New Delhi, November 26, 2024: On the occasion of Constitution Day, the Congress Party called on all citizens to safeguard the core values enshrined in India’s Constitution, emphasizing the need to reinvigorate the struggle to defend the nation’s inherent philosophy. The Congress leaders expressed their commitment to protecting the Constitution as the country celebrates its 75th year of adoption.
Rahul Gandhi Calls for Reinforced Commitment to Constitution
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, highlighted the Constitution as a powerful tool for protecting the poorest and weakest sections of society. He said that a strong Constitution translates to a stronger nation, urging citizens to remain steadfast in preserving its ideals.
“On this Constitution Day, we must pledge to protect the spirit of justice and equality for all. The Constitution safeguards the rights of every individual, and its strength ensures the country’s progress,” Gandhi said. He also reiterated his respect for the fighters, martyrs, and members of the Constituent Assembly who played a crucial role in protecting the foundational ideas of the Constitution.
Kharge Emphasizes Collective Duty to Safeguard the Constitution
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, while marking the 75th anniversary of the Constitution’s adoption, called on the people of India to unite in protecting the Constitution’s ideals. “The Constitution of India, carefully crafted by our forebears, is the lifeblood of our nation. It guarantees our social, economic, and political rights and forms the bedrock of our sovereignty,” Kharge said.
He paid tribute to the pivotal contributions of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, and many other stalwarts who shaped the document. Kharge also honored the 15 women members of the Constituent Assembly who played an integral role in ensuring an inclusive Constitution.
“The vision of our founding leaders and the contributions of every individual involved in the Constitution’s making are the reasons we stand as a democratic republic today,” he added.
Promoting the Core Values: Justice, Liberty, and Equality
Kharge stressed that justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity are not merely lofty ideals but the guiding principles for 140 crore Indians. He urged all citizens to join hands in upholding these values as the nation commemorates this historic day.
“We are tasked with the ongoing responsibility to protect the very essence of the Constitution, just as our forebears did during the freedom struggle. In the 75th year of its adoption, we must renew our commitment to defending its principles,” Kharge asserted.
Priyanka Gandhi: A Salute to Freedom Fighters
Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also extended her greetings on Constitution Day, emphasizing that the freedom fighters and great minds who contributed to the making of the Constitution provided a protective shield for every citizen of India. She said, “Our Constitution guarantees rights and justice for crores of Indians. This Constitution is the pride of our nation, and we must continue to protect it at all costs.”
She paid tribute to the martyrs, revolutionaries, and members of the Constituent Assembly, urging the people of India to remain committed to the Constitution’s ideals, which were obtained through the hard work and sacrifices of these great individuals.
K.C. Venugopal: A Call to Protect Constitutional Values
Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal underlined that the Constitution is India’s soul—a living document that provides hope and direction to the people of India. He criticized the current attempts by certain groups to undermine the Constitution’s values, stating, “At a time when some are showing insincere commitment towards the Constitution, it is even more crucial for us to protect its true values and uphold its ideals.”
Venugopal called for a united effort to preserve the Constitution, as its values of justice, equality, inclusivity, and democracy continue to guide India on its path of progress.
Jairam Ramesh: Recalling Essential Books on Constitution
In a reflection on the 75th anniversary, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh recalled two iconic books that have shaped understanding of the Constitution’s making:
- Granville Austin’s “The Indian Constitution: Cornerstone of a Nation” – first published in 1966, a scholarly work based on unprecedented access to the private collections of key personalities involved in the Constitution’s drafting.
- B. Shiva Rao’s “The Framing of the Indian Constitution” – published in 1968, a magisterial four-volume work detailing the historical context of the Constitution’s creation.
Ramesh highlighted the importance of these works in keeping alive the vision and wisdom of the Constituent Assembly.
A Shared Responsibility to Protect the Constitution
As India celebrates the 75th anniversary of its Constitution, Congress leaders across the board reiterated the importance of a collective commitment to uphold the values enshrined in the document. Whether it’s the protection of rights, the promotion of equality, or the preservation of democracy, the message is clear: the Constitution is the foundation of India’s unity and its core values must be safeguarded at all costs.
