Nagpur: At the heart of Nagpur, known as Krantibhoomi, Dhammabhoomi and Dikshabhoomi, stands a symbolic landmark whose transformation tells a powerful story of public awakening. The journey of the historic RBI Square turning into Samvidhan Chowk is not merely a matter of renaming; it is a remarkable chapter of social consciousness, civil courage, and people’s movement reclaiming democratic values.
Positioned at the central point of India, Samvidhan Chowk is considered one of the country’s first public squares dedicated to the Indian Samvidhan, standing as a monumental tribute to the ideals of liberty, equality, and justice.
Gold Rate
26 Oct 2025
RBI Square has long been a nerve centre of political and social movements, surrounded by the Reserve Bank, Vidhan Bhavan, Morris College, and the towering statue of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. It is from this very spot that the cries of the oppressed have echoed, battles for justice have been staged, and voices demanding rights have risen.
The seeds of Constitutional awareness were already sprouting through scattered efforts by various social groups. However, the movement gained real momentum in 2005, when I.Z. Khobragade, then CEO of the Nagpur Zilla Parishad, launched a civic initiative titled ‘Samvidhan Identity’, beginning with the collective reading of the Preamble in schools. On 26 November 2005, a grand Samvidhan Rally marched from RBI Square, marking the beginning of what would become a mass public movement.
Following persistent efforts, Khobragade’s push led the Government of Maharashtra to officially declare November 26 as Samvidhan Day on November 24 2008, long before the Central Government notified the same nationally in 2015.
A people’s fight for recognition
During the 2011 Samvidhan Day rally, poet E.M. Narnavre proposed renaming RBI Square as Samvidhan Chowk, recognizing its symbolic significance. The suggestion received widespread support, from senior leaders, monks, activists, and citizens. Soon after, Nagpur residents formally submitted a proposal to the Municipal Corporation. Though the Mayor promised action, the decision remained stalled.
As rumours surfaced that the square might instead be named after a political leader, frustration and unrest grew. Citizens decided to act.
On the night of November 25, 2012, activists including Ravi Shende, Naresh Vahane, Rajan Waghmare, the late Baban Bondade, Balu Gharde, Sudhir Dhoke, Dilip Patil, Mahipal Gedam, Raju Dongre, Sanghpal Upare, Dinesh Andarsahare, Prakash Kumbre, and others gathered silently. A massive iron nameplate reading “Samvidhan Chowk”, handwritten by Neelu Bhagat, was carried to the site.
They dug into the road divider, set the board upright, and cemented it firmly—working through the night.
At dawn on Samvidhan Day, the board stood tall, catching the eye of every passerby. Citizens welcomed it with pride, and the administration could no longer ignore the demand.
In 2013, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation officially passed the resolution, giving the square its rightful new identity: Samvidhan Chowk.
A monument for India
Today, Samvidhan Chowk features a grand Samvidhan Pillar, displaying the Preamble of India inscribed in three languages, alongside the Ashoka Emblem. Nagpur became the first city in India to build such a public monument dedicated to the Samvidhan.
Inspired by Nagpur, many cities across India have since built their own Samvidhan pillars and squares—proof that one city’s determination can spark a national movement.
A square that stands for justice
Samvidhan Chowk is more than a landmark.
It is a reminder of the power of ordinary citizens.
It is a salute to Ambedkar’s vision.
It is a light for those fighting for equality and rights.
In a time when democratic values are often tested, Nagpur has gifted the nation a monument that continues to remind everyone:
“We, the People, are the real guardians of the Samvidhan.”
