Architects of Democracy: The Journey of India’s Constituent Assembly

The  Constituent Assembly  of India, convened in 1946, undertook the monumental task of drafting the nation’s  Constitution . Over 2 years, 11 months, 18 days, this assembly deliberated on various aspects of governance, ultimately shaping the foundational document of the world’s largest  democracy . Alongside its primary mandate of crafting the Constitution, the  Constituent Assembly  also engaged in pivotal decisions and ceremonial proceedings that defined the early trajectory of independent India.

Beyond the Constitution: The Multifaceted Role of India’s Constituent Assembly

• Ratified India’s membership of the Commonwealth in May 1949.
• Adopted the National Flag on July 22, 1947.
• Adopted National Song & National Anthem on Jan 24, 1950.
• Elected  Rajendra Prasad  as the first President of India on Jan 24, 1950.
• Final Session: It was held on 24th January 1950. However, it continued as the provisional  Parliament  of India from Jan 26, 1950, till the formation of the new Parliament (May 1952).
• Total Sessions: 11; Total time: 2 years, 11 months, 18 days.
• Total expenditure: 64 lakh.
• Time taken by the Framers of Constitutions in other Countries:
• • U.S.A: Less than 4 months
  • Canada: About 2 years and 6 months
  • Australia: About 9 years
  • South Africa: 1 year

Important Facts about the Indian Constitution

• Elephant was adopted as the symbol (seal) of the Constituent Assembly.
• Sir B.N. Rau was the Constitutional Adviser to the Constituent Assembly.
• H.V.R. Iyengar was Secretary to the constituent Assembly.
• S.N. Mukherjee was the chief draftsman of the constitution in the constituent Assembly.
• Prem Behari Raizada was the calligrapher of the Constitution.
• Nand Lal Bose and B.R. Sinha decorated and beautified the  Constitution .
• Hindi version calligraphy done by Vasant Krishan Vaidya and illuminated by Nand Lal Bose.