Manipur joined the rest of the country in celebrating the 77th Republic Day with traditional fervour and patriotic spirit as Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla unfurled the National Flag and took the salute at the main state-level event held at the historic Kangla here on Monday.
The celebration commenced with the Governor inspecting the Guard of Honour commanded by Abhijeet Pandey, IPS Probationer. This was followed by the unfurling of the Tricolour amid the rendition of the National Anthem, after which the Governor took the salute from 67 march-past contingents, including band contingents and mounted police, commanded by Commandant of 8th Manipur Rifles N. Madhunimai Singh, MPS. Fourteen cultural troupes and tableaus representing various government departments added colour and vibrancy to the parade.
Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Members of the Legislative Assembly, the Chief Secretary, Security Advisor, Director General of Police, and senior civil and police officials were among those present at the celebration.
On the occasion, the Governor presented the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service and the Medal for Meritorious Service to officers and personnel of the Manipur Police Department and Manipur Fire Service Department in recognition of their exemplary service. The President’s Medal for Distinguished Service was awarded to Deputy Superintendent of Police, CID (Special Branch), Sorokhaibam Rudranarayan Singh, MPS. Medals for Meritorious Service were conferred on several police and fire service personnel, including Inspector CID (Special Branch) Laishram Chaoba Singh, Jemadar Naorem Seilendra Singh of 1st IRB, Sub-Inspector Sorokhaibam Santosh Singh of Imphal West, Jemadar Khaidem Chandra Singh of Manipur Police Training College, Havildar Lenpu Kom of 4th IRB, Assistant Sub-Inspector Athokpam Tej Singh of Imphal West, Additional SP (Ops) Thoubal Hijam Devendra Singh, MPS, Jemadar Y. Nilbir Singh of 1st Manipur Rifles, Havildar Irengbam Dorendro Meetei of 2nd Manipur Rifles, Rifleman Mangte Jacky Kom of 4th IRB, and Leading Firemen Shri Panmei Gaikhaongam and Maibam Sevenson Singh.
Delivering the vote of thanks at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground, Chief Secretary Dr. Puneet Kumar Goel paid rich tribute to the members of the Constituent Assembly for their vision and dedication in giving India its proud constitutional legacy. He recalled that on January 26, 1950, the Constitution of India, drafted under the leadership of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, came into force, declaring India a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic. Describing the Constitution as a living charter, he said it embodies the ideals of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity, while guaranteeing fundamental rights along with corresponding duties of citizenship.
The Chief Secretary thanked the Governor, Speaker, Members of Parliament, MLAs, DGP, and senior officers of the civil administration, police, armed forces and Central Armed Police Forces for their presence and continued commitment to public service in Manipur. He lauded the discipline and dedication of the parade contingents comprising Manipur Police, India Reserve Battalions, NCC, NSS, Home Guards, Fire Services, Anganwadi and ASHA workers, children from child care institutions, differently-abled persons, recovering drug users, workers, students and other uniformed services.
Appreciating the cultural troupes, school children and youth groups, Dr. Goel said their performances reflected Manipur’s rich cultural heritage and reinforced the spirit of unity in diversity. He also commended the band display for adding grandeur to the parade through musical precision and synchronised movements.
Expressing gratitude to the people of Manipur for their cooperation, resilience and faith in democratic institutions, the Chief Secretary appealed to all citizens to renew their commitment to constitutional values, strengthen peace and harmony, promote inclusive and sustainable development, and work collectively for a prosperous, united and resilient Manipur within a strong and vibrant India.
Earlier in the morning, Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla unfurled the National Flag at Lok Bhavan before proceeding to Kangla for the main Republic Day 2026 celebration.
