Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas: The latest in a row of commemorative days under Modi govt

The Opposition, which gained some success in the recent Lok Sabha polls by building a narrative that a powerful BJP implied a threat to the Constitution, has questioned the Narendra Modi government’s commitment to it.

‘Samvidhan Hatya Diwas’, however, is not the first such commemorative day introduced by the Modi government since it came to power in 2014, promising a break from the past and ushering in of a new ideological roadmap.

BIRTH ANNIVERSARIES

Good Governance Day: Celebrated on December 25, this day marks the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the first BJP leader to hold the post of PM, who had at best a strained relationship with Modi in the party. PM Modi announced Good Governance Day on Vajpayee’s birthday in his very first year in power in 2014, dedicating it to “promoting the principles of transparency and accountability in government institutions”.

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day): Observed on October 31, it commemorates the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a key figure in the Independence movement, the first Deputy PM and Home Minister of the country and one of the Modi government’s prime idols. The celebration of his birth anniversary as National Unity Day was also announced by PM Modi in his first year in government, to mark his “dedication to promoting national unity and integrity”. It is a recognition of the role played by Patel in convincing diverse princely states to accept the sovereignty of India, which the BJP often contrasts with what happened in Kashmir.

Parakram Diwas: Celebrated on January 23, it honours the birth anniversary of prominent freedom fighter and another BJP idol, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The Modi government announced the celebration of Parakaram Diwas in 2021, as a tribute to Bose’s “bravery, leadership, and contributions to India’s freedom movement”.

SCHEMES, PROGRAMMES:

Swachh Bharat Diwas: Celebrated on October 2, which is also Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary, this day marks the launch of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) by PM Modi in 2014, with the stated aim of achieving a clean and open defecation-free India.

Janaushadhi Diwas: Observed on March 7, it aims to create awareness about generic medicines and highlight the benefits of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). Announced by the Modi government in 2019, it also seeks to spread awareness about the Janaushadhi Kendras established by the government to make available generic medicines, for cutting healthcare costs and making quality medicines accessible to all.

Ayushman Bharat Diwas: Celebrated on April 30, this day is dedicated to spreading awareness about the Ayushman Bharat scheme, introduced by the Modi government in 2018. The scheme aims to provide health coverage to economically disadvantaged sections, and to offer financial protection for medical treatments.

TRIBUTE, REMEMBRANCE:

Samvidhan Diwas (Constitution Day): Observed on November 26 and also known as National Law Day, it marks the adoption of the Constitution by the Constituent Assembly in 1949. The BJP government announced the celebration of Samvidhan Diwas in 2015.

Veer Bal Diwas: Celebrated on December 26, it seeks to honour the martyrdom of the younger sons of Guru Gobind Singh, Sahibzada Fateh Singh and Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, aged 7 and 9 respectively, who were executed under the Mughal rule for refusing to renounce their faith. The BJP’s rivals pointed out that the Modi government’s announcement of Veer Bal Diwas came ahead of the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, which the party was fighting on its own after a split with the Akali Dal.

Partition Horrors Remembrance Day (Vibhajan Vibhishika Smriti Diwas): Observed on August 14, it seeks to commemorate the victims of Partition and their suffering. It was announced by the government in 2021, and in their speeches marking the occasion, BJP leaders have often accused the Congress of “failing” to prevent the devastating division of the country.

CELEBRATING CULTURE:

International Day of Yoga: Observed on June 21, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, this day was proposed by PM Modi during a speech at the United Nations in 2014, and it was officially recognized by the UN General Assembly later that year. The Yoga Day aims to raise global awareness about the many physical, mental and spiritual benefits of practising this ancient Indian discipline.

National Handloom Day: Observed on August 7, this day was launched by the BJP government in 2015 as a commemoration of the Swadeshi Movement, which began on this day in 1905 as an act of promoting Indian products. The National Handloom Day seeks to celebrate Indian handloom textiles, promote handloom products, boost the industry, and encourage sustainable practices within the sector.

National Ayurveda Day: Celebrated on Dhanvantari Jayanti (Dhanteras), which usually falls in October or November, this day is said to mark the birthday of the Hindu god of medicine, Dhanvantari. Initiated by the Union Ministry of Ayush in 2016, the National Ayurveda Day promotes this traditional system of medicine, seeking to spread awareness about its benefits. The Ministry of Ayush chooses different themes for this day every year in order to address different health issues through Ayurveda.