Our duties are foundation of India’s future: PM Modi
New Delhi, Nov 26: On the occasion of Constitution Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a letter to the citizens of India, recalling the historic adoption of the Constitution on 26 November 1949 and emphasising its enduring role in guiding the country’s journey of progress.
The Prime Minister noted that in 2015, his government formally declared November 26 as Constitution Day to honour the “sacred document that shapes our Republic and strengthens our democracy.”
He said the Constitution has given “countless citizens the power to dream and the strength to realise those dreams.” Reflecting on his own experiences, PM Modi shared, “I have always felt deep reverence for Parliament and the Constitution. In 2014, as I entered Parliament for the first time, I bowed at its steps. In 2019, I placed the Constitution on my forehead, as a mark of respect.” He said the Constitution has enabled individuals from humble backgrounds to serve the nation at the highest levels.
Paying tribute to the members of the Constituent Assembly, he remembered Dr Rajendra Prasad, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, and the distinguished women members whose vision enriched the Constitution. The Prime Minister also recalled milestones such as the Samvidhan Gaurav Yatra in Gujarat during the Constitution’s 60th anniversary, and the special session of Parliament and nationwide events held during the recent 75th anniversary, which saw “unprecedented public participation.” PM Modi said this year’s Constitution Day holds special significance as it coincides with the 150th birth anniversaries of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, and the 350th martyrdom year of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. “These personalities and milestones remind us of the primacy of our duties, as enshrined in Article 51A. Mahatma Gandhi believed that rights flow from the performance of duties. Fulfilling our duties is the foundation of social and economic progress,” he wrote.
Looking to the future, the Prime Minister observed that 25 years of the 21st century have already passed, and that in just over two decades India will mark 100 years of freedom from colonial rule. In 2049, it will also be a century since the adoption of the Constitution. “The policies and decisions we take today will shape the lives of coming generations. We must keep our duties at the forefront as we move towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat,” he stated. He also stressed the responsibility of strengthening democracy through the right to vote, suggesting that schools and colleges celebrate Constitution Day by honouring first-time voters who turn 18 this year. “Inspiring our youth with pride and responsibility will strengthen our democratic values and the future of our nation,” he said. In his concluding message, the Prime Minister appealed to citizens to renew their commitment to the duties of citizenship, saying: “Let us reaffirm our pledge to fulfil our duties as citizens of this great nation. By doing so, we contribute meaningfully to building a developed and empowered India.”
