Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Wednesday said Constitution Day remains of “perpetual relevance” as it offers the nation an important moment to reflect on the foundational principles that shaped modern India. He emphasised that the day serves as an occasion to renew the collective commitment to uphold the ideals enshrined by the framers of the Constitution.

He was speaking at the Constitution Day observance held at the MFDC Auditorium in Imphal, which was attended by MLAs of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, senior government officials and students.

Recalling the significance of the day, the Governor noted that Constitution Day, observed annually on November 26, commemorates the historic adoption of the Constitution by the Constituent Assembly in 1949. He described the drafting of the Constitution as an “extraordinary journey” spanning nearly three years of debate, incisive analysis and visionary leadership. While the Constitution came into full effect on January 26, 1950, he said November 26 stands as the day India chose justice, liberty, equality and fraternity as the nation’s guiding pillars.

Bhalla highlighted that the Constituent Assembly undertook its work at a time when India was emerging from colonial rule and grappling with deep social and economic challenges. The Constitution-makers, he said, meticulously studied global models and India’s diverse social fabric to craft one of the world’s most resilient democratic frameworks.

He paid special tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, chairman of the drafting committee, calling him a scholar of remarkable clarity and unwavering commitment to social justice. The Governor also acknowledged the contributions of B.N. Rao, Aladi Krishnaswami Aiyar, K.M. Munshi, T.T. Krishnamachari and other distinguished members whose efforts ensured that the Constitution protected individual rights, limited state power and institutionalised accountability.

Governor Bhalla also invoked Dr. Ambedkar’s cautionary reminder that even a well-crafted constitution can fail if those entrusted with its implementation do not uphold constitutional morality.