AUG 15: The Lokpal of India celebrated the 79th Independence Day with great patriotic spirit at its headquarters in New Delhi. Hon’ble Chairperson Shri Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar hoisted the National Flag in the gracious presence of Hon’ble Members—Shri Justice Lingappa Narayana Swamy, Shri Justice Sanjay Yadav, Shri Sushil Chandra, Shri Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, Shri Pankaj Kumar and Shri Ajay Tirkey. He extended heartfelt greetings to all members, senior officers, staff and their families on this historic day.
Addressing the gathering, the Chairperson said that Independence Day is an occasion to honour the indomitable courage, foresight and sacrifice of all those who fought for India’s freedom. He stressed that the freedom struggle was not led only by the prominent leaders whose names are recorded in history but also by millions of ordinary citizens—farmers, labourers, students, homemakers and tribal communities—who resisted colonial rule at the grassroots level and made invaluable contributions in their own spheres.
He urged everyone to bow in gratitude to iconic leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Lala Lajpat Rai, Lokmanya Tilak, Bipin Chandra Pal and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, as well as countless unsung heroes whose efforts made independence possible.
Justice Khanwilkar lauded the unwavering commitment of India’s armed forces and security personnel, who continue to safeguard the nation from external threats and respond valiantly to natural disasters, pandemics and global crises. He also acknowledged the dedicated contributions of scientists, doctors, engineers, teachers, artists and professionals who have served the country and strengthened the foundations of modern India after independence.
Calling for a collective pledge, he urged citizens to fight not only external threats but also internal evils such as corruption, nepotism, narrow regionalism and misinformation which harm national unity and democratic values. Through collective resolve and responsible individual actions, he said, every citizen can meaningfully contribute to the journey of Viksit Bharat@2047.
