Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Sunday greeted the people of Kerala on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day.
In his message, the Governor said that Republic Day is a solemn commemoration of the adoption of the Constitution and the enduring values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity that bind the nation together. He also paid tribute to the freedom fighters, martyrs and framers of the constitution led by Dr. BR Ambedkar, whose vision laid the foundation of the world’s largest democracy.
He also noted Kerala’s significant contribution to the nation in the fields of education, health, social reform and human development and praised the spirit of harmony, inclusiveness and democratic participation that defines the state.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who also graced the occasion, said the country is passing through a period where the spirit of the Constitution and democratic values are facing unprecedented challenges.
He warned that deliberate attempts were being made to undermine the secular character and federal principles enshrined in the Constitution. Emphasizing the importance of the principle of ‘unity in diversity’, the Chief Minister urged citizens to remain vigilant against forces trying to impose a monolithic ideology that threatens the pluralistic ethos of India.
Mr. Vijayan added that the concept of a federal structure involving a strong center coexisting with empowered states was under a lot of pressure. Policies aimed at limiting the financial autonomy of states and the politicization of constitutional institutions weaken the federal system.
Published – 25 Jan 2026 22:44 IST
