Itanagar, Nov 26: Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt. General KT Parnaik (Retd.), led the Constitution Day celebration at DK Auditorium, Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly Complex, Itanagar, on Wednesday. Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly, Tesam Pongte, and Deputy Speaker Kardo Nyigyor, along with people from all walks of life and students, participated in the programme.
Parnaik paid tributes to the founding fathers of our Constitution, recalling the visionary leadership of Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, whose wisdom and faith in the people of Bharat gave us one of the finest Constitutions in the world. Their work was not just legal drafting but it was the shaping of our national destiny. On this day, we honour their monumental contributions and reaffirm our commitment to uphold the ideals they entrusted to us, he said.
The Governor, who initiated the collective reading of the Preamble, said that the moment was a powerful reaffirmation of our faith in the Constitution and the principles that guide our democracy. Recalling Dr. Ambedkar’s opinion, he said that, however good a constitution may be, if those implementing it are good, it will prove to be good.
Terming a nation’s Constitution as its supreme guiding document, Parnaik said that it anchors governance, safeguards citizens’ rights, and upholds the rule of law. By clearly defining the roles of the legislature, executive, and judiciary, it prevents the concentration of power and ensures essential checks and balances. It protects individual freedoms, provides a framework for justice, and preserves stability and order while reflecting the values and aspirations of the people it serves.
Looking ahead, the Governor emphasized the need for our Constitution to evolve in step with changing societal needs. He called for periodic, informed, and participatory reviews involving experts, civil society, and citizens to ensure it remains responsive and inclusive. Strengthening rights in the face of new challenges, such as digital privacy, technology, environmental concerns, and social justice, will help preserve dignity, equality, and democratic values for future generations.
Emphasizing the theme ‘Citizen of India: From enjoying Fundamental Rights to fulfilling Fundamental Duties’, the Governor said that Constitution Day reminds us not only of the rights we proudly cherish but also of the duties that define our responsibilities as citizens. He said that too often, people highlight what they are entitled to and overlook what they owe to the country. It is time to restore this balance by deepening our understanding of our Fundamental Duties, which urge us to uphold democratic ideals, protect our heritage, and contribute meaningfully to national progress, he said.
The Governor said that as we move towards the vision of Viksit Bharat @ 2047 under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, our commitment to these duties becomes even more crucial. A developed India can be achieved by the government with the discipline, dedication, and active participation of every citizen. He exhorted all to be inspired and uphold the Constitutional Duties with a strong Nation First spirit.
Parnaik commended the Speaker and his Team for organizing the APLA@Outreach Connect. He said that such initiatives will create awareness of the various facets of the Constitution of India.
The Governor presented prizes to the winners of the debate and essay writing competition and the cover-design contest, organized as part of the yearlong Golden Jubilee celebrations of the State Legislative Assembly.
The final mega debate centered on the motion, “Safeguarding indigenous rights and promoting equitable development in Arunachal Pradesh do not depend on implementing the Sixth Schedule,” sparking thoughtful arguments and deep reflection among the participants. Aman Kaman, Hills College of Teacher Education, Lekhi was awarded the best speaker for the motion, while Jeevesh Budhiia, Àrunachal University of Studies, received the best speaker against the motion. Karngam Riba, Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasighat and Phejing Wangsu, Wangcha Rajkumar Government College, Deomali received the second prizes. In the State Level Essay Writing Competition, Abhinabo Acharjee, National Institute Of Technology, Jote, Niri Madap, Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasighat and Senia Bagang, Government College, Seppa received the 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes. In cover designing, Neri Taku, Jawaharlal Nehru College, Pasighat and Thomas Toham, Indira Gandhi Government College, Tezu received 1st and 2nd prizes.
Former Professor of Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh, Prof. (Dr.) Prashna Kumar Panigrahi delivered an insightful and thought-provoking keynote address, setting the tone for the occasion.
The Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly, Tesam Pongte, and the Deputy Speaker, Kardo Nyigyor, also shared their reflections, enriching the event with their perspectives and words of encouragement.
The State Legislative Assembly organized the celebration with the theme, ‘Citizen of India: From enjoying Fundamental Rights to fulfilling Fundamental Duties’.
A brief yet engaging audiovisual presentation highlighting the APLA@Outreach Connect, an outreach programme, as part of the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly, was screened.
Adding an impassioned touch to the celebration, special children from Donyi Polo Mission School for the Hearing and Visually Impaired, Itanagar, and Oju Mission, Naharlagun, presented beautiful cultural performances that were applauded by all present. 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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