Historical significance of 24 January 1950

Historical significance of 24 January 1950

Keywords:Election of first President of India, decision on Vande Mataram & Jan Gana Mana, Translation of the Constitution of India in Hindi, signing of the handwritten original Constitution of India(Bharat)  in Hindi and English

(1)STATEMENT RE: NATIONAL ANTHEM^*

   Dr Rajendra Prasad  : There is one matter which has been pending for discussion, namely the question of the National Anthem. At one time it was thought that the matter might be brought up before the House and a decision taken by the House by way of a resolution. But it has been felt that, instead of taking a formal decision by means of a resolution, it is better if I make a statement with regard to the National Anthem. Accordingly I make this statement.

     The composition consisting of the words and music known as Jana Gana Mana is the National Anthem of India, subject to such alterations in the words as the Government may authorise as occasion arises; and the song Vande Mataram, which has played a historic part in the struggle for Indian freedom, shall be honoured equally with Jana Gana Mana and shall have equal status with it. (Applause). I hope this will satisfy the Members.

^{* Constituent Assembly Debate Dated 24 January 1950}

(2)ELECTION OF PRESIDENT OF INDIA

    Dr Rajendra Prasad: The next item is the announcement of the result of the elections. I call upon Shri H. V. R. Iengar, the Returning Officer and the Secretary of the Constituent Assembly to make the announcement.

     Shri H.V.R. Iengar Returning Officer and  Secretary, Constitutent  Assembly)- Mr. President, I have to inform honourable Members that only one nomination paper has been received for the office of the President of India. The name of that candidate is Dr. Rajendra Prasad. (Loud and prolonged cheers.) His nomination has been proposed by PanditJawaharlal Nehru (Renewed Cheers) and seconded by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (Continued Cheers), Under sub-rule (1) of rule 8 of the Rules for the election of the President, I hereby declare Dr. Rajendra Prasad to be duly elected to the Office of President of India. (Prolonged Cheers).

^{* Constituent Assembly Debate Dated 24 January 1950}

(3) SIGNING OF THE HINDI TRANSLATION OF THE CONSTITUTION^*

     Dr Rajendra Prasad : Now there are two things more which remain to be done. One is the authentication or rather the certification of the Hindi Translation of the Constitution. Honourable Members will recollect that this House authorised me by a resolution to get the Hindi translation prepared, and printed and published before the 26th of January. That has been done. The House also authorised me to get translations in other languages prepared, printed and published. That work has not yet been completed; it has been taken up.

     I will ask Shri Ghanshyam Singh Gupta to let me have the Hindi Translation so that I may formally place it before, the House and certify it.

     (The Honourable Shri Ghanshyam Singh Gupta handed over to Mr. President copies of the Hindi Translation of the Constitution. Mr. President then signed them.)

^{* Constituent Assembly Debate Dated 24 January 1950}

(4)SIGNING OF THE CONSTITUTION^*

      Dr Rajendra Prasad: The only thing that now remains is the signing of the copy of the Constitution by the Members. There are three copies ready. One is in English completely hand-written and illuminated by artists. The second copy is in print in English. The third copy is also hand-written in Hindi. All the three copies are laid on the table and Members will be requested one by one to come and sign the copies. The idea is to call them in the order in which they are sitting in the House now. But, as the Honourable the Prime Minister has to go on public duty, I will request him first to sign them.

^{* Constituent Assembly Debate Dated 24 January 1950}