Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Highlights the Role of the Constitution in Empowering Citizens
Ministry of Culture Concludes Year-Long Hamara Samvidhan – Hamara Swabhiman Campaign
The Ministry of Culture 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 in New Delhi, marking the conclusion of the nationwide campaign Hamara Samvidhan – Hamara Swabhiman. The ceremony featured Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, as the Chief Guest, along with the presence of Shri Vivek Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture, and Shri Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA.
In his keynote address, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat described the Constitution as an expression of India’s civilisational ethos. He highlighted its role in empowering citizens through fundamental rights, equality and universal adult franchise. Recalling events such as the Emergency, he noted how the Constitution has supported India’s democratic resilience. He also referred to the Constitution’s contribution to social and economic progress over 75 years, strengthening local institutions and enhancing women’s participation. He encouraged the youth to uphold constitutional values, stating that democracy functions effectively when citizens protect its principles.
The Chief Guest inaugurated two curated exhibitions at the IGNCA premises. The first exhibition, Neev – Bharatiya Samvidhan ki Mahila Shilpi at the Darshanam Gallery, honoured the women of the Constituent Assembly whose contributions shaped India’s constitutional framework. The second exhibition, Making of the Constitution of India – Commemorating 75 Years of Adoption of Constitution of India, presented a visual account of the constitution-making process through archival material, rare photographs and information panels highlighting Constituent Assembly Debates, milestones and the guiding vision of the Constitution.
Secretary Ministry of Culture Shri Vivek Agarwal outlined the Constitution’s journey beginning with the first sitting of the Constituent Assembly in December 1946, its adoption in 1949 and formal signing in January 1950. He highlighted the extensive constitution-making process, the work of 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 featured nationwide Preamble readings, multilingual outreach, exhibitions and community programmes. He noted that the Constitution continues to guide India’s democratic and cultural development.
The event at Samvet Auditorium opened with the collective singing of the National Song Vande Mataram. Shri Sachchidanand Joshi delivered the Welcome Address, reiterating the Constitution’s 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 and Head, Kalakosh Division, IGNCA, delivered the Special Address, reflecting on constitutional values of justice, equality and dignity rooted in India’s civilisational heritage. Prof. Chawla emphasised the Constitution’s continued relevance in safeguarding freedoms and strengthening democratic institutions.
A short film on the Art and Calligraphy in the Constitution of India, digitally released earlier in the day 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 participating institutions, States, Union Territories and citizens for their support in making the Constitution@75 commemoration a national observance.
With the completion of the year-long commemoration, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to deepening constitutional awareness and promoting the core values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity across the country.