Mbabane – The Indian community in Eswatini celebrated its 76th Constitution Day on Wednesday, commemorating the adoption of its Constitution by the Constituent Assembly of India in 1949.
Constitution Day celebrations extended beyond India, with the Indian High Commission in Mbabane marking the occasion. The High Commissioner of India to the Kingdom of Eswatini Shri N. Ram Prasad led officials and members of the Indian diaspora in reading the preamble of the constitution, reinforcing the values of democracy and civic responsibility.
India gained independence from British colonial rule on 15 August 1947. After studying constitutions from around the world and incorporating best practices, the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution on 26 November 1949, which came into effect on 26 January 1950, celebrated as Republic Day. Since 2015, 26 November is observed annually as Constitution Day, or Samvidhan Diwas.
At the main event held in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, released translated versions of the Constitution in nine Indian languages, including Malayalam, Marathi, Nepali, Punjabi, Bodo, Kashmiri, Telugu, Odia, and Assamese. In her address, President Murmu emphasized that the framers of the Constitution sought to ensure the personal and democratic rights of all citizens are always protected.
The day reflected the nation’s commitment to democratic values, protection of citizens’ rights, and promotion of social justice, both within India and among the Indian diaspora abroad.
Vice President Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan shared the “soul of the Indian Constitution,” which he said has been instrumental in keeping the nation united. He also highlighted the Constitution’s role in promoting social justice and economic empowerment, particularly for weaker sections of society.
In an open letter to citizens, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on all Indians to prioritize duties to the nation, exercise their democratic rights through voting, and encouraged educational institutions to celebrate Constitution Day by honouring first-time voters turning 18.
Discussion about this post