Republic Day lessons for the glocal citizen

During my stint with the Tata Group in Mumbai, I was introduced to the works and legacy of Nani A Palkhivala, one of India’s most distinguished jurists and a past Tata Director. His remarkable contributions to Indian jurisprudence and governance continue to resonate today. For this Republic Day, I attempted to understand his legal philosophy and public stances on how we might fulfil our roles as globally responsible, locally accountable Indian citizens. This exploration reveals a legacy that remains deeply relevant in today’s interconnected and rapidly evolving world. A summary of my key findings follows

Anchoring values in the Constitution: In We, the Nation: The Lost Decades (1994) and through his advocacy in landmark cases like Kesavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala (1973), Palkhivala underscored that the Constitution is India’s supreme moral and legal compass. He vehemently defended the “basic structure” doctrine, ensuring that specific fundamental values remain inviolable.

Balancing rights and responsibilities: Palkhivala believed a robust democracy emerges only when citizens uphold their duties and exercise their rights. In We, the People: India, the Largest Democracy (1982), he highlighted that freedom thrives on responsible conduct, whether in public discourse or policy-making.

Embracing economic and social development: Known for his annual budget analyses, Palkhivala demystified economic policies and called for inclusive growth aligned with constitutional ideals. In various collected writings, he emphasised that technological and economic progress must never eclipse social welfare.

Preserving individual freedoms and pluralism: Palkhivala fervently championed India’s secular ethos. His courtroom arguments, detailed in Nani Palkhivala: The Courtroom Genius (Sorabjee & Datar, 2009), highlight his dedication to religious freedom and cultural plurality – principles vital for harmony in a diverse nation.

Moral clarity in public life: A hallmark of Palkhivala’s career was his unwavering integrity. Whether critiquing opportunistic constitutional amendments or calling out misuses of power, he believed that ethical judgement and respect for constitutional principles should guide leadership and citizens alike.

Encouraging debate and scholarship: From lectures at bar councils to the A D Shroff Memorial Lectures, Palkhivala stressed that citizens must educate themselves on constitutional values, fostering a culture of informed debate and critical analysis.

Inspired by Nani Palkhivala, I invite you to consider the idea of the “glocal” citizen: globally responsible yet locally accountable. As our nation advances technologically and engages more deeply with the broader world, balancing global ambitions with local responsibilities becomes crucial. Being locally relevant, our Constitution’s length and detail mirror India’s complexity, balancing federal-state relations, secular governance, and pluralistic traditions. Yet implementing such inclusivity poses challenges, particularly in an era of rapid technological change.

Palkhivala’s defence of the “basic structure” doctrine reminds us that adaptability must not come at the cost of core values. This principle is a beacon for citizens who are navigating the dynamic interplay of political, social, and technological changes within an increasingly integrated global population.

Recent amendments and legal interpretations – such as changes to Article 370 affecting Jammu and Kashmir – reflect that our Constitution is a living document. It adapts to changing socio-political needs while its core values endure. Similarly, the world’s constitutions continue to evolve, with frameworks like the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation and debates on privacy rights in the United States showing how democracies address modern challenges. By embracing reciprocal learning, nations can enrich their democracies, ensuring resilience in an interconnected world.

E-governance and digital platforms can bridge gaps in public services. India Stack exemplifies a “glocal” approach by addressing India’s unique challenges while offering scalable solutions for global adoption. Locally, it revolutionised service delivery and financial inclusion through innovations like Aadhaar and UPI, empowering marginalised communities and streamlining welfare systems. However, addressing challenges like internet inequality and the misuse of social media is critical to ensuring that these platforms foster inclusion and harmony.

Reflecting on how glocal citizens can uphold the Constitution’s vision is fitting on Republic Day. We must harness technology responsibly, ensuring that economic growth and social justice advance in tandem. Collaboration between citizens, businesses, and government will be key to sustaining inclusive progress. When wielded with empathy and vision, technology can be a force for unity and empowerment, amplifying the voices of the underserved while preserving our cultural ethos. We need more Nani Palkhivalas – people of moral clarity and intellectual depth who recognise that nation-building demands rigour and compassion.