Governor Bandaru Dattatraya said India the largest democracy of the World was being successfully guided and governed by the Constitution that has ensured all round development and growth of the country. It was possible only under the guidance and elaborate provisions made in the Constitution for welfare of citizens of the country. Bandaru Dattatraya was speaking on the occasion of Constitution Day at Shimla, today.The Governor said that Dr B. R. Ambedkar’s immense contribution to the Indian Constitution was of great help to all citizens of the country. The Constitution of India was adopted to secure justice, equality, liberty to the republic of Indian citizens and to form a union. With the adoption of Constitution of India the citizens of India entered in a new constitutional, scientific, self-governing modern India with peace, courtesy and progress for all, he added. Shri Dattatraya said that the Constitution was a unique document for the whole world, for which Baba Saheb's great contribution cannot be forgotten.He said that it balances the rights and duties of citizens, which was one of the great features of our Constitution and there were social concepts that have grown through time, tradition and usage. He added that it was more important to pay more attention to our Constitutional duties for the progress of the country. "Democracy cannot be deeply rooted in society as long as the fundamental duties of the citizen are not supplemented with their fundamental rights", said Shri Dattatraya.The Governor said that Constitution of India attaches importance to an independent judiciary, responsible executive and sovereign legislature. He said that the fourth pillar of democracy, fair and fearless media gives it more comprehensiveness. He also administered the pledge of the Constitution Day.
Speaking at State level Constitution Day function, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur said that it was on this day in 1949, that the Constitution of India was adopted and it came into effect on 26th January, 1950, when the dawn of a new era was started. He said that the Constitution Day of India aimed to bring awareness on the importance of Indian Constitution and its architect, Dr. B R Ambedkar.He said that the role of Indian Constitution is to protect democracy, maintain unity, harmony and integrity of the country at every cost. He said that the Indian Constitution was superior to all the laws of the country. Every law enacted by government has to be in conformity with the Constitution, he added. Chief Minister said that Dr Ambedkar was a renowned social reformer, politician and jurist and was also called the Father of Indian Constitution. He was appointed as the chairman of the Constitution drafting committee on August 29, 1947. He said that the Constitution declares India a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic, assuring its citizens justice, equality and liberty and endeavours to promote fraternity. He said that the Constitution of India lays down the framework demarcating fundamental political code, structure, procedures, powers, and duties of government institutions and sets out fundamental rights. He said Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar, played a key role in framing the precious document. Chief Minister said the Constitution has strengthened and empowered democracy during last 70 years. He said that the Constitution of India highlights both rights and duties of citizens, which one should follow in true letter and spirit.
Chief Minister said that it was general perception at the time of independence that it would be a difficult task to effectively govern this mighty Nation due to its social, religious and cultural diversity. He said that unifying about 564 princely States was a difficult task and the responsibility of unifying the same was entrusted to the shoulders of Sardar Patel. He said that similarly responsibility of drafting the Constitution of India was entrusted to Dr B.R. Ambedkar. He said that both these great and visionary leaders meticulously accomplished the work assigned to them. He said that awareness camps and campaigns would be held in every educational institutions of the State to sensitize students regarding Constitution. Education Minister Suresh Bhardwaj said that the Constitution of India was not only the world’s best Constitution but it was also the longest Constitution of the world. He said that Indian Constitution not only gave us several rights but also safeguarded the interests of its citizens. He said both India and Pakistan attained freedom at the same time, but even today the democracy in India was intact, while our neighbouring country's democracy was for name sake only. He said that other than the nineteen months of emergency in 1975, democracy in our country has been upheld since India attained freedom. Chief Secretary Dr. Shrikant Baldi while welcoming the Governor and Chief Minister said that the main objective of organizing the day was to reach out to all citizens of the country to bring greater awareness about the Constitution. Documentary on ‘Making of Constitution of India’ directed by noted film Director Shayam Benegal was also screened on the occasion. Fellow of Indian Institute of Advanced Studies Dr. Rekha also shared her view on Constitution of India, on the occasion. MLA Sundernagar Rakesh Jamwal, MLA Pachhad Reena Kashyap, Chairman Marketing Board Baldev Bhandari, Chairman HIMFED Ganesh Dutt, Chairman Kailash Federation Ravi Mehta, Secretary GAD Devesh Kumar, Deputy Mayor Rakesh Sharma were also present on the occasion among others.