We are all familiar with the struggle India went through during British Colonialism and the Queen Rule. After India gained its Independence in 1947, the leaders sensed that a country administered by external rules would never prosper. To make a nation, people should have certain rights, responsibilities and duties. And so a constitution began to be penned down. 26th January is celebrated as the day India acquired a written Constitution.
Most people may know all this already. But here are 5 lesser known facts about our Constitution and the historic day we celebrate for it.
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You know why 26 January was chosen to celebrate the Republic Day? In 1930, INC (Indian National Congress) announced its intent of ‘Purna Swaraj’ on 26th January. When our Constitution was completed, this was the date chosen to put it into effect.
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44 Articles, 22 Parts, 12 Schedules and 97 Amendments – together make our Constitution! Needless to mention, our constitution is the longest written one in the world.
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In our Parliament’s library there are two copies of the Constitution – one in Hindi and one in English. They are kept in Helium cases to preserve them.
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Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite song ‘Abide With Me’ is played every year at the end of the Republic Day ceremony only because it’s considered one of his favourite songs.
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Our constitution has five year plans taken from the USSR and France. The constitutions of these nations helped us formulate our own ideas of fraternity, liberty and equality.
