The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, participated as the Chief Guest at the ‘Constitution Day’ celebration at the Delhi Legislative Assembly today and released a Coffee Table Book on India’s legislative journey, marking 100 years of Shri Vithalbhai Patel’s election as the first Indian Speaker.
In his address, the Vice-President said that the Constitution of India, a living document, continues to guide the country’s democratic journey. He highlighted that the Constitution was shaped through intellect, lived experiences, suffering, and hope, and remains a testament to the collective wisdom, sacrifices, and dreams of millions who fought for India’s freedom.
He paid tribute to Dr. B.R.Ambedkar, Chairman of the Drafting Committee, whose leadership ensured that the Constitution captured India’s soul and aspirations. The Vice-President noted that Since 2015, 26th November has been observed as Samvidhan Divas, which has now evolved into a nationwide celebration fostering awareness of citizens’ rights and duties, and honouring the founding vision of the Constitution.
He recalled that this year marks the conclusion of the year-long celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the Constitution, launched in 2024 as part of Humara Samvidhan, Humara Swabimaan. Speaking on India’s progress in the Amrit Kaal, he said the nation is steadily advancing toward a Viksit and Atmanirbhar Bharat, guided by the Constitutional principles of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
He emphasized that India once dismissed as having a weak economy has now emerged as the fourth largest economy in the world and is soon poised to become the third largest economy. Highlighting that 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty in the last decade, he called it a monumental achievement with no parallels in human history.
He added that digital technologies have enabled 100 crore citizens to be covered under various social security schemes. “These achievements are not small. They are milestones that fulfil the dreams of our Constitution-makers,” he stated.
The Vice-President appreciated the diverse professional representation in the Delhi Legislative Assembly and expressed satisfaction over the presence of committees dedicated to senior citizens, transgender persons, and persons with disabilities.
He commended the leadership of Smt. Rekha Gupta, Chief Minister of Delhi, describing her role as an example of the nation’s transition from women’s empowerment to women-led development. He noted that the Delhi Legislative Assembly building formerly home to the Imperial Legislative Council and the first Central Legislative Assembly had witnessed formative debates on rights, citizenship, and representative governance.
Praising the Delhi Legislative Assembly for releasing the Coffee Table Book on India’s legislative journey, the Vice-President recalled the successful hosting of the All India Speakers’ Conference in 2025, commemorating 100 years of Shri Vithalbhai Patel’s historic tenure.
He noted that the Coffee Table Book features rare photographs, excerpts from key speeches, visuals from the conference, and archival material on Shri Vithalbhai Patel and other nationalist leaders. He commended the initiative, saying it would help future generations remain connected to India’s legislative history.
The Vice-President urged all legislators to contribute constructively through dialogue, debate, and discussion, describing their role as vital in the nation’s journey toward Viksit Bharat @2047. Concluding his address, he appealed to all citizens to uphold the spirit of Fundamental Duties.
“By living the values of our Constitution respecting others’ rights, upholding the rule of law, performing our duties, and preserving unity we offer the greatest tribute to this magnificent document,” he said. The Vice-President also paid floral tributes at the statues of Bharat Ratna Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and Shri Vithalbhai Patel in the Delhi Assembly premises.
Lt. Governor of Delhi Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, Chief Minister of Delhi Smt. Rekha Gupta, Speaker of the Delhi Legislative Assembly Shri Vijender Gupta, Ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.