 celebrated Constitution Day for the first time on November 26, marking a new chapter in its history.){kind=link}
In a landmark moment for Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), the Union Territory celebrated Constitution Day for the first time on November 26, marking a new chapter in its history. Constitution Day, or Samvidhan Diwas, commemorates the adoption of the Indian Constitution on this day in 1949, and its subsequent enforcement on January 26, 1950. This year’s event held special significance as it coincided with the 75th anniversary of the Constitution’s adoption, celebrated under the theme, “Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Swabhimaan” (Our Constitution, Our Pride).
The J&K administration announced a grand celebration to honor this milestone, symbolizing the Union Territory’s integration into India’s constitutional framework. The government emphasized the importance of the occasion, stating, “Considering the significance of the completion of 75 years of the adoption of the Constitution, it has been decided to celebrate the event with great fervor and enthusiasm to reiterate the core values enshrined in the Constitution of India and motivate citizens to take their rightful role in the campaign.”
In Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha spearheaded the Constitution Day celebrations at a significant event held in the civil secretariat. The gathering saw senior officials reciting the Preamble, followed by Sinha administering a pledge to uphold the principles of the Constitution.
“Greetings on Constitution Day. Tributes to the makers of our Constitution. On this momentous occasion, I call upon all to uphold the sanctity of constitution & further strengthen principles of social justice, equality and let’s devote ourselves to peace & progress of the society,” Sinha remarked, as the Valley embraced this new chapter in its history.
Historical Significance
For decades after its accession to India in 1947, J&K operated with its own constitution and flag under the provisions of Article 370, which granted the state special autonomy. Its political structure included unique designations such as Prime Minister (Wazir-e-Azam) for its head of government and President (Sadr-e-Riyasat) for its head of state. These titles were replaced by Chief Minister and Governor in 1965, but J&K continued to function under its distinct constitution until 2019, when Article 370 was annulled, and the state was reorganized into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
This year’s celebrations marked a historic shift, as J&K officially embraced the Indian Constitution in its entirety, aligning itself with the rest of the nation in both legal and symbolic terms. It was the first time J&K participated in Samvidhan Diwas since its special status was revoked.
A New Era of Governance
The annulling of Article 370 was a watershed moment in Indian history, ending J&K’s unique constitutional status and bringing its governance fully under the purview of the Indian Constitution. Notably, Omar Abdullah, former Chief Minister of J&K, became the first leader in the region’s history to swear allegiance to the Indian Constitution upon taking office. Prior to this, the region’s leaders took their oaths on the J&K Constitution, further highlighting the historic nature of this transformation.
Celebrations Amid Change
The Constitution Day celebrations were marked by a variety of programs, including awareness campaigns, seminars, and cultural events, aiming to highlight the core values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity enshrined in the Indian Constitution. Schools, colleges, and government offices across the region participated in the festivities, reaffirming their commitment to the ideals of democracy and national unity.
However, one notable absence was Omar Abdullah, who left for Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah in Mecca. Despite his absence, his historical oath to the Indian Constitution remains a symbolic representation of J&K’s evolving political and legal identity.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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