Justice Ravindra Bhat Delivers 5th Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Memorial Lecture At HNLU
Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur, commemorated the 77th Republic Day by organising the 5th Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Memorial Lecture on 26 January 2026.
The lecture, titled “Our Tryst with a Democratic Republic,” was delivered by Justice Ravindra Bhat, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of India and Chairperson of the National Task Force on Mental Health of Students constituted by the Supreme Court.
In his opening remarks, Prof. V.C. Vivekanandan, Vice-Chancellor, HNLU, observed that the Indian Constitution represents a living synthesis of indigenous values and global constitutional thought, anchored in liberty, equality, fraternity, social justice, and diversity. He emphasised that a republic is sustained not merely by constitutional text but by everyday acts of constitutional commitment.
Delivering the memorial lecture, Justice Bhat traced the evolution of India's constitutional journey from the freedom struggle to the adoption of a written Constitution founded on universal adult suffrage, social justice, and constitutional supremacy. He underscored the distinction between Rule of Law and Rule by Law, observing that India consciously chose the former, with the Constitution reigning supreme over all state power.
Highlighting the significance of the Preamble, Justice Bhat described fraternity as the foundational value that gives real meaning to liberty and equality, noting that without fraternity, equality risks becoming merely symbolic.
Reflecting on contemporary challenges, including rapid technological advancement and artificial intelligence, he cautioned against uncritical dependence on technology and stressed the importance of preserving ethical reasoning, constitutional values, and independent thinking.
Addressing students, Justice Bhat urged them to remain vigilant, principled, and courageous, reminding them that the future of the Republic ultimately rests in their hands.
The programme also featured a welcome address by Dr. Deepak Srivastava, Registrar (I/c), HNLU, and a vote of thanks by Dr. Avinash Samal, Dean, Social Sciences. The event also witnessed the release of the inaugural newsletter “Koitur: People of Nature” published by the Centre for Law and Indigenous Studies, headed by Dr. Ayan Hazra.
The Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Memorial Lecture Series at HNLU continues to serve as a significant platform for constitutional reflection and witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and faculty members across law institutions in Chhattisgarh.