Constitution Day celebrated first time in J&K: PM Modi

New Delhi, Nov 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday said that Jammu and Kashmir was celebrating Constitution Day for the first time.

Addressing a gathering at the Supreme Court’s Administrative Building Complex, in New Delhi, on the Constitution Day, the PM said, “Today, for the first time, the Constitution Day was celebrated in J&K.”

Reflecting on the seamless integration of the region with the rest of India, he attributed it to the strength of B R Ambedkar’s constitutional vision.

PM Modi called the moment historic and said that it was only by the power granted by the Constitution that the Constitution framed by Ambedkar was in force even in J&K today.

He reflected on the legacy and transformative impact of India’s Constitution, calling it a guiding light for the nation.

The PM spoke with reverence about the Constitution’s role in shaping India’s journey through 75 years of independence.

“Our Constitution is a guide to our present and our future,” he said, appreciating how the Constitution has provided a steady framework to navigate challenges since its adoption.

PM Modi also noted how the Constitution remained steadfast even during the Emergency, a turbulent chapter in Indian democracy.

“The Constitution has shown the right path to tackle challenges while meeting the needs and expectations of the country,” he said.

The PM also quoted India’s first President Rajendra Prasad’s speech from November 26, 1949: “What India needs today is nothing more than a group of honest people who will put the nation's interests ahead of their own.”

He urged every citizen to embrace a “nation first” approach, which he said would keep the Constitution alive for centuries.

PM Modi declared that the Constitution serves as a beacon guiding the nation toward its goals.

“Our path forward is one of big dreams and big resolutions,” he said, adding that building a developed India was now the collective aspiration.

The PM said that he wants to see a nation where every citizen enjoys dignity and quality of life, describing this as the true spirit of the Constitution.

He outlined key achievements that embodied this spirit.

“Over the last decade, more than 53 crore bank accounts were opened, enabling financial inclusion. Pucca houses were built for over 4 crore families, and 10 crore gas connections were distributed to women,” PM Modi said.

He proudly noted that his government had provided over 12 crore household tap water connections in just six years, compared to the mere 3 crore connections established in the preceding 75 years.

“Human values are the foundation of today’s policies and decisions,” the PM said, pointing out the cultural ethos embedded in the Constitution’s original manuscript, which features illustrations of lord Ram, goddess Sita, and other spiritual icons.

“These symbols remind us to stay mindful of human values,” he said, giving further reference to initiatives like the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, which aims to prioritise justice over punitive systems.

PM Modi also highlighted the historic Women’s Reservation Bill, calling it a landmark step in increasing women’s political participation.

“Efforts to uphold the rights of the third gender and improve accessibility for differently-abled citizens were further examples of constitutional values in action,” he said.

The PM emphasised that robust infrastructure and digital connectivity were essential for a developed India.

“Under the PM Swamitva Yojana, drone mapping of rural properties is issuing land titles, empowering citizens and streamlining land records,” he said citing the installation of mobile towers in remote regions, the establishment of underwater optical fibre connections in Andaman and Lakshadweep, and the electrification of over 2.5 crore homes.

PM Modi lauded advancements in healthcare and child immunisation under Mission Indradhanush, which has achieved near-universal coverage.

“The expansion of Jan Aushadhi Kendras has made essential medicines affordable for millions, and digital life certificates now provide convenience to senior citizens,” he said. “Programmes targeting backward regions, such as the Aspirational Districts initiative, are achieving remarkable results. Many of these districts have now surpassed others in development parameters.”

The PM announced the extension of this model to aspirational blocks.

His address was deeply rooted in the historical spirit of the Constitution.

PM Modi quoted Ambedkar: “The Constitution is not a mere lawyer’s document; it is a spirit, always the spirit of the age.”

He praised the foresight of the Constitution’s framers, who envisioned it as a “living, continuously flowing stream” capable of evolving with time.

The PM in his opening remark paid respect and remembered the victims of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which coincided with Constitution Day.

“India will give a befitting reply to every terror organisation threatening its integrity,” he said.

Celebrating 75 years of its Constitution, PM Modi urged citizens to draw inspiration from the Constitution’s vision, ensuring its spirit guides India toward a brighter, more inclusive future.

As he addressed the gathering, among those present were Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and other Supreme Court judges and ministers.