The Constitution of India (Hindi: भारतीय़ संविधान, see other names) is the supreme law of India. It lays down the framework defining the fundamental political principles, and establishing the structure, procedures, powers and duties, of the government and spells out the fundamental rights, directive principles and duties of citizens. Passed by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949, it came into effect on January 26, 1950. It declares India to be a sovereign, democratic republic, assuring its citizens of justice, equality, and liberty; the words "socialist" and "secular" were added to the definition in 1976 by constitutional amendment. Added through the 42 nd Amendment in 1976 India celebrates the adoption of the constitution on January 26 each year as Republic Day. Das Hari "Political System of India", Anmol Publications, 2002;Pg 120, ISBN 8174886907 It is the longest Pylee M.V. "India's Constitution", S. Chand & Co., 1997, Pg 3 ISBN 812190403X written constitution of any independent nation in the world, containing 395 articles , 12 schedules and 83 amendments, for a total of 117,369 words in the English language version. Besides the English version, there is an official Hindi translation. Being the supreme law of the country, every law enacted by the government must conform to the constitution.