
The Constituent Assembly, comprising lawyers, academics, freedom fighters, social reformers and intellectuals, approached the drafting process with deep deliberation and consensus-building. This resulted in a constitution that was both visionary and pragmatic.
Global Inspirations: Where Did India Draw From?
Though uniquely tailored to Indian realities, the Constitution borrowed thoughtfully from various global democracies:
- United Kingdom: Parliamentary system, rule of law, legislative procedures
- United States: Fundamental rights, independence of the judiciary, judicial review
- Ireland: Directive Principles of State Policy
- Canada: Federal structure with a strong central government
- Australia: Concurrent List, trade and commerce provisions
- Germany (Weimar): Emergency powers
- France: The ideals of liberty, equality, fraternity
- South Africa: Amendment procedures
- Japan: The concept of procedure established by law
This blending of global practices with India’s socio-cultural realities is what makes the Indian Constitution one of the most detailed and comprehensive constitutions in the world.
The Constitution Today: A Document That Continues to Evolve
The Constitution was never meant to remain static. The framers designed it to be flexible and capable of adapting to changing times, emerging challenges and evolving social needs.
Significant Updates in Recent Years (factually correct & simplified)
While amendments vary in scale and purpose, recent ones have focused on:
- Revising lists such as the List of Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes for specific states
- Updating state boundaries or reorganisation matters when required
- Enhancing clarity in governance, representation and administrative structures
- Refined provisions related to reservation, backward classes, and regional classifications
- Structural and administrative tweaks that ensure the Constitution stays aligned with present realities
The most recently notified amendment — the 106th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2023 — relates to women’s reservation in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, to be operational after the next census and delimitation exercise.
These changes highlight the Constitution’s ability to evolve without compromising its foundational values.
Why Every Indian Should Read the Constitution at Least Once
Reading the Constitution is much more than a civic formality, it is an act of empowerment.
1. To Know Your Rights and Duties
Understanding fundamental rights, directive principles and fundamental duties helps citizens engage more meaningfully in democracy and challenge violations when needed.
2. To Appreciate India’s Democratic Vision
By reading the Preamble, the chapters on rights, governance and justice, one gains insight into the aspirations that shaped independent India.
3. To Become an Informed Citizen
An aware citizen can better interpret laws, policies and government actions. Constitutional literacy reduces misinformation and strengthens democratic judgment.
4. To Deepen Respect for Diversity and Equality
The Constitution embraces pluralism, social justice and equality. Reading it highlights the inclusive vision on which India stands.
5. To Protect the Principles That Protect Us
The Constitution safeguards freedom, rights, dignity and justice. Understanding it ensures that citizens participate actively in preserving constitutional integrity.
A Handy Way to Carry the Constitution: The EBC Coat Pocket Edition
For readers who wish to keep the Constitution close, literally and intellectually, a convenient option is the EBC Coat Pocket Edition of the Constitution of India.
- Encourages Regular Reading: Its compact size makes it easier to build the habit of reading the Constitution frequently.
- Highly Portable: Ideal for professionals, students, and researchers who want a ready reference while travelling or working.
- Quick Access to Key Articles: Helpful during discussions, debates, academic work, or legal research.
- Elegant Yet Functional Design: The coat-pocket format blends convenience with a classic, dignified presentation.
- Useful for Civic Awareness: Makes constitutional literacy more accessible to non-lawyers as well.
- Strengthens Personal Engagement: Carrying the Constitution reinforces its relevance in daily life and decision-making.
- Great Learning Tool: Helpful for UPSC aspirants, law students, and educators who frequently refer to the text.
A Living Legacy for Every Generation
National Constitution Day is not just a tribute to history, it is a reminder of our collective responsibility to uphold the values that define the Indian Republic. The Constitution continues to evolve, adapt and guide the nation through every era of transformation.
By reading it even once, we honour not only the framers who crafted it but also the democratic ideals that continue to inspire India’s journey. This Constitution Day, let’s celebrate not just a document but the living spirit of a nation.
Fun Fact: The original handwritten Constitution of India is not typed, it was entirely calligraphed by Prem Behari Narain Raizada, using italic-style lettering, and each page was beautifully embellished by artists from Shantiniketan under Nandalal Bose.
It took months to produce the final manuscript, and the document remains preserved in helium-filled cases in the Parliament Library.
