#ConstitutionDay: Why is it celebrated on Nov 26; Rarely known facts about Constitution of India

New Delhi, Nov 26: As it was declared by Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, the first Constitution Day has been celebrated across India on Thursday, Nov 26.

While laying foundation of Dr Ambedkar Memorial at Indu-Mills Compound in Mumbai, Modi announced that the country will observe "Constitution Day" on Nov 26.

The Prime Minister claimed that India will pay its tribute to "the great men and women" who gave the country its constitution, and remembering the "stellar contribution" of Dr B R Ambedkar, its architect.

On Thursday, Modi wrote on Twitter, "Greetings to people of India on the historic occasion of 1st Constitution Day. May this day inspire you to know more about our Constitution."

Why did Modi chose Nov 26?

Narendra Modi chose Nov 26 as on this day in 1949, the constitution was adopted by the Constituent Assembly. However, it came into force on Jan 26, 1950 which is celebrated as India's Republic Day.

Rarely known facts about Constitution of India:

• Constitution of India was neither printed nor typed. It was handwritten and calligraphed in both Hindi and English.
• Currently, the original copies have been kept in special helium-filled cases in the Library of the Parliament.
• It's the longest written constitution of any independent country of the world.
• Constitution of India borrowed several ideas from other countries, hence, it is known as a bag of borrowings.
• Concept of 5-year-plans was taken from USSR.
• Concepts of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity were taken from the French constitution
• The law, which the Supreme Court of India follows, was taken from Japan.
• Directive principles were taken from Ireland.
• The Constituent Assembly had 284 members including 15 women members.
• Constitution of India is known as the best constitution of the world as it has only seen 94 amendments.

OneIndia News