PM Narendra Modi also paid respects to the victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks

The spirit of the Indian constitution is "youth-centric," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while addressing Constitution Day celebrations in the Supreme Court of India on Saturday.

The Prime Minister emphasised the youth-centric ethos by stating that the constitution is renowned for its openness, being futuristic, and its contemporary perspective. He recognised the importance of young people and their strength in all facets of India's development.

While wishing everyone a happy Constitution Day, the Prime Minister noted that on this day in 1949, independent India built the basis for a brighter future for itself.

He emphasised the significance of Constitution Day in the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsava year. Additionally, he praised all of the country's citizens for their contributions to the construction and growth of the Indian Constitution over the last 70 decades, highlighting the numerous members of the Legislature, Judiciary, and Executive who made these achievements possible.

PM Modi also paid respects to the victims of the Mumbai terror attacks that claimed the lives of many people. He referred to November 26, 2001, as a "dark day" in India's history and noted that the enemies of mankind carried out the country's biggest terrorist attack on that day.

In spite of early concerns about its stability, India is forging ahead with all of its might and taking pleasure in its diversity. He attributed this achievement to the Constitution.

He continued by referring to the first three words of the Preamble and saying, "‘We the people’ is a call, trust and an oath. This spirit of the constitution is the spirit of India, that has been the mother of democracy in the world."

"In the modern time, the Constitution has embraced all the cultural and moral emotions of the nation," he added.

The Prime Minister referred to the Amrit Kaal as the "Kartavya Kaal," stressing that the Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal is based on the principle that our responsibility to the country comes first and foremost.

"The Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal is the time for duty towards the country. Be it people or institutions, our responsibilities are our first priority," he said.

The Prime Minister highlighted the need to raise India's standing and reputation throughout the world as a unit as India would take over the G20 presidency in a week. He said,

"It is our collective responsibility."

"The identity of India as the mother of democracy needs to be further strengthened," he added.

The Prime Minister bemoaned the lack of attention given to the accomplishments of women like Dakshaini Velayudhan, noting that she made significant contributions on a number of issues affecting labourers and Dalits. He cited Rajkumari Amrit Kaur, Hansa Mehta, and Durgabai Deshmukh as examples of women who made important contributions to issues affecting women.

He said, "When our youth will get to know these facts, they will find the answers to their questions."

He continued, "It will build loyalty towards the constitution which will strengthen our democracy, our constitution and the future of the country."

PM Modi concluded his address by saying, "In the Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal, this is the need of the country. I hope this Constitution Day will give more energy to our resolutions in this direction."