REMARKS BY AMBASSADOR OF INDIA SHRI ABHISHEK SINGH ON THE OCCASION OF THE CONSTITUTION DAY – 26 NOVEMBER 2020
Prof. Miguel Monaco, Director, Institute of Legal Research
Distinguished participants,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am indeed happy to participate in today’s important discussion on the occasion of our Constitution Day. As you are aware, the Constitution of India was passed by the Constituent Assembly on 26 November 1949 and came into effect on 26 January 1950 which is also celebrated as the Republic Day.
2. Today’s event also marks the conclusion of the year-long celebration by the Embassy of India, Caracas where every month there was an event on one of the fundamental duties enshrined in the Constitution of India. Event as the one today, provides an occasion not only to appreciate various rights, duties and responsibilities that we have as a citizen of India but also provide an occasion to discuss the various salient features of our Constitution which is indeed the bedrock of our system of our governance. It is also reminder that there can be various important participants in our governance system, finally it is the constitutional supremacy that prevails.
Friends,
3. The Preamble of our Constitution starts with ‘We the people’ which in itself is emblematic. In a democracy, it is indeed ‘We the people’ which determine the important aspect by implementation of the peoples’ will. Constitution has evolved due to various amendments that have been passed. These amendments have truly reflected the pulse of our times. While we have adopted amendments to the Constitution, the basic structure of the Constitution of India has been maintained. The various salient features of our Constitution include the preamble, fundamental rights and duties, directive principles of State policy, parliamentary system, judicial review and basic structure doctrine to name a few.
4. One of the strengths of our system is federal polity where the government both for the federal and state level have different subjects to be administered. With 73rdand 74thamendmentof the Constitution, the participatory democracy and governance has reached to the municipalities and panchayats.
5. The parliamentary system of government where the Parliament is directly elected by the people of Lower House or Lok Sabha and indirectly elected in case of the Upper House or Rajya Sabha has worked very well in India. The entire system of checks and balances has ensured that the executive, legislature and judiciary work independently and also provide checks on each other.
Friends,
6. The diversity of India has been unified due to the Constitution of India. The Constitution provides basic of structure of our polity and society. India is often the perfect example to showcase ‘unity in diversity’ which has been possible due to the solid foundation laid by our Constitution.
7. Today, we also pay tribute to the father of Indian Constitution, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar who was the Chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly to prepare draft of the Constitution of India. It was his vision and the great sense of social justice which had made this Constitution truly a great document. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s personal and professional life has been an inspiration for many generations and continues to inspire millions across the world. Whenever there is a discussion on the Constitution of India, it is inevitable that we also pay tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
Friends,
8. In conclusion, it is my firm belief that, we the citizen of India, will do our utmost to fulfil our duties and in doing so we are also conscious of the rights given by the Constitution of India. I want to thank all the officials of the Embassy of India, Caracas who have worked towards organizing the monthly events related to the Constitution of India and also to those who have participated on a regular basis. I look forward to the deliberations of the day and once again convey our heartfelt tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
9. I thank you all.
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