Legislative Department of the Ministry of Law and Justice celebrated 75 years of Constitution of India in Vigyan Bhawan here yesterday. The occasion was marked by reading of the Preamble of the Constitution of India, release of Hindi version of Ram Janmabhoomi Judgment and launch of Online Hindi Course of Constitution.

The day was marked with programmes “Evolution and Achievements of the Constitution of India over the last 75 years” and “Social Justice and Women Empowerment: Affirmative Action under the Constitution” being organised by Legislative Department. The programme focussed on highlighting and emphasising the quintessential significance of the Constitution of India as a visionary document and a practical guiding light for all.  The adoption of the Constitution on November 26, 1949, a momentous occasion that defined the ethos, ideals, and values of independent India.

Inaugurating the programme, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State (I/C) of the Ministry of Law and Justice emphasised that the ideals and values of the Constitution are a guiding light for all of us. Shri Meghwal said that the words ‘Equality’, ‘Liberty’ and ‘Fraternity’ in the Preamble of the Constitution has a vital, pertinent and historic significance from India’s perspective, when the Constituent Assembly members were drafting the Constitution.

Shri Meghwal said that the words ‘Equality’, ‘Liberty’ and ‘Fraternity’ have a special connection as Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly, the visionary Dr BR Ambedkar said that these words are the contribution of India’s culture, ethos and tradition. Shri Meghwal added that Dr BR Ambedkar’s vital effort has been instrumental in adding the words ‘Equality’, ‘Liberty’ and ‘Fraternity’ in the Preamble and each word is equally important. Drawing inspiration from our Indian history, culture and tradition, Shri Meghwal referred Dr BR Ambedkar had said that Lichchavi clan of Vaishali had been the first republican state of India. He added that words ‘Equality’, ‘Liberty’ and ‘Fraternity’ are quintessentially related to any republican state and India had incorporated these words in its Constitution. Quoting social reformer Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, he said that fraternity is the bedrock symbolising ‘friendship and brotherhood’ enshrined in the Constitution of India. Shri Meghwal asserted that the programme is also to recognize the contribution of those women who were involved in framing, drafting and making of the Constitution, as he lauded their efforts. He said that social justice and women empowerment are vital facets reflected in our Constitution of India.

Shri R Venkataramani, Attorney General for India underlined that we are celebrating the Constitution Day to reassure ourselves that we continue to be part of the great march of the nation. Shri Venkataramani exhorted all by saying that the Constitution is resilient because, We the people of India have made it resilient.

Dr Reeta Vasishta, Member Secretary, Law Commission of India emphasised that the commission has been steadfast in its efforts on legal reforms in consulting stakeholders and providing comprehensive recommendations to the government to meet constitutional goals.

At the onset of the inaugural programme Dr Rajiv Mani, Secretary, Legislative Department and Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice delivered the opening address highlighted that the Government has been always forthcoming in bringing new initiatives and legal reforms in the touchstone of Constitution of India and in that light to deepen our Constitutional values.

The inaugural programme was followed by a plenary session titled “Social Justice and Women Empowerment: Affirmative Action under the Constitution” where Hon’ble Ms Justice Rekha Palli, Judge of Delhi High Court, keynote addresses by Shri Chetan Sharma, Additional Solicitor General of India and Shri P.K. Malhotra, former Secretary, Ministry of Law and Justice, Dr Chandrashekar Rawandale, Director Symbiosis Law School, Noida delivered their addresses.

Hon’ble Ms Justice Palli emphasized that we are celebrating a constitution that has stood the test of time. Citing varied provisions of the Constitution, she reiterated that the Constitution not only provides just, and maternity relief but also has provisions for affirmative actions.

Dr Manoj Kumar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Law and Justice delivered the concluding remarks. The programme was attended by dignitaries including members of the legal fraternity, students from law schools and colleges, PIB officials and senior journalists from the media, among others.

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SB/DP/ARJ