Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Law and Justice, spoke at the 3rd regional Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Samman event at IIT Guwahati, emphasizing the significance of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ sapling plantation initiative. He highlighted Assam’s contribution to the Indian Constitution, mentioning Syed Muhammad Saadulla’s role in the drafting committee and Leela Roy’s membership in the Constituent Assembly.
The third regional event of the ‘Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman’ campaign was held today at IIT Guwahati from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution and the establishment of India as a Republic.
This event is part of a year-long nationwide initiative organized under the Designing Innovative Solutions for Holistic Access to Justice (DISHA) scheme, implemented by the Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India.
Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Law and Justice (Independent Charge) and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the importance of constitutional awareness and legal empowerment. The event was also attended by Shri Justice Vijay Bishnoi, Chief Justice of the High Court of Gauhati, as Guest of Honour, along with Hon’ble Justice Shri Lanusungkum Jamir.
The event commenced with a symbolic gesture of planting saplings to honour the 15 women members of the Constituent Assembly who significantly contributed to the creation of the Indian Constitution. This tribute, part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Nam’ campaign, aimed to highlight the crucial yet often overlooked role of women in shaping the nation’s democratic foundation.
During the event, the Secretary (Justice), DoJ, welcomed the dignitaries and audience and introduced various elements of the Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman campaign. Three products were launched: the Samvidhan Katta, a comic book, and a series of podcasts.
The Samvidhan Katta magazine features 75 stories showcasing the impact of the Indian Constitution on everyday life, shared by stakeholders from the Tele Law and Nyaya Bandhu programs. The comic book presents real-life stories of 10 beneficiaries who utilized these programs to defend their constitutional rights, making legal concepts more accessible to the public. Additionally, eight podcasts were released, focusing on how the Tele Law and Nyaya Bandhu programs assist citizens in safeguarding their rights.
Reflecting on the significance of the campaign, Chief Justice Vijay Bishnoi stated that “the Constitution of India embodies the values, principles, and governance framework of the nation. He stressed that all state organs derive their authority from the Constitution, which binds the legislative, executive, and judicial branches and guides the functioning of the state while ensuring citizens’ rights and responsibilities.”
He noted the necessity of constitutional awareness for all citizens to lead dignified lives in a just society.
In his address, the Hon’ble Minister highlighted that the Constitution protects Indian citizens and emphasized the significance of planting saplings as a tribute to the women members of the Constituent Assembly, who have often been unsung heroes in India’s democratic narrative. He acknowledged Syed Muhammad Saadulla, the only member from Assam on the Drafting Committee of the Constitution, and remembered Late Smt. Leela Roy, a female member of the Assembly. The Minister underscored the importance of recognizing the contributions of individuals in the Constitution’s formation, especially from Assam, as part of the 75th anniversary celebrations.
He paid tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar for his pivotal role in drafting the Constitution and elaborated on the symbolism of the Ashoka Chakra in the national flag.
Dignitaries were presented with special mementos featuring the Preamble of the Constitution of India, and Shri Niraj Kumar Gayagi, Joint Secretary of the Department of Justice, delivered the vote of thanks.
The event attracted approximately 1,400 participants, including judges from the Gauhati High Court, officials from the High Court Registry, members of the Assam State Legal Services Authority, advocates, judicial officers, Village-Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), students and faculty from National Law University, Guwahati, and representatives from the Central and State governments. Several stakeholders from the Department of Justice also joined virtually, enhancing the event’s outreach and inclusivity.
The ‘Hamara Samvidhan Hamara Samman’ campaign was officially launched by the Hon’ble Vice President of India on January 24, 2024, at the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, aiming to promote understanding of the Indian Constitution and raise awareness about legal rights. Previous successful events took place in Bikaner and Prayagraj, and the Guwahati event marks a significant advancement in furthering the campaign’s objectives, reaching diverse communities in the Northeast.