Imphal: Manipur joined the nation in celebrating the 77th Republic Day with Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla unfurling the National Flag and taking salutes from different march-past contingents at the historic Kangla on Monday.
Speaker, Manipur Legislative Assembly, MLAs, Chief Secretary, Security Advisor, Director General of Police and senior civil and police officials also took part in the celebration. The celebration began with the Governor inspecting the guard of honour commanded by Abhijeet Pandey, IPS Probationer.
Later, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla unfurled the Tricolour amidst the playing of the National Anthem and then took salutes from 67 march-past contingents including different band contingents and mounted police commanded by Commandant of 8th Manipur Rifles N. Madhunimai Singh, MPS.
Moreover, 14 different cultural troupes and tableaus representing different Government Departments took part in the parade.
Officers and personnel of Manipur Police Department and Manipur Fire Service Department were decorated by the Governor with the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service and Medal for Meritorious Service.
President’s Medals for Distinguished Service was awarded to Deputy Superintendent of Police (SP), Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Special Branch, Shri Sorokhaibam Rudranarayan Singh, MPS.
Medals for Meritorious Service was presented to Inspector CID ( Special Branch) Laishram Chaoba Singh, Jemadar, 1st India Reserve Battalion (IRB), Churachandpur Naorem Seilendra Singh, Sub-Inspector, Imphal West Sorokhaibam Santosh Singh, Jemadar, Manipur Police Training College (MPTC) Khaidem Chandra Singh, Havildar, 4th IRB Lenpu Kom, Assistant Sub-Inspector, Athokpam Tej Singh, Imphal west, Additional SP (Ops) Thoubal Hijam Devendra Singh, MPS, Jemadar, 1st Manipur Rifles Y. Nilbir Singh, Havildar, 2nd Manipur Rifles Irengbam Dorendro Meetei, Rifleman, 4th IRB Shri Mangte Jacky Kom.
Leading Fireman Panmei Gaikhaongam and Leading Fireman Maibam Sevenson Singh were also accorded with the Medal for Meritorious Service.
While delivering the vote of thanks at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground, Chief Secretary Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel extended his heartfelt tribute to the members of the Constituent Assembly whose vision and dedication gifted India, its proud constitutional legacy. He also expressed gratitude to all people who joined and participated in the celebration, making this national occasion both memorable and meaningful.
He continued, on this historic day, we proudly recall that on 26th January 1950, the Constitution of India, which was drafted with remarkable vision by the Constituent Assembly under the leadership of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, came into force declaring India a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic, republic. Our Constitution is not merely a legal document, but a living charter that embodies the idea of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity, he added.
He continued that the Constitution guarantees fundamental rights that uphold the dignity and freedom of every citizen. Citizenship entails both privilege and responsibility including the responsibility to respect the rule of law, preserve national unity, promote harmony, protect public property and contribute to the nation’s progress, while remembering our fundamental duties. This harmonious balance of rights and duties remains a source of enduring pride for all Indians, he stated.
Further, the Chief Secretary conveyed his sincere thanks to the Governor of Manipur, Speaker, Manipur Legislative Assembly, Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly, DGP of Manipur, senior officers of the civil administration, police, army and Central Armed Police Forces, for their distinguished presence and their commitment to governance and public service in Manipur.
The Chief Secretary appreciated the parade contingents of the Manipur Police, India Reserve Battalions, NCC, NSS, Home Guards, Fire Services, Anganwadi & Helpers, Children of Children Homes, ASHA Workers, Differently Able Persons, recovering drug users of Anouba Mangal Trust, Workers, students and all uniformed services. Their discipline, precision and dedication symbolise the strength and unity of our Republic, he continued.
He expressed his compliment to the cultural troupes, school children and youth groups whose graceful and powerful performances reflected the rich cultural heritage and diversity of Manipur. Reinforcing the unity in diversity remains our enduring strength, he added.
The Chief Secretary further extended his appreciation to the beautiful band display during the parade, whose musical precision and synchronised movements added grandeur and reflected the disciplined spirit of our Country.
He expressed his gratitude to the people of Manipur for cooperation, resilience and faith in democratic institutions remain the true foundation of our Republic.
The Chief Secretary appealed to the people to renew our commitment to the ideas of the Constitution, to strengthen peace and harmony, advance inclusive and sustainable development, and work together for a prosperous, united and resilient Manipur within a strong and vibrant India.
Earlier this morning, Governor of Manipur, Ajay Kumar Bhalla, unfurled the Tricolour at Lok Bhavan on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day, before proceeding to the historic Kangla, where the main Republic Day 2026 celebration was held.
