“Constitution Reflects India’s Soul”: VP Radhakrishnan

• VP says Constitution embodies collective wisdom and sacrifices of freedom fighters
• Highlights economic rise, poverty reduction, and expansion of social security
• Notes high voter turnout in J&K and Bihar as proof of democratic trust
• Calls for reforms and collective effort toward Viksit Bharat @2047

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 26th Nov: The Vice-President of India and Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, C. P. Radhakrishnan, addressed the Constitution Day (Samvidhan Divas) commemoration function at the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan on Wednesday, underscoring the enduring vision and values enshrined in India’s Constitution.

He said that since 2015, 26th November has evolved into a nationwide celebration, honouring the extraordinary leaders — including Babasaheb Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, N. Gopalaswami Ayyangar, Alladi Krishnaswamy Iyer, and Durga Bai Deshmukh — whose work ensured that “every page reflects the soul of the nation.”

The Vice-President noted that the Constitution was the product of collective wisdom, lived experiences, sacrifices, and aspirations of millions who fought for freedom. He said the work of the Constituent Assembly laid the foundation for Bharat to emerge as the world’s largest democracy and ensured unity for generations.

Highlighting India’s economic and social transformation, he said that through pragmatic governance and saturation-based delivery, the nation has witnessed remarkable progress. Over the last decade, 25 crore people have risen out of poverty and more than 100 crore citizens have been brought under various social security schemes, demonstrating that “the impossible has been made possible.” India, he added, has now become the world’s fourth-largest economy and is soon poised to become the third.

Reaffirming India’s rich democratic heritage, Shri Radhakrishnan traced examples from Vaishali to the Chola-era “kudavolai” system, describing Bharat as the “Mother of Democracy.” He said the strong voter turnout in recent elections in Jammu & Kashmir and Bihar is a testament to people’s unwavering trust in democratic processes.

He also paid tribute to the women members of the Constituent Assembly, recalling Hansa Mehta’s historic advocacy for justice and equality. He said the Nari Shakti Vandhan Adhiniyam of 2023 stands as a meaningful tribute to their contributions, ensuring greater representation for women in governance. He also highlighted the sacrifices of tribal communities, noting that Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas has been commemorated since 2021 to honour their contributions.

The Vice-President emphasized that the Constitution embodies India’s commitment to social justice and economic empowerment for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Backward Classes, and other disadvantaged groups. The ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, he said, guarantee space and dignity to every citizen.

Calling for continued reforms in electoral, judicial, and financial systems, he cited the impact of initiatives such as GST and the JAM trinity, which have streamlined governance and ensured direct benefit delivery. He encouraged citizens to use modern digital tools constructively to advance the vision of Viksit Bharat.

Concluding his address, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan said the greatest tribute to the Constitution is a collective pledge to uphold its values and principles, working together for a stronger, inclusive, and prosperous Bharat by 2047.