Along with rest of the country, Nagaland also observed the 70th Constitution Day here on Tuesday. Addressing the gathering at Raj Bhavan, Nagaland Governor RN Ravi said the biggest challenge before an independent India was how to run a diverse country while ensuring that everyone and every culture prospered to its fullest potential and the country grew together. After much effort by over 400 leaders, this “wonderful document” was created, he added.
Ravi said the Constitution of India respected the nation’s heritage, its past and diversity and yet flexible enough to adapt to any change. In this regard, he cited the insertion of Article 371 (A), which was a unique provision for Nagaland, adding it was a tribute to the versatility of the constitution.
In his opening remarks, commissioner & secretary to governor T Mhabemo Yanthan said during the recently-held Conference of Governors, President of India Ram Nath Kovind had emphasised observing Constitution Day in all Raj Bhavans of the country. He asserted that the Constitution of Indian was the best constitution in the world as it provided equality to all sections of the society irrespective of their cast, creed and religion.
The governor administered constitutional pledge on the occasion. The programme was attended by officers and staff of governor’s secretariat, household staff and security personnel of Raj Bhavan. This was stated in a press release by PRO to governor.
Meanwhile, the 70th Constitution Day was also observed at Capital Convention Centre here, which was attended by law & justice, environment, forest & climate change minister CM Chang and chief secretary Temjen Toy, among others.
Speaking on the occasion, Chang observed that while it was convenient for many to only claim their rights and also seek to enforce these through courts of law, they forget about their duties that were as important. He reminded the citizens about their fundamental duties.
He said though fundamental duties could not be enforced by law, yet it was a moral obligation on the part of every right-thinking citizen to perform these duties and uphold their values.
Mentioning that the Constitution Day was celebrated every year across the country to mark the anniversary of adoption of the Constitution of India that marked beginning of a new era in the history of India, Chang remarked that though the constitution had many sections, yet it was decided to focus only on fundamental duties of every citizen this year.
He stressed creating awareness so that every citizen not only knew about their rights, but also their duties and responsibilities as enshrined in the constitution. He called for inculcating the values of fundamental duties in every citizen to help them conduct themselves better.
In his keynote address, Toy said the Constitution of India was adopted on November 26, 1949, which was an important landmark in the country’s journey as an independent, sovereign republic.
He said the Constitution Day was first observed in 2015 by the Central government as a tribute to BR Ambedkar, who played an important role in framing of the constitution.
Observing that the Nagas were very vocal about the rights but silent on their duties as citizens, the chief secretary expressed the hope that awareness would be created among them that they had duties to perform too.
He said, as law abiding citizens, they should ponder on the duties prescribed in the constitution, which was an attempt to bring a balance and inculcate moral duties and obligations to uphold the rule of law.
He pointed out that the constitution had stated that where there was a right, there was duty. Therefore, he added that the exercise of rights was inseparable from the performance of duties and obligations.
Toy also reminded of three important items in the list of fundamental duties: to respect the ideals of the constitution, institutions and promote harmony & brotherhood.
Nagaland’s senior additional advocate general Kakheto Sema spoke on the constitution, while the chief secretary administered the pledge to the gathering.
Host of senior government and high court officials, students and others attended the event.