Constitution Day celebrated in Nagaland

Our Correspondent

Kohima, Nov. 26 (EMN): Nagaland on Tuesday celebrated Constitution Day to commemorate the anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of India, which marked the beginning of a new era in the history of the country.

Participants at the event took a pledge on the preamble of the Constitution of India here at the Capital Convention centre in Kohima on Tuesday. The event was organised by the department of Justice and Law.

Addressing the gathering, Minister of Justice and Law, CM Chang, said that, for this year, it was decided to focus on the section of the Constitution that pertains to fundamental duties of every citizen.

He said that it is important to “know and create awareness on one’s duties to perform”. Being aware about one’s fundamental duties as directed in the Constitution should be reflected in one’s conduct, he added. 

“It is convenient to claim only our rights and seek to enforce those rights in a court of law but forget that performing our duties is as important as our rights,” Chang said adding that one has the responsibility to carry out fundamental duties as a citizen.

‘Although the law cannot enforce fundamental duties, it is the moral obligation of every right-thinking citizen to perform and uphold the values of the duties. Fundamental duties are intended to serve as a constant reminder of the duties and responsibilities of every citizen’, the minister added.

Through action, one can influence society, environment and the government, he said. Chnag encouraged everyone to observe and uphold the fundamental duties prescribed by the Constitution and the aspiration of the founding fathers of democratic India.

Khanrinla T Koza, secretary of the department of Justice and Law, spoke on why the government initiated Constitution Day. Fundamental duties have been enshrined in the Indian Constitution for the objective of an ideal state where citizens get involved in governance and are expected to follow the fundamental duties, she said.

“When one follows them from their heart, it will go a long way. One can make a lot of contribution to the world and to the country in particular,” Koza said.

Chief Secretary of Nagaland, Temjen Toy administered the pledge during the event. He also spoke about the importance of fundamental duties inserted in Part IV A of the Indian Constitution.

Yearlong statewide campaign

Chang, during the event, launched the yearlong statewide campaign on Constitution and fundamental duties. The campaign’s duration is from November 26, 2019 to November 26, 2020.

In these twelve months, different governmental departments along with associations will conduct an event every month to sensitise citizens on one’s duties. The awareness will be raised by conducting rallies, seminars, dialogues, plastic waste collection drives, etc.