-by INDIAN CONSTITUTION NOW IN ASSAMESE, BODO AND OTHER REGIONAL LANGUAGES
During the 76th Constitution Day observances on 26 November 2025, the Government of India introduced a major accessibility initiative: new digital editions of the Constitution in several regional tongues, including Assamese and Bodo. These releases form part of a broader push to ensure that citizens can study the nation’s founding document in the language they naturally speak.
As part of the event, President Droupadi Murmu presented nine freshly translated and updated versions prepared by the Legislative Department of the Union Law Ministry. The set of languages covered in this phase includes:
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Bodo-Assamese-Kashmiri-Malayalam-Marathi-Nepali-Odia-Punjabi-Telugu
One of the most widely welcomed developments has been the debut of the Bodo translation. For many within the community, it symbolises a meaningful acknowledgement of their linguistic and cultural heritage.
These digital editions are expected to be available through the Legislative Department’s official platform. The government has also reiterated its intention to eventually publish the Constitution in all 22 languages recognised in the Eighth Schedule, ensuring nationwide linguistic inclusion.
1. 76th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of
India.
❖ SYLLABUS: GS II
❖ SUBJECTS: Indian polity
❖ SOURCE: Assam Tribune
Why is it in the News?
• India is observing Constitution Day (Samvidhan Diwas) on November 26, 2025, to commemorate the adoption of
the Constitution in 1949.
• The celebrations this year, to be held at Samvidhan Sadan, focus on reaffirming democratic traditions and launching the Constitution in regional languages.
The Constitution of India was recently released in translated versions of the following nine languages by President Droupadi Murmu on November 26, 2025, to commemorate Constitution Day:
•Assamese
•Bodo (first time edition)
•Kashmiri (first time edition)
•Malayalam
•Marathi
•Nepali
•Odia
•Punjabi
•Telugu
Significance of the Day
• Historical Milestone: On November 26, 1949, the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution. However, it came into force on January 26, 1950 (Republic Day) to honor the Poorna Swaraj resolution of 1930.
• Origin of Observance: The Government of India declared November 26 as Constitution Day in 2015 to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. (Previously observed as Law Day).
• 2025 Celebrations: The event will be held in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan with a focus on linguistic inclusivity, launching the Constitution in nine languages.
The Constituent Assembly
• Composition: The Assembly had 299 members (post-partition). Though elected indirectly by provincial assemblies, it was a “microcosm of India,” representing diverse religions, languages, and cultures. Deliberative Process:
• Duration: The Assembly sat for over two years.
• Rigor: Held roughly 1,600 meetings to debate provisions.
• Integration: Tasked with unifying over 500 princely states (e.g., Hyderabad, Junagadh) into one Union.
Key Visionaries and Their Roles • Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: Chairman of the Drafting Committee; the “Architect” who ensured the document focused on Social Justice and legal clarity
.
• Jawaharlal Nehru: Infused the vision of Secularism and Socialism ; emphasized the protection of individual liberties
.
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel : The “Iron Man” responsible for National Integration and unity
.
•
KM Munshi : Key strategist in defining Fundamental Rights and the structure of the state
. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
Key Facts About the Indian Constitution
• It is the longest written constitution of any sovereign country in the world.
• Handcrafted: The original was neither printed nor typeset. It was entirely handwritten and calligraphed.
• English Version: Written by Prem Behari Narain Raizada in a flowing italic style.
• Hindi Version: Written by Vasant Krishan Vaidya.
• Every page was decorated by artists from Shantiniketan, led by Nandalal Bose.
• Beohar Rammanohar Sinha designed the intricate Preamble border.
• Illustrations depict India’s history, ranging from Mohenjo- Daro and Vedic Gurukuls to the Freedom Struggle.
• Timeline: It took precisely 2 years, 11 months, and 18 days to finalize.
About The Illustrations (Nandalal Bose & Team)
• Total Illustrations: 22 illustrations, one at the beginning of each part of the Constitution.
• Theme: The art depicts the history of India from the Indus Valley Civilization to the Freedom Struggle.
• Part I (Union & Territory): Bull Seal of Mohenjo- Daro (Indus Valley).
• Part III (Fundamental Rights): Lord Rama returning to Ayodhya (Victory of Good over Evil).
• Part IV (DPSP): Scene from Mahabharata (Arjuna and Krishna).
• Part V (Union): Buddha preaching (Enlightenment). Other Scenes: Akbar’s Court, Shivaji, Guru Gobind Singh, Rani of Jhansi, and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
(Pros): Challenges
• Moral Compass: The Constitution is not just a legal rulebook but a vehicle for social transformation (Transformative Constitutionalism).
• Synthesis: It successfully harmonized indigenous values with global best practices (US, UK, Ireland).
• Living Document: It remains “comprehensive and forward-looking,” capable of adapting to new challenges through amendments (Article 368). Challenges/Criticism:
• Representation: Critics argue the Assembly lacked a direct mandate (no Universal Adult Franchise used for the Assembly elections).
• Implementation Gap: While the text envisions equality, the journey to realize this fully for marginalized sections is “ongoing.”
Way Forward
• Linguistic Accessibility: The 2025 initiative to release the Constitution in nine languages is a vital step toward making constitutional knowledge accessible to the masses.
• Reaffirming Values: We must move beyond ceremonial celebration to practicing Constitutional Morality—adhering to the core values of Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity in daily governance.
• Spirit of Dialogue: To solve modern legislative deadlocks, the current political class should emulate the Constructive Debate style of the Constituent Assembly.