Utkarsh Anand
letters@hindustantimes.com
New Delhi: The Constitution is our "greatest strength" that helps the country move forward with diversity and dynamism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, stressing that India's Constitution is "open and futuristic" and spreads a "modern vision" that can strengthen our democracy.
"A country that was feared not to be able to maintain its independence and was on the verge of collapse is moving forward, strong and diverse. And behind all this, our greatest strength is our Constitution," the Prime Minister said, speaking at an event organised by the Supreme Court to mark Constitution Day.
PM Modi said "We the people" written at the beginning of the preamble of the Constitution is not just a word but a pledge and a belief. "This is the fundamental spirit of India, the mother of democracy in the world... In today's global context, the eyes of the whole world are on India. With India's rapid growth, booming economy and international image, the world has high expectations from us."
PM Modi also recalled the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks and paid tribute to those who lost their lives. "Today also marks the anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. 14 years ago, when India was celebrating its Constitution and citizenship, the enemies of humanity carried out the largest terror attack in India. I pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the attack," he said.
Chief Justice of India Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju, Attorney General R Venkataramani and others were present in the Supreme Court auditorium during the Prime Minister's speech.
Modi stressed that the Indian Constitution is "youth-centric" and it is important that the judiciary and government institutions make efforts to raise awareness about the Constitution among young people and inculcate values such as equality and empowerment.
The Prime Minister noted that there were as many as 15 women members in the Constituent Assembly who made some important interventions when the draft Constitution was being considered and said that young people should know about their contributions. "The confidence this brings in the Constitution will strengthen our democracy, our Constitution and the future of the country," he stressed.
Pleading with citizens to prioritize duties over rights, Modi said that India is set to get the chairmanship of the G20 in a week's time, which is a huge opportunity. "It is our collective duty to enhance India's reputation in the world as Team India and realise India's contribution to the world. We need to further strengthen India's identity as the mother of democracy," he added.
India will assume the one-year chairmanship of the G20 from December 1, 2022, and in 2023, India will host the G20 summit for the first time. The National Assembly (NASDAQ: NIA) meets regularly to discuss the most pressing issues facing the global economy and ensure global financial stability.
Over the last 70 years, countless people from the legislature, judiciary and executive have contributed to the development and expansion of the Constitution, Modi said. "I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all of them on behalf of the nation...Today, on Constitution Day, we pay tribute to the great men who gave us the Constitution and reiterate our commitment to realise their vision for our country," he said.
PM Modi also praised the judiciary for taking steps to provide timely justice. "Even today, I take the opportunity to launch the e-initiative launched by the Supreme Court. I congratulate them for this beginning and their efforts to facilitate justice," he said. WILLING TOGETHER TO STRENGTHEN JUDICIARY: RIJIJU