Upholding Constitutional Duties: Paving the Way for Viksit Bharat

On 26 November 2025, India observed the 76ᵗʰ Constitution Day, a moment that commemorates the adoption of the country’s guiding charter. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation through a personal letter, urging citizens to prioritize their constitutional duties alongside their rights. His message emphasized that the path to a developed India — envisioned as “Viksit Bharat” by 2047 — is inseparably linked to the active participation and responsibility of every Indian citizen.

PM Modi stressed that fulfilling duties is key to India’s progress. (PTI) | India Today

The Constitution as the Nation’s Guiding Light

In his letter, the Prime Minister reflected on his personal journey, recalling how the Constitution empowered individuals from modest backgrounds to participate meaningfully in national life. He highlighted two symbolic acts that shaped his reverence for the Constitution: bowing at the steps of Parliament after assuming office in 2014, and placing the Constitution on his forehead after the 2019 election victory. These gestures signify the centrality of constitutional values in guiding India’s democratic journey.

He also paid tribute to the framers of the Constitution — including Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, and the many pioneering women of the Constituent Assembly — recognizing their vision and sacrifice in shaping the nation’s democratic foundation. This Constitution, he noted, is not merely a legal document but a living instrument that empowers citizens while demanding responsibility.

The Significance of Constitution Day 2025

This year’s celebration of Constitution Day holds added resonance. It coincides with the 150ᵗʰ birth anniversaries of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Birsa Munda, the 150ᵗʰ anniversary of the national slogan “Vande Mataram,” and the 350ᵗʰ martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur. Prime Minister Modi highlighted that such milestones remind citizens of their duty to uphold the values enshrined in the Constitution, particularly the duties outlined in Article 51A.

He also emphasized the importance of voting as both a right and a responsibility, urging schools and colleges to honor first-time voters and instill in them a sense of civic duty from the outset. By linking constitutional observance with active citizenship, the Prime Minister’s message positioned every individual as a stakeholder in India’s democratic and developmental journey.

Viksit Bharat 2047: A Vision for the Future

The call to prioritize constitutional duties is closely tied to India’s ambitious goal of becoming a fully developed nation by 2047, the centenary of independence. Viksit Bharat 2047 envisions a country characterized by inclusive growth, strong governance, technological advancement, and equitable social development. The government underscores that achieving this vision requires not only robust policies but also active citizen participation across all sectors of society.

Civic responsibility — from voting to upholding the rule of law and contributing to societal progress — is central to this vision. By emphasizing duties, the Prime Minister reminded citizens that rights alone cannot sustain a democracy; they must be balanced with a commitment to national development and social cohesion.

Challenges on the Road to Development

While the vision of Viksit Bharat is inspiring, realizing it poses significant challenges. Structural reforms in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and governance must accompany citizen engagement to ensure tangible progress. Equally important is nurturing a culture of responsibility, particularly among youth and marginalized communities, to create a society where democracy thrives through active participation.

Maintaining the core values of equality, liberty, justice, and fraternity remains a continuous endeavor in a diverse and complex nation. The Prime Minister’s emphasis on constitutional duties thus serves as a timely reminder that national development is both a collective responsibility and a moral imperative.

The MGMM Outlook

On the occasion of the 76ᵗʰ Constitution Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of balancing rights with responsibilities, highlighting that active citizen participation is essential for building a developed India by 2047. Recalling personal experiences that shaped his respect for the Constitution, he paid tribute to its framers, including Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and other pioneering members of the Constituent Assembly. The Prime Minister also linked the celebration to significant historical milestones, such as the 150ᵗʰ anniversaries of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Birsa Munda, stressing that these events serve as reminders of the moral and civic duties every citizen must uphold. Emphasizing voting, civic engagement, and adherence to constitutional values, he positioned individual responsibility as a cornerstone of democratic growth and national progress.

The vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 reflects India’s ambition to achieve inclusive development, technological advancement, and equitable social growth by the centenary of independence. Achieving this vision requires both structural reforms in education, healthcare, governance, and infrastructure, as well as fostering a culture of accountability and civic responsibility among citizens. Upholding the values of equality, justice, liberty, and fraternity is central to this journey, and the Prime Minister’s message underscores that sustainable national development depends not only on government policies but on the active engagement and conscientious participation of the people.

(Sources: India Today, India TV News, Business Today)