26 November 2019: 70th Constitution Day

Every year India celebrates 26 November as Constitution Day also known as Samvidhan Divas. The day is celebrated to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India on 26 November 1949 by Indian Constituent Assembly. However, the Indian Constitution came into force on 26 January 1950 marking the beginning of a new era in history of Indian Republic. The year 2019 marks the 70th Constitution Day.

Background

Since the year 2015 was 125th birth anniversary of B. R. Ambedkar, who is also known as drafter of Indian constitution, the government of India officially announced celebration of 26 November as Constitution Day on 19 November 2015 by a gazette notification. The day was chosen to spread importance of constitution as well as to spread thoughts and ideas of Ambedkar.

Earlier on 11 October 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the declaration while laying the foundation stone of the B. R. Ambedkar’s Statue of Equality memorial in Mumbai. BR Ambedkar had chaired the drafting committee of Constituent Assembly and played a pivotal role in the drafting of constitution. Previously 26 November was being celebrated as National Law Day.

Month: Current Affairs - November, 2019