“Our Duties Define Our Future,” says PM Modi on Constitution Day

• PM writes to citizens on Constitution Day, recalling the Constitution’s legacy
• Stresses primacy of duties as India moves toward a Viksit Bharat
• Urges citizens, especially youth, to strengthen democracy by voting
• Pays tribute to Constitution makers and historic national milestones

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 26th Nov: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written a letter to the people of India on the occasion of Constitution Day, calling on citizens to reaffirm their commitment to national duties and democratic values. Marking the historic adoption of the Constitution on 26 November 1949, he said the document continues to guide India’s journey of progress.

He recalled that the government declared 26 November as Constitution Day in 2015 to honour the nation’s founding charter. Highlighting its transformative power, the Prime Minister noted that the Constitution has enabled individuals from modest backgrounds to rise to positions of national service. He cited his own gestures of reverence—including bowing at the steps of Parliament in 2014 and placing the Constitution on his forehead in 2019—as symbols of respect for democratic institutions.

Shri Modi also paid tribute to members of the Constituent Assembly, including Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and several distinguished women whose vision shaped the Constitution. He recalled milestones such as the Samvidhan Gaurav Yatra in Gujarat, events marking the 75th anniversary of the Constitution, and large-scale public participation in recent celebrations.

He noted that this year’s Constitution Day holds added importance as it coincides with the 150th birth anniversaries of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, and the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. These milestones, he said, serve as reminders of the centrality of duties as outlined in Article 51A. Recalling Mahatma Gandhi’s belief that rights emerge from duties, the Prime Minister stressed that fulfilling one’s duties is essential for social and economic progress.

Looking to the future, Shri Modi said India is moving towards celebrating 100 years of independence and 100 years of adopting the Constitution in 2049. The decisions taken today, he said, will shape the country for generations. He called upon citizens to place their duties foremost as India advances towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

Emphasising the responsibility of strengthening democracy, the Prime Minister urged citizens to exercise their right to vote. He suggested that schools and colleges celebrate Constitution Day by honouring first-time voters turning 18, noting that instilling responsibility in youth would reinforce democratic values and strengthen the nation’s future.

Concluding his message, the Prime Minister urged all citizens to renew their pledge to fulfil their duties and contribute to building a developed and empowered India.