National Constitution Day 2025: Lesser-Known Facts About India’s Samvidhan

New Delhi:
As India marks National Constitution Day 2025, also known as Samvidhan Divas, the nation reflects on the legacy and enduring strength of its Constitution—an extraordinary document that continues to guide the world’s largest democracy. This year’s celebrations come with a special highlight: the release of translated versions of the Constitution in nine additional languages — Malayalam, Marathi, Nepali, Punjabi, Bodo, Kashmiri, Telugu, Odia, and Assamese — expanding accessibility for millions of citizens.

Observed every year on November 26, the day commemorates the adoption of the Constitution by the Constituent Assembly in 1949, a monumental moment that laid the foundation for independent India. The Constitution came into full effect on January 26, 1950, ushering in the Republic.

People at the Core of the Constitution

The essence of the Constitution is rooted in the principle that sovereignty rests with the people of India. They remain the ultimate custodians of the values, rights, and duties enshrined within the document.

Between 1946 and 1949, over 53,000 citizens attended the debates of the Constituent Assembly, witnessing the shaping of India's democratic framework across nearly three years.

A Masterpiece of Detail and Craftsmanship

India’s Constitution stands as the world’s lengthiest written Constitution, consisting of 395 Articles, 22 Parts, and 8 Schedules at the time it was first adopted. Containing nearly 90,000 handwritten words, it remains a remarkable feat of legal, artistic, and philosophical labor.

The Constitution was handwritten in elegant calligraphy in both English and Hindi. Prem Behari Narain Raizada executed the calligraphy, while the document was artistically crafted by the Shantiniketan school under the guidance of Acharya Nandalal Bose.

Today, the priceless original copies are safely preserved in nitrogen-filled cases in the Parliament Library.

Art That Tells India’s Story

Each part of the Constitution opens with an intricate illustration by Nandalal Bose, depicting key phases of Indian civilization—from the Indus Valley and Vedic period to the Gupta and Maurya empires, the Mughal era, and the freedom movement. A total of 22 artworks enrich the text, turning it into both a legal and cultural treasure.

Historic Signatures and Pioneering Women

On January 24, 1950, a total of 284 members of the Constituent Assembly signed the final draft. On the same day, Dr. Rajendra Prasad was declared the first President of India.

The Assembly also included 15 pioneering women, among them Sarojini Naidu, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, Sucheta Kripalani, Hansaben Mehta, and G. Durgabai—leaders who played a crucial role in advocating for equal rights and social justice.