b. 75th Anniversary of Indian Constitution: Reflecting Constitutional Evolution
Notes for Students
Context of the Article:On 26th November 2024, India celebrated the 75th anniversary of the adoption of its Constitution, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the democratic values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. Commemorated as ‘Samvidhan Diwas’, the occasion was marked by a nationwide campaign themed “Humara Samvidhan, Humara Swabhimaan”, led by constitutional dignitaries at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan.
UPSC Paper Topic Belongs To:
- GS Paper II: Indian Constitution, Governance, Constitutional Values
- GS Paper IV: Ethics in Public Administration, Institutional Integrity
- Essay Paper: Constitutional Morality and Nation-Building
Dimensions of the Article:
- Constitutional Symbolism and Institutional Integrity
- Ethics of Constitutional Functionaries
- Public Participation and Awareness of Constitutional Values
- Constitution as a Living Document
- Constitutional Nationalism and Democratic Legitimacy
Why in News
India marked a historic moment on 26th November 2024, celebrating 75 years since the adoption of the Constitution (1949). The year-long commemorative events aim to deepen citizens’ engagement with the Constitution through four thematic pillars:
- Preamble of the Constitution
- Know Your Constitution
- Making of the Constitution
- Celebrating the Glory of the Constitution
The celebration was inaugurated at the Central Hall of Parliament (Samvidhan Sadan), attended by the President of India, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Speaker of the Lok Sabha. The occasion featured the release of:
- A commemorative coin and stamp
- The Constitution of India in Sanskrit and Maithili
Citizens across the nation collectively read the Preamble live, symbolising collective ethical allegiance to constitutional principles.
Features of the Event and Ethical Dimensions
- Ethical Leadership and Institutional Responsibility
The President and Vice President underscored the importance of institutional ethics—a code of conduct not just legal in nature but moral in function. They emphasized that public institutions must be guided by constitutional morality beyond political interests. - National Unity Through Symbolic Participation
The mass Preamble reading exercise was a powerful expression of constitutional nationalism, transcending regional, linguistic, and social boundaries. - Democratic Legacy and Constitutional Resilience
A short film showcased the Constitution’s journey from drafting to amendments, reinforcing the idea that the Constitution is not static but living and evolving, adapting to social justice and inclusive governance challenges. - Call for Harmonizing Rights and Duties
The Vice President called for balancing Fundamental Rights and Duties, stressing that citizenship in a democracy also entails responsibility, especially in times of ideological polarization.
Explainers
1. What is Constitutional Symbolism?
Constitutional symbolism refers to institutionalized practices, rituals, iconography, and language that visually and ceremonially represent the spirit and values of the Constitution. These include events such as Republic Day parades, Independence Day celebrations, Constitution Day (Samvidhan Diwas) observances, Preamble readings, and even judicial and parliamentary oaths taken on the Constitution.
The purpose of constitutional symbolism is not just to commemorate the Constitution but to internalize its values—such as liberty, equality, justice, and fraternity—within the public psyche. When citizens across the country read the Preamble in unison, it reflects unity in diversity and reinforces the collective ownership of the nation’s democratic project.
Further, constitutional symbolism plays a critical role in civic education, fostering awareness, respect, and emotional attachment to democratic institutions. For instance, the national flag, Ashoka Chakra, or the motto “Satyameva Jayate” are not mere insignias but represent the ideological foundation of India’s constitutional state.
In sum, constitutional symbolism operates at the intersection of ethics and emotion, serving as a reminder, educator, and unifier, especially in moments of institutional drift or political discord.
2. Why is the Constitution Called a Living Document?
The Indian Constitution is often described as a “living document” because it is dynamic, responsive, and continually evolving in its interpretation and application. This adaptability is enabled through:
- Judicial Interpretation: Landmark cases like Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) introduced the Basic Structure Doctrine, asserting that while Parliament can amend the Constitution, it cannot alter its fundamental principles. Subsequent rulings have expanded constitutional rights (e.g., Right to Privacy in Puttaswamy Case, 2017) and embedded new doctrines like constitutional morality.
- Amendments: The Constitution has been amended over 100 times, reflecting changing socio-political and economic realities. For example, the 73rd and 74th Amendments institutionalized local self-governance through Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Bodies, deepening democratic decentralization.
- Popular Engagement: The Constitution remains relevant because it is actively engaged with by citizens, civil society, media, and academia. Movements such as Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption protests, RTI activism, or gender justice campaigns reflect the evolving demands and expectations from constitutional governance.
Thus, the Constitution is not a static legal text but a living ethical guide, growing in scope and depth as Indian democracy matures. Its ability to absorb, adapt, and respond to new challenges while upholding foundational values makes it a cornerstone of institutional resilience and democratic continuity.
3. What is the Ethical Significance of Celebrating Samvidhan Diwas?
Celebrating Samvidhan Diwas (Constitution Day) goes beyond ceremonial observance. It is an ethical act of remembrance, reaffirmation, and reorientation. At its core, the celebration underscores the moral legitimacy of the Indian state, which derives authority not from arbitrary rule but from a Constitution framed by the will of the people.
First, it serves as a collective moral audit, where institutions and citizens revisit the ideals of the Constitution—justice, equality, dignity, and fraternity—and assess whether these are being upheld in letter and spirit.
Second, it reminds public functionaries of their ethical responsibilities and institutional duties. In a political climate often marked by populism, polarization, or erosion of checks and balances, Constitution Day becomes a moment to re-anchor governance within the framework of constitutional morality—a principle articulated by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and reaffirmed by the judiciary.
Third, it is a pedagogical moment—an opportunity to instill constitutional culture among the youth, promoting awareness of rights, duties, and democratic processes. In this context, Samvidhan Diwas becomes not just a symbolic date but a moral compass to guide democratic conduct and civic behavior.
Hence, the ethical significance of Samvidhan Diwas lies in its power to humanize the Constitution, making it not just a governing document but a shared ethical vision for nation-building.
Conclusion
The 75th Constitution Day celebration serves not merely as a remembrance but as a catalyst for national introspection. As India aspires to become a developed democracy, the reaffirmation of constitutional values must translate into:
- Ethical conduct by public officials
- Active civic participation
- Robust protection of rights with accountability in duties
- Promotion of constitutional literacy across regions and languages
The journey from “We the People” in 1949 to “Vishwa-Bandhu” in 2024, as envisioned by the President, must be sustained through institutional integrity and ethical governance rooted in constitutional symbolism.
