First meeting of Constituent Assembly of India

On December 9, 1946, the Constituent Assembly of India was convened for its first session, marking the dawn of a new era in the nation's history.

This assembly was entrusted with the monumental task of framing the Constitution for Independent India, a document that would lay the foundation for the world's largest democracy.

The Constituent Assembly was a result of the Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946, which sought to negotiate the transfer of power from the British colonial rule to Indian leadership. The assembly's composition was based on indirect elections conducted by the members of provincial legislatures. While initially comprising 389 members, the Partition of India in 1947 reduced this number to 299.

The meeting took place in the Central Hall of Parliament House, New Delhi. It was a historic moment, as representatives from diverse regions, communities and ideologies gathered to deliberate on the principles of the future Constitution. However, the political landscape was already fraught with challenges. The Muslim League, led by Muhammad Ali Jinnah, had decided to boycott the assembly, demanding a separate nation for Muslims, which eventually led to the creation of Pakistan.

The first session began at 11 am on December 9, 1946, with Sachchidananda Sinha, the eldest member of the assembly, presiding as the temporary chairman. Dr Rajendra Prasad, who later became the permanent chairman and India's first President, addressed the assembly, emphasising the responsibility of creating a Constitution that would embody the aspirations of millions.

Out of the 207 members initially present, many were prominent leaders of India's freedom struggle, including Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhbhai Patel, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad and BR Ambedkar. The absence of the Muslim League cast a shadow, but the assembly resolved to proceed with its mission.

A key highlight of the early proceedings was the introduction of the Objectives Resolution by Jawaharlal Nehru on December 13, 1946. This resolution outlined the guiding principles for the Constitution, declaring India's intent to become an independent sovereign republic. It emphasised justice, equality and freedom for all citizens, irrespective of caste, creed or gender.

The resolution laid the ideological foundation for the Constitution, reflecting the aspirations of a diverse and pluralistic society. It was adopted on January 22, 1947, after intense deliberations, symbolising the assembly's commitment to democracy and inclusivity.

The first meeting of the Constituent Assembly was more than a procedural milestone; it was a symbolic assertion of India's determination to shape its destiny. The assembly worked tirelessly over the next two years, culminating in the adoption of the Constitution on November 26, 1949.

The session of December 9, 1946, remains a testament to the vision, unity and resilience of the leaders who laid the groundwork for modern India. Despite differences in opinion and ideology, the Constituent Assembly's inaugural session underscored the shared commitment to building a nation rooted in democratic ideals and social justice.

As India continues to evolve, the legacy of this historic assembly serves as a reminder of the vision and sacrifices that went into the making of the republic.