Constitution Day 2025: 15 Legendary Women Who Helped Build India’s Constitution

Constitution Day, also  referred to as Samvidhan Divas, is celebrated in India every year on 26th November to commemorate the adoption of the Constitution of India in 1949. The Indian Constitution is the longest written constitution in the world and forms the basis for the democracy and unity of India. On this day, citizens remember the values of justice, equality, liberty, and fraternity and pay homage to the leaders who strove to secure every Indian's rights and duties.​ However, did you know there were also some women who made the Indian Constitution? Let’s take a closer look. 

Why Constitution Day Is Celebrated

Constitution Day is a reminder of the momentous event in 1949 when the Constituent Assembly of India accepted the final draft of the Constitution. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, as the chief architect, led the Drafting Committee. The Constitution came into effect on 26th January 1950, which is now celebrated as Republic Day. Constitution Day was first observed in 2015, as the purpose was to create awareness among the students and the public at large regarding the significance of the Constitution.​

Legends We don’t Know About: 15 Women of the Constituent Assembly

Although many freedom fighters and visionaries contributed to this historic document, the important contributions made by 15 women members are seldom brought to light. These women represented education, women's rights, equality, social justice, tribal rights, and health during a time when few women were seen in leadership positions.

Who were these 15 women?

• Sarojini Naidu: India's Nightingale and first woman President of the Indian National Congress; championed women's education and equality.
• Begum Aizaz Rasul: The only Muslim woman in the Assembly, she later became a Padma Bhushan awardee and minister for social welfare.
• Leela Roy: Prominent leader of Bengal; worked for women's education and participation in governance.
• Malati Choudhury: Participated in various Gandhian movements; concentrated on education and health. Dakshayani Velayudhan: The only Dalit woman member; represented Scheduled Castes and marginalized voices. 
• Durgabai Deshmukh: Founded Andhra Mahila Sabha for women's education and demanded special provisions for women.
• Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit: Raised global issues and pushed for better healthcare and local administration.
• Ammu Swaminathan: Fought for women's equal rights and boldly voiced India’s belief in equality in the Assembly
• Hansa Mehta: An advocate for absolute gender equality and the inclusion of equal rights for all citizens.
• Sucheta Kripalani: The first woman Chief Minister of India; fought for women's education and political rights.
• Kamla Chaudhary: Promoted social justice and women's empowerment.
• Rajkumari Amrit Kaur: India's first Health Minister; an ardent advocate of health, women's welfare, and social reforms.
• Purnima Banerji: Fought for socialist values, women's rights, and labor interests.
• Annie Mascarene: Kerala's first woman MP; championed worker rights and social justice.
• Renuka Ray: Graduated from London School of Economics; researched legal rights and equality for women.

Why Their Contribution Matters Today ?

The significance of Constitution Day in India is that it doesn’t just revolve around as a salute to Dr. Ambedkar and other visionaries who spearheaded the process but also a reminder that Indian women played an important role in shaping modern India.  These 15 women broke not only barriers of gender but also raised their voices for an inclusive, just, and equal future. Their legacy encourages and inspires students, educators, and citizens to work towards a stronger democracy and celebrate diversity. 

How India Celebrates Samvidhan Divas?

On 26th November, the schools, colleges, courts, and the government offices organize pledge ceremonies, debates, quizzes, reading of the Preamble, and awareness sessions on fundamental rights and duties. The Government of India also launches special campaigns and themes relating to unity, justice, and equality for all.

In conclusion, we should not forget that the democracy of India was not only the creation of its great leaders but also the voices of these 15 great women who defied all fear to voice their opinions. Their boldness to fight equality, justice, and rights opened the way to great inclusive India. Their legacy today calls upon all of us to cherish the values of our Constitution: justice to everyone, liberty to every person, and unity in our diversity. On this Samvidhan Divas, we should promise ourselves to continue their vision by guarding our constitutional rights as protecting them and honour them so that we can have a better and more just future generations.