NEW DELHI: Calling the Constitution a “living and progressive document” through which the country has achieved the goals of social justice and inclusive development, President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said it was the responsibility of the executive, legislature and judiciary to work together to better the lives of common people in accordance with the spirit of the statute.
The President addressed a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament in the historic Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan on the occasion of Samvidhan Diwas, celebrating 75 years of the adoption of the Constitution. The year-long celebrations will have outreach activities centred around four themes – ‘Preamble of the Constitution’, ‘Know Your Constitution’, ‘Making of the Constitution’ and ‘Celebrating the Glory of the Constitution’.
“Constitutional ideals get strength from the active participation of the executive, legislature, judiciary and all citizens,” the President said. In a gesture of unity and respect, Murmu led the reading of the Preamble to the Constitution, followed by all MPs in attendance. PM Narendra Modi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh, leader of the House in Rajya Sabha J P Nadda, leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi were seated on the dais, underscoring the bipartisan reverence for the Constitution.
Birla urged members to follow the tradition of constructive and dignified debates set by the Constituent Assembly while deliberating upon the Constitution.
“Our far-sighted Constitution makers had provided for a system of adopting new ideas, according to the needs of the changing times. We have achieved many ambitious goals related to social justice and inclusive development through the Constitution. Such decisions have improved the lives of the people and are providing them new opportunities for development,” the President said.
She highlighted the fundamental duties of citizens, such as protecting India’s unity and integrity, promoting harmony, ensuring women’s dignity, protecting the environment, developing scientific temper, and safeguarding public property. Murmu said India had achieved a new identity in the global order, playing a role in promoting international peace and security, as envisioned by the Constitution-makers. “Today, besides being a leading economy, our country is playing this role very well as the Vishwa Bandhu’,” she said.
Prioritise nation above all, Dhankhar tells MPs
Highlighting the nation’s progress, economic growth and democratic resilience, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar called on parliamentarians to prioritise the nation above all. Expressing concern over declining standards of discipline in parliamentary discourse, he said, “Disturbance as a strategy threatens democratic institutions. It is time to restore the sanctity of our democratic temples through constructive dialogue, debate and meaningful discussion to serve people effectively.”
