26 November Constitution Day: India observes Constitution Day—also known as Samvidhan Divas—every year on November 26 to commemorate the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly in 1949. The Constitution formally came into effect on January 26, 1950, the day India became a republic.
Constitution Day was officially designated by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in 2015, marking the 125th birth anniversary of Dr B. R. Ambedkar, Chairman of the Drafting Committee. Before 2015, the day was observed as Law Day.
Significance of 26 November Constitution Day
Constitution Day primarily honours Dr B. R. Ambedkar—widely regarded as the Father of the Indian Constitution—and aims to promote awareness about constitutional values, citizens’ rights, and duties.
The Constitution defines India as a sovereign, socialist, secular, and democratic republic, guaranteeing justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity to all its citizens. Observing this day reinforces the importance of these ideals and strengthens the nation’s commitment to democratic principles.
Historical Background
Following the Government of India Act, 1935, it became evident that India needed a comprehensive constitutional framework befitting an independent democratic republic. Consequently, the Constituent Assembly was formed in December 1946, with Dr Rajendra Prasad—who later became the first President of India—serving as its chairman.
The Assembly comprised 389 members, including prominent national leaders such as Dr B. R. Ambedkar, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Its first meeting was held on December 9, 1946.
The responsibility of drafting the Constitution was entrusted to a committee chaired by Dr Ambedkar. He presented the draft Constitution in 1948, after which it underwent extensive discussion across eleven sessions over more than two years. The Constituent Assembly adopted the final draft on November 26, 1949.
India’s Constitution: A Landmark Document
The Constitution of India is the largest written constitution in the world, containing 1,17,360 words in its English version. At the time of adoption, it consisted of 395 Articles and 8 Schedules.
The Preamble declares India to be a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic, pledging to secure justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity for all citizens.