The Ministry of Culture today organised the Closing Programme of the Commemoration of 75 Years of the Adoption of the Constitution of India at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), New Delhi, marking the culmination of the nationwide campaign “Hamara Samvidhan – Hamara Swabhiman.” The ceremony was graced by Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture & Tourism, as the Chief Guest, in the presence of Shri Vivek Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture; Shri Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA.

In his keynote address, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat underscored the Constitution as the defining expression of India’s civilisational ethos. He highlighted the transformative role of the Constitution in empowering citizens through fundamental rights, equality and universal adult franchise. Recalling pivotal moments such as the Emergency, he emphasised how the Constitution has guided India’s democratic resilience. The Minister noted the Constitution’s role in enabling significant social and economic progress over 75 years, strengthening grassroots institutions, and expanding women’s participation. He urged the youth to uphold Constitutional values with commitment, stating that democracy thrives when citizens actively safeguard its principles.

The Chief Guest inaugurated two specially curated exhibitions at the IGNCA premesis. The first exhibition was “Neev – Bharatiya Samvidhan ki Mahila Shilpi,” displayed at the Darshanam Gallery, which paid tribute to the pioneering women of the Constituent Assembly whose ideas and principles significantly shaped the nation’s constitutional foundations. The second exhibition, “Making of the Constitution of India – Commemorating 75 Years of Adoption of Constitution of India” presented a comprehensive visual narrative of India’s constitution-making journey, featuring archival material, rare photographs, and information panels that highlighted the historical Constituent Assembly Debates, milestones, and vision that guided the framing of the Constitution.

In his address, Secretary Ministry of Culture, Shri Vivek Agarwal outlined the Constitution’s journey beginning with the first sitting of the Constituent Assembly in December 1946 and culminating in its adoption in 1949 and formal signing in January 1950. He highlighted the depth of the Constitution-making process, the work of the committees led by Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, and the artistic heritage of the original calligraphed Constitution. He also briefed the gathering on the year-long Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Swabhimaan campaign, which included nationwide Preamble readings, multilingual outreach, exhibitions and community programmes, and noted that the Constitution continues to guide India’s democratic and cultural progress.

The event at Samvet Auditorium began with the collective singing of the National Song “Vande Mataram.” Shri Sachchidanand Joshi delivered the Welcome Address, reiterating the Constitution’s vital role in shaping India’s democratic ethos. A commemorative film on 75 Years of the Adoption of the Constitution was screened.

Prof. (Dr.) Alka Chawla, University of Delhi; and Dr. Sudhir Lal, Professor & Head, Kalakosh Division, IGNCA, delivered the Special Address, reflecting on constitutional values of justice, equality and dignity, rooted in India’s civilisational heritage. She emphasised the Constitution’s continuing relevance in safeguarding freedoms and strengthening democratic institutions.

A short film on the Art and Calligraphy in the Constitution of India, digitally released earlier today by the President of India in the Central Hall of Parliament, was also screened.

The programme concluded with the collective singing of the National Anthem. The Ministry of Culture expressed gratitude to all participating institutions, States, Union Territories and citizens for their contributions in making the Constitution@75 commemoration a truly national celebration.

With the culmination of the year-long observance, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to deepening constitutional awareness and promoting the core values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity across the nation.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

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