Archive · 25 Jan 2026
India Celebrates 76 Years of Constitution Signing
Seventy-six years ago, on January 24, 1950, 264 members of the Constituent Assembly in India signed the Constitution.
They signed three copies, two of which were handwritten in English and Hindi.
These copies had beautiful calligraphy and 22 illustrations by artists from Shantiniketan, led by Nandalal Bose.
The first page had the national symbol designed by Dinanath Bhargava, who visited the Kolkata Zoo to make sure the lions looked real.
The members also took a group photo that day.
The Constitution is important because it helps guide India's social and economic changes.
The illustrated Constitution is also seen as a special art piece that shows India's history and unity.
However, some people think the Constitution hasn't fully helped everyone equally, especially those who have been treated unfairly in the past.
264 members of the Constituent Assembly signed the Constitution of India 76 years ago on January 24, 1950.
Three copies were signed, two of which were handwritten in English and Hindi with 22 illustrations by Shantiniketan artists led by Nandalal Bose.
The English calligraphy was by Prem Behari Narayan Raizada, and the Hindi calligraphy was by Vasant K Vaidya.
The national symbol on the first page was designed by Dinanath Bhargava, who visited the Kolkata Zoo to ensure the lions looked real.
The members took a group photograph on the day of signing, which is considered iconic.
- Who
- 264 members of the Constituent Assembly
- What
- Signed the Constitution of India
- When
- January 24, 1950 (76 years ago)
- Where
- New Delhi, India
- Why
- To formally adopt and sign the Constitution
Democratic and Artistic Significance
Critiques of Constitutional Implementation
Constitution's Role in Social Transformation
Democratic and Artistic Significance
The Constitution is seen as a charter for profound socio-economic transformation, embodying ideals of justice, liberty, and equality.
Critiques of Constitutional Implementation
Critics argue that the Constitution has not fully lived up to its emancipatory promises, particularly for marginalized communities like Dalits.
Artistic and Cultural Value
Democratic and Artistic Significance
The Constitution is celebrated as a blend of democratic vision and artistic excellence, with its handwritten copies and illustrations by renowned artists.
Critiques of Constitutional Implementation
Some view the artistic aspects as secondary to the constitutional principles, emphasizing the need for practical implementation over aesthetic value.
- Date of Signing
- January 24, 1950
- Number of Signatories
- 264
- Copies Signed
- 3
- Languages
- English and Hindi
- Illustrations
- 22 by Shantiniketan artists
- Lead Artist
- Nandalal Bose
- Calligraphers
- Prem Behari Narayan Raizada (English), Vasant K Vaidya (Hindi)
- National Symbol Designer
- Dinanath Bhargava
Sources
76 years ago, 264 Constituent Assembly members signed Indian Constitution: Jairam Ramesh
76 years after its signing, Jairam Ramesh reflects on making of Constitution - Telegraph India
‘Historic union of democracy and art’: Ramesh reflects on 76 years since India’s constitution signing
Republic Day 2026: These Books Deepen Understanding Of India's Constitution
