The India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday, described India’s Constitution as a dynamic, ever-evolving force that serves as a guiding framework for both the present and future of the nation.
During the Constitution Day celebrations at the Supreme Court, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that, his government’s commitment to advancing the welfare of citizens in alignment with the Constitution’s values. He highlighted initiatives aimed at enhancing the ease of living for citizens.
Prime Minister Modi also referenced the 2008 Mumbai terror attack, marking its anniversary, and reaffirmed that any terrorist groups threatening India’s security would face a strong response.
“This is the 75th year of the Indian Constitution – it is a matter of immense pride for the country. I bow to the Constitution and all the members of the Constituent Assembly. We cannot forget that today is also the anniversary of the terror attack in Mumbai. Those who lost their lives, I pay my homage to them. I also want to reiterate the resolution of the country – every terrorist organisation challenging the security of India will get befitting reply,” Prime Minister Modi said.
Reflecting on the government’s efforts to improve the lives of citizens, Prime Minister Modi pointed out how senior citizens once had to visit banks in person to prove they were alive to continue receiving pensions.
“The country is focusing on ensuring the ease of living for its citizens. Once, the senior citizens who used to get pensions were supposed to prove in the bank that they were alive. However, today, senior citizens have the facility of a Digital Life Certificate from their home. Around 1.5 crore senior citizens have benefited from this facility,” Prime Minister Modi said.
Prime Minister Modi encouraged citizens to embrace the principle of “Nation First” in their lives.
“Dr Rajendra Prasad in his speech in the constituent assembly said – India needs nothing but a group of 50 honest people who keep The country’s interest ahead of theirs…I tried to follow the dignity that the Constitution has asked from me, I haven’t tried to do encroachment,” the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister Modi also discussed various government schemes such as Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which now covers citizens over the age of 70 years .
“Today it looks easy that people have access to tap water, but even after 75 years of independence, only 3 crore houses had this facility… in the original copy of the constitution, lord Ram, mother Sita…have their images in it. The images symbolising Indian culture are there so that they can keep us reminded about human values. These human values are the foundation of policies and decisions of today’s India,” Prime Minister Modi said.
Addressing the evolution of India’s governance, Modi referenced the challenges the Constitution has faced, including the 1975 Emergency imposed by the Indira Gandhi government and the 2019 revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir.
“We have seen the Emergency in the country – our Constitution has faced this challenge that arose before democracy. It’s the power of the constitution, that today, in Jammu and Kashmir, Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution is fully implemented,” Prime Minister Modi said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reflecting on the Constitution as a living document that continues to meet the needs of the nation, guiding India through a transformative phase.
“Our Constitution has lived up to every expectation and need of the country. It’s due to the power of the Constitution that, today, the Constitution of Baba Saheb has been implemented completely in Jammu and Kashmir. For the first time, the Constitution Day was celebrated in Jammu and Kashmir Today, India is going through a huge phase of transformation, and the Constitution of India is showing us the path. It has become a guiding light for us,” Prime Minister Modi said.
Prime Minister Modi further added, “During the constituent assembly’s debate – Babasaheb Ambedkar had said – ‘Constitution is not a mere lawyer’s document.
Its spirit is always the spirit of age’.”
In a symbolic gesture, Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna presented a painting created by a prisoner at Tihar Jail to Prime Minister Modi during the celebrations. On the occasion, Modi also released the Annual Report of the Indian Judiciary for 2023-24, underscoring the country’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and the principles of justice enshrined in the Constitution.
