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Constitution and Defence : 26/11

संविधान और संरक्षण : Dr Johnson Odakkal & Swastika Jadhav


26/11 is a special day of Indian Governance and Guarding the Sea Frontiers ever entwined into a single date. As Team #JohnsonOdakkalInitiatives emerged from building a team through #Transitions, #Shifts and #Bridges it was poignant to note that 26/11 will remain a twin sided focus of recall and remembrance.

India celebrates today the 73rd Constitution Day, also known as National Law Day or the Samvidhan Diwas. We commemorate January 26 as Republic Day since it was the day the Constitution of India came into force. It is an extended celebration of November 26th, when the Constitution was completed in 1949 after an enormous amount of work stretching 2 years, 11 months and 18 days to be exact. Transforming India from a Dominion status into an independent Constitutional entity was a major challenge. The country that perfectly exemplifies the phrase "Unity in Diversity". The inaugural Constitution Day in India was observed in 2015, which also coincides to be Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's 125th birthday. Dr. Ambedkar's contribution to the drafting of India's constitution was unprecedented. Therefore, in November 2015, the Indian government made the historic decision to mark Constitution Day on November 26 each year. An easy to carry special edition of the Constitution received from NLIU Bhopal at the 3rd All India Legal History Congress is a treasured gift at JOI.


The Indian Constitution emerges as an illustrious chapter in the global legal tradition of written constitutions. The journey of evolution of many other constitutions across USA, Japan and Korea to name a few comes alive with the dynamic and growing character of the Indian Constitution. A comprehensive, voluminous document with 105 amendments made by the Parliament to the original 395 articles of the Constitution. It was a tectonic shift in writing of law and codification of the core governance of a nation. India was served by the 389 members of the Constituent Assembly who laboured to gift us this Constitution!


Fourteen years ago came a significant shift in the public perception of ocean security in India. The day serves as a unique memorial day for the country's bloodiest attacks, which occurred in its financial capital city Aamchi Mumbai. The attacks served as a wake-up call for local establishments and administrations to address seaborne security concerns. Security measures have been evolved over time, and the navy now maintains a formidable security fortress all around coasts. The latest coastal security exercise “Sea Vigil 2022” is a saga of continuing effort to connect coastal communities with the Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard, State machinery, marine police and other agencies to say, “Never Again” towards any attempt to breach the maritime frontiers.


A year ago, the Department of Civics & Politics, University of Mumbai held a special symposium on “Maritime Security Lessons from 26/11.” The observations reflected on the maritime character of India and the strides made in over a decade to synergise coastal security. A nation that is geographically and culturally maritime in origin will stay focussed to shed all remaining sea-blindness and use the maritime domain for effective voyage of growth.


As our country advances it is gaining the global prominence it deserves. With its rich legacy, vibrant culture, and cutting-edge technical achievements, our glorious nation is ready to make its mark on the entire world. With the Presidency of G20 now with India, this nation with its history and character is poised to collaboratively lead the emerging geopolitics through robust geoconomics especially in ocean canvas. We as #TeamJOI are committed in our quest to enhance #KnowledgeInfluence for significance and growth. Do stay connected at www.johnsonodakkal.com


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