President Droupadi Murmu Unveils Sanskrit and Maithili Translations of the Indian Constitution

On 26th November 2024, marking Samvidhan Diwas and the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution, President Droupadi Murmu unveiled the Sanskrit and Maithili translations of the Indian Constitution in New Delhi. The event celebrated the rich diversity of India’s linguistic heritage and reaffirmed the significance of the Constitution as the guiding framework for the country.

Prominent dignitaries, including Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, attended the occasion held in the newly renamed Samvidhan Sadan.

Translation of the Constitution into Scheduled Languages

The Government of India has undertaken an ambitious project to translate the Constitution into all 22 scheduled languages listed in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution. This initiative underscores the nation’s commitment to inclusivity, making the Constitution accessible to people in their native languages.

About Maithili Language

• Maithili, spoken predominantly in Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of Nepal, now joins the list of languages in which the Constitution is available.
• This step aims to empower Maithili-speaking citizens by enabling a deeper understanding of constitutional principles in their native tongue.

75 Years of the Indian Constitution

The Constituent Assembly of India adopted the Constitution on 26th November 1949, and it came into effect on 26th January 1950. The year 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of this historic milestone.

Since 2015, 26th November has been observed as Samvidhan Diwas, commemorating the adoption of the Constitution and promoting constitutional awareness among citizens.

Key Highlights of the Samvidhan Diwas Celebration

Venue and Events

The main event was held in the Samvidhan Sadan, formerly known as the old Parliament building. President Murmu addressed a joint sitting of both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.

Preamble Reading

President Murmu led the members of Parliament in reading the Preamble of the Constitution, reaffirming the fundamental values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Launch of Commemorative Items

• Commemorative Coin and Stamp: Released to honor the 75th anniversary of the Constitution’s adoption.

Books and Booklets:

• “Making of the Constitution of India: A Glimpse”
• “Making of the Constitution of India & its Glorious Journey”
• A booklet on the art of the Constitution of India, highlighting its aesthetic and artistic elements.

Constitution Translations Released

• Sanskrit Translation: Celebrates India’s classical linguistic heritage.
• Maithili Translation: Recognizes the cultural importance of Maithili in India.

Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Swabhimaan Campaign

On 25th November 2024, President Murmu launched the year-long campaign titled “Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Swabhimaan” to:

• Celebrate the contributions of the Constitution’s framers.
• Promote the core values of the Constitution across the country.

Hindi Translation of the Constitution

Background

The Indian Constitution, the world’s longest-written constitution, was originally drafted in English. However, recognizing the need for accessibility, a demand for its Hindi translation arose.

Formation of the Translation Committee

• The Constituent Assembly formed a Translation Committee led by Ghansyam Das Gupta, comprising 41 members, to oversee the translation.
• On 24th January 1950, the translated Hindi version of the Constitution was submitted to the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly, Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

Significance

Members of the Constituent Assembly signed both the English and Hindi versions on the same day, symbolizing the importance of making the Constitution accessible to Hindi-speaking citizens.

Constitutional Recognition of Hindi Translation

• Article 394A, introduced by the 58th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1987, grants the Hindi translation of the Constitution the status of the authoritative text. It holds the same legal validity as the original English version.
• The President of India is authorized to publish the Hindi translation and subsequent amendments made to the English version.