NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Babasaheb Ambedkar on Tuesday as he addressed the ‘Samvidhaan Divas‘ event at the Supreme Court. PM Modi invoked Ambedkar’s statement during the Constituent Assembly debate, saying, “the Constitution is not a mere lawyer’s document. Its spirit is always the spirit of the age.”
“I extend my greetings to all citizens on the occasion of Constitution Day. I bow respectfully to the Constitution and the members of the Constituent Assembly,” PM Modi said.
Describing the Constitution as a guiding light, PM Modi said that it has met the country’s every need and expectation.
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the 26/11 terror attacks, stressing India’s commitment to combating terrorism under BJP’s rule. “I want to reiterate the country’s resolve—any terrorist organizations challenging India’s security will receive a befitting response,” he said.
PM Modi further said that the Constitution is now fully implemented in Jammu and Kashmir and noted the historic occasion of Constitution Day being celebrated there for the first time.
Highlighting its significance, he added, “It is because of Babasaheb’s Constitution that Jammu and Kashmir celebrated Constitution Day for the first time today, marking a historic moment for the region.'” He also spoke of the enduring strength of the Constitution despite challenging times in the last 75 years, including the Emergency period.
Here are top quotes from PM Modi’s speech:
- Constitution has lived up to our every need and expectation, it is our guiding light
- This is the 75th year of the
Indian Constitution – it is a matter of immense pride for the country. I bow to the Constitution and all the members of the Constituent Assembly. - We cannot forget that today is also the anniversary of the terror attack in Mumbai. Those who lost their lives, I pay my homage to them. I also want to reiterate the resolution of the country – all those terrorist organisations challenging the security of India will get befitting reply
- During the long debate of the Constituent Assembly, serious discussions took place on India’s republican future. You all are well aware of that debate. Back then, Babasaheb Ambedkar had said that ‘Constitution is not a mere lawyer’s document, its spirit is always the spirit of age’. The spirit Babsaheb was talking about, it is very important
- We have seen the Emergency in the country – our Constitution has faced this challenge that arose before democracy. It’s the power of the constitution, that today, in Jammu & Kashmir, Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution is fully implemented. Today, for the first time, Constitution Day is celebrated there (in J&K
- I also want to reiterate the resolution of the country – all those terrorist organisations challenging the security of India will get befitting reply.
- Sentiment of ‘nation first’ will keep Constitution alive for many centuries
- Today it looks easy that people have access to tap water, but even after 75 years of independence, only 3 crore houses had this facility… in the original copy of the constitution, lord Ram, mother Sita…have their images in it. The images symbolising Indian culture are there so that they can keep us reminded about human values. These human values are the foundation of policies and decisions of today’s India
- There was a time when senior citizens had to prove by visiting banks that they are alive. Today, senior citizens are availing the facility of digital life certificates