HNLU 5th Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Memorial Lecture on 26 January 2026

Raipur | January 26, 2026

Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur, commemorated the 77th Republic Day of India by organising the 5th Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Memorial Lecture on 26 January 2026. The event witnessed deep constitutional reflection, academic engagement, and a strong reaffirmation of democratic values.

Theme of the Memorial Lecture

• “Our Tryst with a Democratic Republic”
• Focused on constitutional morality, democratic responsibility, and the future of the Indian Republic

The memorial lecture was delivered by Justice Ravindra Bhatt, former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, Head of the National Task Force on Mental Health of Students, and Member of the General Council of HNLU.

Key Observations by Justice Ravindra Bhatt

Justice Bhatt delivered a thought-provoking address tracing India’s constitutional journey and democratic ethos. His major observations included:

• India follows the Rule of Law, not Rule by Law
  • Power must operate within constitutional limits
  • The Constitution remains supreme, not those who govern
• The Preamble as the soul of the Constitution
  • Liberty, equality, and fraternity must coexist
  • Fraternity is the binding force that gives real meaning to equality
• The Constitution as a living document
  • Born out of sacrifice, struggle, and collective aspirations
  • Continues to evolve with society and changing times
• Swaraj beyond independence
  • India’s freedom struggle also aimed to dismantle internal inequalities
  • Social justice was as central as political freedom
• Caution against blind reliance on technology
  • Artificial Intelligence and technology must not replace ethical reasoning
  • Independent thinking and constitutional values must guide innovation

Message to Students and Young Citizens

Addressing students, Justice Bhatt emphasized:

• The future of the Republic lies with young minds
• Students must remain:
  • Vigilant
  • Courageous
  • Principled
• Constitutional faith must be practiced in everyday life, not merely studied

Reflections from HNLU Leadership

Vice-Chancellor’s Address

Prof. V. C. Vivekanandan, Vice-Chancellor, HNLU, highlighted that:

• The Indian Constitution is a synthesis of:
  • Indigenous civilizational values
  • Global constitutional philosophy
• A republic survives not only through text but through daily acts of constitutional commitment

Other Key Contributions

• Welcome Address:
  Dr. Deepak Srivastava, Registrar (I/c), HNLU
• Vote of Thanks:
  Dr. Avinash Samal, Dean, Social Sciences

Special Highlight: Newsletter Release

• The event marked the release of the inaugural newsletter “Koitur – People of Nature”
• Published by the Centre for Law and Indigenous Studies, HNLU
• The Centre is headed by Dr. Ayan Hazra
• The newsletter focuses on indigenous knowledge systems, law, and nature

Significance of the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Memorial Lecture Series

• Serves as a premier platform for constitutional dialogue
• Encourages critical engagement with:
  • Democracy
  • Social justice
  • Constitutional values
• Attracted enthusiastic participation from:
  • Students
  • Faculty members
  • Law institutions across Chhattisgarh