New Delhi, Aug 15 — On the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, Justice Ajay Manikrao Khanwilkar, Lokpal of India Chairperson, on Saturday reaffirmed commitment to clean and corruption-free governance.
Justice Khanwilkar urged officials to treat every complaint with seriousness and objectivity remembering that behind every file is a citizen's life affected by institutional decisions.
He emphasised on the Lokpal's fundamental purpose to serve the Constitution, to uphold the rule of law and to ensure that public authority is exercised with responsibility.
Justice Khanwilkar reaffirmed the Lokpal's commitment to the Constitution, the rule of law, accountability, efficiency, transparency, and accessibility.
He called for an institution that is efficient, transparent, accessible, and strengthened through the effective use of technology.
Those who attended Independence Day event included Members Justice Lingappa Narayana Swamy, Justice Sanjay Yadav, Sushil Chandra, Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi, Pankaj Kumar and Ajay Tirkey.
He extended greetings of Independence Day to all Members, senior officers, staff and their family members.
Recalling the inspiring words of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, Justice Khanwilkar emphasised the vision of a nation "where the mind is without fear and the head is held high".
Citizens were urged to reaffirm this ideal and uphold it in thought and action, he said.
The Lokpal Chairman highlighted that India's freedom is hard-earned, achieved through the immense sacrifices of freedom fighters and countless patriots whose courage continues to inspire future generations.
Justice Khanwilkar described the hoisting of the National Flag as not merely a ceremonial act but a solemn reminder of both the nation's past and the responsibilities that accompany freedom.
He stressed that true freedom means freedom from hunger, injustice, oppression, and inequality, and the opportunity for every citizen to live with dignity.
He said Lokpal of India as an institution committed to clean, and corruption free governance.
The increasing number of complaints received by the Lokpal was viewed as a sign of growing citizen engagement and confidence in the institution, he added.
All officials were urged to treat every complaint with seriousness, fairness, and objectivity, remembering that behind every file is a citizen seeking justice and a life affected by institutional decisions, an official statement said.