Today, 75 years ago...Modi recalls first sitting of Constituent Assembly

Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 9

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday recalled the first sitting of the Constituent Assembly of India tasked to frame the Constitution and urged youngsters to learn more about the historic day.

“Today, 75 years ago our Constituent Assembly met for the first time. Distinguished people from different parts of India, different backgrounds and even differing ideologies came together with one aim to give the people of India a worthy Constitution. Tributes to these greats,” the PM said on Twitter.

He said the first sitting of the Constituent Assembly was presided over by Dr Sachchidananda Sinha, who was the eldest member of the Assembly.

“He was introduced and conducted to the Chair by Acharya Kripalani. Today, as we mark 75 years of the historic sitting of our Constituent Assembly, I would urge my young friends to know more about this august gathering’s proceedings and about the eminent stalwarts who were a part of it. Doing so would be an intellectually enriching experience,” added the PM.

The Constituent Assembly met for the first time in New Delhi on December 9, 1946 in the Constitution Hall which is now known as the Central Hall of Parliament House. Decorated elegantly for the occasion, the Chamber wore a new look on that day with a constellation of bright lamps hanging from the high ceilings and also from the brackets on its walls.

Overwhelmed and jubilant as they were, the members sat in semi-circular rows facing the Presidential dias. The desks which could be warmed electrically were placed on sloping green-carpeted terraces. Those who adorned the front row were Jawaharlal Nehru, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Acharya JB Kripalani, Dr Rajendra Prasad, Sarojini Naidu, Hare Krushna Mahatab, Pandit Govind Ballabh Pant, Dr BR Ambedkar, Sarat Chandra Bose, C Rajagopalachari and M Asaf Ali. Two hundred and seven representatives, including nine women were present.

The inaugural session began at 11 am with the introduction of Dr Sachchidananda Sinha, the temporary Chairman of the Assembly, by Acharya Kripalani. While welcoming Dr Sinha and others, Acharyaji said: "As we begin every work with divine blessings, we request Dr Sinha to invoke these blessings so that our work may proceed smoothly. Now, I once more, on your behalf, call upon Dr Sinha to take the Chair."

The Constituent Assembly took almost three years (two years, eleven months and seventeen days to be precise) to complete its historic task of drafting the Constitution for Independent India. During this period, it held 11 sessions covering a total of 165 days. Of these, 114 days were spent on the consideration of the Draft Constitution.

As to its composition, members were chosen by indirect election by the members of the Provincial Legislative Assemblies, according to the scheme recommended by the Cabinet Mission.