Colleges, orgns observe ‘Constitution Day’

Colleges and organisations in the state observed “Constitution Day” on November 26 to commemorate the adoption of the constitution of India and as a mark of tribute to Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar who played an important role in the framing of Indian constitution.

NU: Nagaland University (NU) celebrated Constitution Day at its headquarters, Lumami.

A press release from the university informed that while chairing the programme, PRO Peter Ki welcomed the gathering and highlighted the constitution of India. In her lecture titled “objectives of the constitution”, Asst. Prof., Dept of Law, Dr. Rumi Dhar talked about the need of the constitution, its functions and role in the society, and how it related to people’s daily existence. She said the constitution was a document that laid down the framework for the government to run the country and how the people should be governed.

Dr. Rumi added that the framers of the constitution borrowed the good features of the existing constitutions of other countries and that it was a dynamic instrument that evolved over time either through amendment or interpretation.

She asserted that the basic understanding of the constitution was a must for every citizen and concluded by quoting Dr. Ambedkar.

In his lecture titled “making of indian constitution”, Asst. Prof., Dept of political science, Dr. Likhase Sangtam stated that the celebration of constitution day would have far-reaching ramifications in understanding constitutional values and ideals that had brought India thus far. To say that the constitution was made by the constituent assembly is a half-truth, he asserted and said that it was also the result of years of mass struggle for independence and several reforms, gradually conceded by the colonial rulers, from time to time.

The makers evolved mechanism to resolve conflicts by incorporating provisions catering to the need of different groups by balancing their concerns with the need of national unity and identity. Where immediate solution could not be arrived at by consensus, one device was to introduce words like temporary, transitional, and special provisions.

Director, IQAC, Prof. Dipak Sinha made a brief intervention by suggesting that a course on constitution of India may be introduced as part of CBCS.

The vice-chancellor in charge Prof. A.K. Singh in his address said the beauty of the constituent assembly was that it represented the aspiration of all parts of the country and all segments of the Indian population, drawn from all walks of life.

He asserted that others who were part of the constituent assembly need to be remembered, apart from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Although many have expressed dissatisfaction with the progress made after the adoption of the Constitution in 1949, he said that the most important achievement of the constitution, the credit for which must go to the constitution makers, was that they survived as a nation not just territorially but where more than 130 billion people were emotionally attached with the concept of Indianness. 

He pointed out the constitution was the highest source of law, and law was required not only to discipline oneself and other but also to create enlightened citizens, citizens who were responsible for rights and duties. Earlier, a special number was presented by research scholar, dept of botany, Seyievino Catherine Chasie while vote of thanks was proposed by Asst. Professor, Dept of Forest Science, Dr. Gyati Yam. The programme was attended by faculty, officers, administrative staff, principal and teachers of Kendriya Vidyalaya, senior scientist and head of KVK and others.

The celebration commenced with reading of preamble to the constitution led by controller of examinations, Nagaland University Dr. Maongsangba.

SMC: Department of political science, Sakus Mission College, Dimapur observed Constitution Day at the college auditorium.

A press release from the college informed that during the programme, BA- 5th Semester, Ashom highlighted the objective of the celebration and significance of the Indian constitution.

A skit play “know your rights” was performed by 5th semester students.

Earlier, BA 5th semester Wanmai hosted the programme, invocation by BA 5th semester, Vasthy followed by national anthem and preamble reading, vote of thanks by HoD, dept. of political science, Pranati Das and benediction by asst. prof. dept. of political science, Bolito K Achumi. 

NVCO: Nagaland Voluntary Consumers Organisation (NVCO) observed Constitution Day in Kohima. In a press release, NVCO press & media cell informed that while speaking at the programme, NVCO president Kezhokhoto Savi said that the day was observed to promote constitution values among citizens and the constitution of India declared India to be a sovereign, secular, socialist, and democratic republic while assuring its citizens’ equality, liberty, and justice.

He exhorted that the constitution was drafted between 1946 and December 1949 – the most challenging period the time when religious riots, caste wars, and entrenched gender inequality were threatening the social fabric of the country.

Further, Kezhokhoto called upon every citizen to take a pledge to fulfil their fundamental duties for the progress of the nation.