India's Constitution: A Symbol of National Pride and Path to Shedding Colonial Mindset, Says President Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday emphasized that the Constitution represents the foundation of India's national identity and serves as a guiding document for abandoning colonial mindset while embracing nationalistic thinking.

Speaking at the Constitution Day celebration held in the Central Hall of the Old Parliament building, now designated as 'Samvidhan Sadan', President Murmu highlighted that India is showcasing a new development model for the world and has implemented numerous significant initiatives to meet the aspirations of its citizens.

"Our Constitution embodies our national pride. It defines our nation's identity. It guides us to discard colonial perspectives, adopt nationalistic viewpoints, and propel our country forward," she stated.

With this vision in mind, the President noted that India has introduced new criminal legislation - the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.

These three new laws have replaced the colonial-era Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and Indian Evidence Act of 1872, respectively, and came into effect on July 1, 2024.

Murmu emphasized that the framers of India's Constitution intended for democratic and personal rights to be perpetually safeguarded.

Regarding the abrogation of Article 370, which previously granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, she remarked that eliminating this provision has removed a significant political obstacle for the nation.

"During the past decade, our Parliament has enacted various important measures to fulfill people's aspirations," she observed.

The President also mentioned the prohibition of triple talaq and the implementation of the GST system as two crucial developments promoting women's empowerment and financial progress respectively.

"Our nation is advancing rapidly toward becoming the world's third-largest economy," she added.

Murmu proudly stated that 25 crore people have risen above poverty, representing one of the country's most remarkable achievements, while women, youth, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, farmers, middle class, and emerging middle class are all strengthening India's democratic framework.

During the event, the President unveiled digital versions of the Constitution in nine languages: Malayalam, Marathi, Nepali, Punjabi, Bodo, Kashmiri, Telugu, Odia, and Assamese.

The ceremony included a reading of the Preamble led by President Murmu.

Joining the President on the dais were Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Opposition leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, Union ministers J P Nadda and Kiren Rijiju, and Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh.

Numerous union ministers and members of both parliamentary houses attended the celebration.

A commemorative publication featuring calligraphy from the original Constitution was also released during the event.