"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."
- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
25 Nov 2024
India’s first-ever Constitution Museum was inaugurated on Saturday at O.P. Jindal Global University (JGU), Haryana, by Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. This historic milestone, coincides with the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the Indian Constitution on 26 November.
Shri Om Birla stated that the museum will familiarize current and future generations with the foundational ideals of our Constitution and the vibrant debates that shaped it. He commended Naveen Jindal, Chancellor of JGU, for spearheading this initiative to honor the vision of India’s founding fathers.
The museum serves as a rich repository of knowledge, offering an immersive experience that guides visitors through the history and core principles of the Indian Constitution. Through advanced technology and multimedia storytelling, the exhibits vividly recreate the atmosphere of pre-independence India, leading up to the momentous events that shaped the drafting of the Constitution.
With features like 360-degree visual displays and detailed chronological narratives, the museum provides an in-depth exploration of the Constitution's foundational elements and key provisions. Visitors are invited to reflect on the enduring values of equality, liberty, fraternity, and justice, which have been pivotal in shaping the democratic fabric of modern India.
Addressing the gathering, Naveen Jindal, Chancellor of JGU, emphasized the significance of the Constitution as the world’s longest written charter and a symbol of the extraordinary efforts of the Constituent Assembly.
Jindal remarked that the museum serves as a reminder of the vision, sacrifices, and foresight of India’s founding fathers. He highlighted that it celebrates the Constitution as a transformative document, one that has brought about profound social, economic, and political change in the country.
Highlighting the occasion, Jindal spoke about the National Convention on the Constitution, hosted by JGU from November 23 to 25, which brought together distinguished speakers to discuss democracy and constitutionalism in India.
Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal described the Constitution as a guiding philosophy for India and the world. He remarked that the principles of equality, liberty, and fraternity form the cornerstone of our Constitution. He further stated that Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, its chief architect, believed that true independence could only be achieved through equality.
He added that the museum stands as a tribute to Ambedkar’s enduring legacy and expressed hope that parliamentarians and legislators would visit to gain a modern, digital perspective on the making of the Constitution.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla also recalled Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call in 2015 to celebrate Constitution Day, urging Indians to honor the efforts of those who framed this foundational document. “Our democracy has united diverse cultures, languages, and traditions, exemplifying the spirit of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' and 'the world is one family' throughout its 75-year journey." he added.
The museum’s opening also marked the commemoration of 75 years since the adoption of the Constitution on November 26, 1949, a day that holds immense historical and cultural significance for India.
Professor C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of JGU, expressed pride in hosting the museum and the accompanying convention. He added that the convention featured distinguished speakers from law, politics, and public life, enriching discussions on the Constitution’s enduring relevance in India’s democratic framework.
As India celebrates 75 years of constitutional democracy, the Constitution Museum at JGU serves as a symbol of its foundational ideals. It provides citizens with an opportunity to delve into the document’s timeless values and gain a deeper understanding of its transformative power.
India’s first Constitution Museum is more than a celebration of history—it’s a call to action for every citizen to embrace the ideals of justice, liberty, and equality that define the nation.