National Constitution Day 2025; Little-known Facts About India’s Samvidhan

National Constitution Day 2025 : India observes National Constitution Day, or Samvidhan Divas , each year to honour the adoption of its remarkable Constitution—one of the most detailed, democratic and artistically crafted founding documents in the world. More than a legal text, the Constitution symbolises the vision, effort, and artistic legacy of those who shaped modern India. The following highlights offer a refreshed look at some of the most fascinating facts surrounding this historic milestone.

1. Commemorating the Adoption of the Constitution

National Constitution Day, also called Samvidhan Divas, is marked annually on 26 November, the day on which the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution in 1949. It formally came into effect on 26 January 1950, a date now celebrated as Republic Day.

2. The People as the Custodians

The Constitution places the sovereignty of the nation firmly in the hands of its people, who are recognised as its ultimate custodians.

3. Public Engagement During Drafting

Over 53,000 citizens attended the proceedings of the Constituent Assembly during the nearly three-year process of drafting the Constitution—an extraordinary testament to participatory democracy.

4. The World’s Lengthiest Written Constitution

At the time of commencement, India’s Constitution was the world’s longest written constitution, comprising 395 Articles, 22 Parts, and 8 Schedules.

5. A Handwritten Masterpiece

The original Constitution was handwritten in elegant calligraphy in both English and Hindi, containing approximately 90,000 words.

6. Crafted by Renowned Artists

Artists from Shantiniketan, working under the guidance of Acharya Nandalal Bose, handcrafted the document. The calligraphy was executed by Prem Behari Narain Raizada, whose signature style adds to its uniqueness.

7. Preservation of the Original Manuscripts

The original copies of the Constitution are safeguarded in nitrogen-filled cases within the Parliament Library to ensure their long-term preservation.

8. Illustrated Chapters Reflecting India’s Heritage

Each part of the Constitution begins with an illustration created by Nandalal Bose. There are 22 artworks showcasing India’s historical journey—from the Indus Valley civilisation and Vedic age to the Maurya, Gupta, and Mughal periods, culminating in the freedom movement.

9. Signing of the Constitution

On 24 January 1950, a total of 284 members signed the Constitution in the Constitution Hall in New Delhi. On the same day, Dr Rajendra Prasad was elected as the first President of India.

10. Women in the Constituent Assembly

The Constituent Assembly included 15 influential women, such as Sarojini Naidu, Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, Hansaben Mehta, Sucheta Kripalani, and G. Durgabai, who championed the cause of equal rights.