New Delhi, Nov 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday wrote a reflective letter to the citizens of India on the occasion of Constitution Day, invoking memories of the historic adoption of the Indian Constitution in 1949 while charting a forward-looking vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat (Developed India)’. He urged every Indian to place duties at the forefront as the nation moves confidently towards its centenary of Independence.

The Prime Minister recalled that in 2015, the Government of India officially declared November 26 as Constitution Day, a tribute not only to the founding document of the nation but also to the democracy it continues to strengthen.

In his letter, PM Modi emphasised how the Constitution has played a pivotal role in enabling common citizens to rise to positions of immense responsibility. He shared emotional memories of moments that shaped his reverence for democratic institutions.

“26th November is a day of immense pride for every Indian. It was on this very day in 1949 that the Constituent Assembly adopted the Constitution of India, a sacred document that has continued to guide the nation’s progress with clarity and conviction,” his letter reads.

“It is the power of our Constitution that enabled a person like me, coming from a humble and economically disadvantaged family, to serve as the Head of Government continuously for over 24 years. I still remember the moment in 2014, when I came to Parliament for the first time and bowed, touching the steps of the greatest temple of democracy. Again, in 2019, after the election results, when I entered the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan, I bowed and placed the Constitution on my forehead as a mark of reverence. This Constitution has given countless others, like me, the power to dream and the strength to work towards realising those dreams.”

The letter also paid rich tributes to the architects of the Indian Constitution, including Rajendra Prasad, B.R. Ambedkar and numerous distinguished women members of the Constituent Assembly who shaped its ideals. PM Modi recalled landmark events such as the Samvidhan Gaurav Yatra in Gujarat during the 60th anniversary of the Constitution, and the special Parliament session held recently during the 75th anniversary year — events that witnessed unprecedented public enthusiasm and participation.

Calling this year’s Constitution Day especially meaningful, he noted that it aligns with historic milestones: The 150th birth anniversaries of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the 150th anniversary of Vande Mataram, and the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. These moments, he said, remind citizens of the fundamental place of duties in national life — a principle enshrined in Article 51A of the Constitution.

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, PM Modi reiterated that rights are born from duties, asserting that the fulfilment of duties is the path towards social harmony, economic growth and national unity.

Looking ahead, the Prime Minister reflected on the transformative journey India stands poised to undertake. He noted that 25 years of the 21st century have already passed, and in just a little over two decades, India will complete 100 years of Independence. The year 2049 will also mark a century since the adoption of the Constitution — a moment, he said, that demands preparation beginning today.

He urged citizens to internalise duty as a guiding value in both personal and national development, adding that the policies and decisions made now will shape generations yet unborn.

The Prime Minister also underscored the responsibility of strengthening democracy by voting. He suggested that educational institutions celebrate Constitution Day by recognising first-time voters turning 18, instilling a sense of pride and accountability among the nation’s youth.

As he concluded the letter, PM Modi called upon all Indians to renew their pledge to build a nation rooted in constitutional ideals and driven by collective duty.

“Let us, on this Constitution Day, reaffirm our pledge to fulfil our duties as citizens of this great nation. In doing so, we can all contribute meaningfully to the building of a Viksit Bharat that is developed and empowered,” PM Modi said.

Guwahati, Nov 26: South Africa strengthened their grip to win the second Test as off-spinner Simon Harmer struck thrice, leaving India reeling at 90/5 in 47 overs at tea on day five’s play at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Chasing a historic 2-0 series sweep, South Africa took three wickets in the session and now sit just five away from victory with two sessions remaining. B Sai Sudharsan has faced 138 balls for 14 runs and has been engaging in a blockathon.

Ravindra Jadeja (23 not out) has also contributed to a fightback against the Proteas, but India’s chances of survival remain slim in terms of saving the game. However, the session belonged to South Africa and Harmer, who delivered a masterclass in flight, guile, and subtle variations to become the leading wicket-taker in the series.

In the morning, Sudharsan was dismissed by Marco Jansen but narrowly escaped when replays showed the fast bowler had overstepped, while Kuldeep Yadav had a reprieve when Aiden Markram dropped his catch at first slip.

Kuldeep’s nightwatchman duty ended at five when Harmer’s straighter delivery went through the gate to rattle the middle-stump. Three balls later, Harmer took another wicket when Dhruv Jurel looked to defend but got an outside edge and was caught by slip for two.

Rishabh Pant briefly lifted the hosts with his counterattack – hammering Keshav Maharaj for four, before dancing down the pitch to launch him for a towering six. But in an attempt to defend a slower delivery from Harmer, Pant was dismissed for 13 when extra bounce on the ball took the shoulder edge of the bat and lobbed to slip.

Harmer could have taken his fourth wicket if Markram hadn’t dropped a difficult catch of Sudharsan, who went on to be the third Indian batter to face over a hundred balls in this series, as another session dominated by South Africa drew to a close.

Brief Scores: South Africa 489 and 260/5d in 78.3 overs (Tristan Stubbs 94; Ravindra Jadeja 4/62) lead India 201 and 90/5 in 47 overs (Ravindra Jadeja 23 not out, B Sai Sudharsan 14 not out; Simon Harmer 4-23, Marco Jansen 1-16) by 459 runs

Mumbai: A 21-year-old collegian suffered burn injuries after his friend set him ablaze during his birthday revelry in Kurla area of Mumbai on Tuesday, leading to the arrest of five of his friends, police said.

A friend of Abdul Rehman Khan called him up in the morning and asked him to come down to meet them. When Khan arrived at the spot, his five friends made him cut a cake and threw eggs and stones at him.

One of them, identified as Ayaz Malik, brought a bottle of petrol he had kept in his scooter and poured it on Khan. Despite protests by Khan, Malik started a fire using a lighter, police said.

Khan ran towards the watchman’s cabin and asked him to pour water on him. He was rushed to a hospital, where he is undergoing treatment for burn injuries he received on his face, hands, and chest.

Based on Khan’s complaint, police registered an FIR under section 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide) of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita.

All five individuals, including the main accused Ayaz Malik, Ashraf Malik, Kasim Chowdhary, Huzaifa Khan, and Sharif Shaikh, have been arrested and remanded in police custody.