Gwalior library puts original copy of Constitution of India on display

GWALIOR - The Central Library in Gwalior boasts of a prized and priceless possession - the original bound copy of the Constitution of India.

On the occasion of the 61st Republic Day, the library authorities displayed the historical document for public view and random reference on Tuesday.

It is said that due to the lack of good printing facilities, during the late 1940s, the Constitution was composed using lithographic machine and the Constituent Assembly members affixed their signatures to endorse the Constitution of India. The pages are made up with double golden borders on all sides.

While the Central Library has more than 111,891 books properly classified and well preserved in various shelves, the original bound copy of the Constitution of India has been kept separately in a wooden box and wrapped in a muslin cloth.

As per the records, the library purchased this copy on March 31, 1956 for rupees 120, which is now viewed as deemed as a priceless treasure by historians here.

“This original copy of the Constitution of India has been compiled in lithography and has golden-polished alphabets. It contains 255 Articles and signatures of 285 members. The library bought the copy of the Constitution in 1956 and then it was priced at rupees 120. Now it has become priceless for us and we keep it very safely,” said R S Mahaur, the librarian.

Although booklovers felt fortunate to get a glimpse of this rare original national document, they were disappointed for not getting an opportunity to browse through it at leisure.

“We feel proud that the original copy of the Constitution of India has been kept in a library in our city. But we have just had a glimpse of it from outside as it is kept in a wooden case. We really want to get the opportunity to read it,” said Sourav Gupta, an avid reader. (ANI)