On Tuesday, India’s paramilitary forces celebrated the 70th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution, marking the occasion with ceremonies at their headquarters, unit offices, and field deployments across the country. The celebrations reflected the commitment of the forces to uphold and defend the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution, which came into effect on January 26, 1950.
Senior officials, including Chiefs of various units and Director Generals of the paramilitary forces, led the observances by administering oaths to their personnel. During these ceremonies, security force members pledged to uphold the principles of the Constitution, with particular emphasis on the values outlined in its Preamble—justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.
Oath of constitutional values across units
At the heart of the celebrations was the reaffirmation of the commitment to constitutional values. Personnel across different forces took the oath to adhere to these principles in both their professional and personal lives. The Director Generals and Chiefs who led the proceedings reiterated the importance of the Constitution in guiding the actions of the security forces, which serve as protectors of the nation’s sovereignty and peace.
Special celebrations were held in sensitive and strategic locations where paramilitary forces are deployed. For instance, in conflict-prone regions such as Chhattisgarh and Kashmir, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) marked the occasion by reciting the Preamble and taking a solemn oath.
ITBP observes constitution day in multiple locations
In Chhattisgarh, a region that often sees tensions due to Maoist insurgency, ITBP personnel stationed in Kohka and Rajnandgaon took part in Constitution Day celebrations. Similarly, ITBP forces on election duty in Chatra, Jharkhand, also observed the day by reading the Preamble of the Constitution, reinforcing their dedication to ensuring peace and stability in these sensitive areas.
Moreover, employees from the Mountaineering and Skiing Institute, located in the picturesque region of Auli in Uttarakhand, participated in the celebrations, highlighting the wide-ranging commitment of ITBP personnel, even in non-combat units.
CRPF and SSB Join nationwide celebrations
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) also celebrated Constitution Day across various locations, including Naxal-affected regions. In Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli, a district with a history of insurgency, CRPF personnel gathered to read the Preamble, led by Director-General RR Bhatnagar. The oath reinforced the force’s commitment to uphold constitutional values while maintaining peace and security in challenging environments.
In Punjab, the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) observed Constitution Day in Gurdaspur, a district near the India-Pakistan border. Personnel pledged to continue serving the nation while abiding by the principles outlined in the Constitution.
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BSF and other forces mark constitution day
The Border Security Force (BSF), responsible for guarding India’s land borders, also celebrated Constitution Day at its headquarters and unit offices. The force’s leadership highlighted the importance of upholding the Constitution as the supreme law of the land while discharging their duties at the nation’s frontiers.
A day of unity and national pride
The celebrations across the paramilitary forces showcased their unwavering commitment to defending the nation’s constitutional framework. Whether in headquarters or in remote conflict zones, the observance of Constitution Day served as a reminder of the values that bind the nation together and the responsibility of the forces to protect those values. As the nation commemorates the 70th anniversary of the adoption of its Constitution, the paramilitary forces reaffirmed their role as defenders of democracy, justice, and the rule of law.
