Chicago IL: The second Constitution Day or ‘Samvidhan Diwas’ was solemnly celebrated at the premises of the Consulate General of India in Chicago on 25th November, 2016. The day commemorates the adoption of the Constitution of India by the Constituent Assembly on 26th November, 1949.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, considered as the chief architect of the Constitution of India, served as the Chairman of the 389-member Drafting Committee of the Constitution and played a pioneering role in the finalization of Constitution of India. Last year, a National Committee under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister of India took a decision to celebrate the “Constitution Day” every year as part of the 125th Birth Anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
While delivering his opening remarks on the occasion, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General of India outlined the significance of the ‘Constitution Day’ and recalled the pioneering work done by the Drafting Committee of the Constituent Assembly under the Chairmanship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in drafting the Constitution of India.
The Consul General emphasized that the Constitution of India does not discriminate anyone on the basis of religion, creed, sex or any other ground. It is the duty of every citizen of India, therefore, to uphold the Constitution both in its letter and spirit. The Consul General also read out the Preamble of the Constitution of India.
During the programme, a film on the life and times of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar received from XP Division of MEA was screened to showcase the contribution of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in drafting the Constitution and upliftment of the downtrodden and oppressed section of the Society. A photo exhibition of photographs on Dr. Ambedkar was also organized as part of the celebration.
The event was attended by a cross-section of prominent Indian-Americans residing in Chicagoland. On this occasion, the Indian Diaspora was also briefed about the upcoming events of the Consulate as well as 14th Pravasi Bhartiya Divas Convention to be held in Bengaluru from 7th-9th January, 2017. The PIOs/OCIs were encouraged to register and participate in the 14th PBD Convention in large numbers. OP Meena, Consul, proposed a vote of thanks.
