Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday hoisted the national flag at his official residence on the occasion of the 77th Republic Day and extended heartfelt greetings to the people of the state. Emphasising the enduring strength of the Constitution, the Chief Minister said that the spirit of ‘Nation First’ would play a vital role in advancing the country’s collective resolve.
Addressing the occasion, CM Yogi recalled that the Constitution of India came into force on January 26, 1950, and said that over the past 76 years, it has guided the nation through numerous challenges while preserving India’s unity and integrity. He noted that the vision of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”—from north to south and east to west—has been realised largely due to the strength and inclusiveness of the Constitution, which inspires citizens to think beyond individual interests and embrace a collective national spirit.
Remembering the Nation’s Architects
The Chief Minister paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, stating that under his leadership the freedom movement reached historic heights. He also remembered Dr Rajendra Prasad, Chairman of the Constituent Assembly and India’s first President; Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Constitution; Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India; Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose; and countless revolutionaries who sacrificed everything for the country’s independence. CM Yogi said their lives continue to inspire generations to uphold constitutional values.
Constitution: The Nation’s Support in All Circumstances
CM Yogi said that while India attained independence on August 15, 1947, the adoption of the Constitution on November 26, 1949, under the leadership of Dr Rajendra Prasad, laid the foundation of a strong democratic republic. He noted that November 26 is observed as Constitution Day, reminding every citizen of their duty to work with reverence and dedication towards constitutional ideals, as the Constitution has remained the nation’s strongest support in both favourable and adverse times.
Referring to the opening words “We, the People of India,” the Chief Minister said these words serve as a constant source of inspiration. He stressed that the true guardians of the Constitution are the citizens themselves, and all institutions, ministries, and departments must remain accountable to the people—this, he said, reflects true commitment to constitutional values.
Duty of Every Citizen
CM Yogi asserted that disrespecting the core spirit of the Constitution amounts to disrespecting the sacrifices of those who won India its freedom. He said the Constitution is a sacred document and every citizen must uphold it with faith and devotion. It not only binds the nation in unity and integrity but also strengthens the mission to ensure justice, equality, and fraternity for every citizen.
Highlighting the three core principles of the Constitution—Justice, Equality, and Fraternity—the Chief Minister said that justice must be accessible to all without discrimination based on caste, religion, language, or region. He added that an atmosphere of equality and fraternity would make it impossible for anyone to obstruct Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Developed India.
CM Yogi said the concept of a developed India is not limited to economic prosperity alone, but also ensures happiness, dignity, and multiple opportunities for every citizen. He stressed that this journey must begin with those at the lowest rung of society, inspiring self-reliance and inclusive growth at every level.
‘Nation First’ as a Guiding Principle
Quoting Prime Minister Modi, CM Yogi said that these three constitutional principles have played a crucial role in establishing India as the world’s largest democracy. He observed that despite repeated attempts before Independence to divide the country on linguistic, regional, and caste lines, such conspiracies failed because of the strength of constitutional values.
Concluding his address, CM Yogi said that no individual can place themselves above justice, the Constitution, or the system. Republic Day, he said, is a renewed call to move forward with complete devotion to the Constitution and strengthen national resolve. Referring to the ideals of national leaders, he said the Constitution itself is a living document of the ‘Nation First’ spirit and will continue to guide India in fulfilling its aspirations.
