The 77th Republic Day was celebrated at the Lokpal of India with solemnity and enthusiasm on 26 January 2026, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to constitutional values, integrity in public life and the rule of law.
Joint Secretary Ziley Singh Vical welcomed Chairperson Justice A M Khanwilkar, Members, officers and staff of the Lokpal of India on the occasion. The ceremony reflected the spirit of the Constitution and the responsibilities entrusted to constitutional institutions in a democratic republic.
Addressing the gathering, Justice A M Khanwilkar extended warm greetings on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day and described the Constitution of India as one of the longest written constitutions of any sovereign nation. He said the Constitution is a living and organic document that embodies the aspirations, values and collective wisdom of the people of India.
He observed that Republic Day serves as a solemn reminder of the shared duty of all institutions and citizens to uphold the ideals of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity enshrined in the Constitution. He emphasised that the rule of law is central to translating the nation’s commitment to equality, access to justice, good governance, transparency, fairness and the functioning of independent and accountable institutions.
Highlighting the challenge of corruption, the Chairperson stated that corruption weakens public trust and erodes the moral fabric of society. He noted that the framers of the Constitution envisioned a nation where power is exercised with responsibility and public office is treated as a public trust. In this context, he said the Lokpal plays a vital role in reinforcing accountability and strengthening citizens’ faith in democratic institutions.
Justice A M Khanwilkar further remarked that as India continues its journey towards becoming a developed nation, expectations from public institutions, including the Lokpal, have increased significantly. He called upon the institution to rise to these expectations by embracing transparency and fostering a work culture rooted in timeliness, accountability and citizen-centricity.
Concluding his address, he said the Tricolour should always remind citizens and institutions alike of their duties, the unity in India’s diversity and the collective commitment to the goal of a developed India, or Viksit Bharat.
