During the 8th Memorial Lecture of Rashtrakavi Shri Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant emphasized on Wednesday that, despite constitutional protections, discrimination based on caste, class, economic standing, and identity persists in society. He asserted that genuine justice can only be achieved when society is willing to introspect and initiate meaningful change.
The Chief Justice lamented that the issues surrounding social justice and human dignity remain unresolved in modern India. He highlighted the necessity of prioritizing social, economic, and political equality alongside development, in accordance with the principles outlined in the Preamble of the Constitution. He stressed that it is crucial to uphold individual dignity in this process.
Amidst rapid technological advancements, the Chief Justice raised concerns about whether all segments of society are reaping the benefits. He acknowledged the essential role of the judiciary in delivering justice, but clarified that justice transcends mere legal rulings. While laws offer a framework and guidance, he noted that the onus is on society to embody the values of equality, sensitivity, and respect. Without these principles ingrained in the public mindset, the effectiveness of legal frameworks remains limited.
Drawing from Dinkar’s poem “Rashmirathi,” which portrays the life of Karna from the Mahabharata, the Chief Justice pointed out Dinkar’s critique of a society that determines an individual’s worth based on their caste and heritage rather than their actions. He urged reflection on the fairness of discriminating against individuals solely due to their birth and questioned society’s right to overlook personal merit.
The Chief Justice articulated that Dinkar, through Karna’s character, advocates for justice, self-respect, and human dignity—core entitlements for all individuals. He posited that “Rashmirathi” serves as a societal mirror, prompting introspection on whether a just society has truly been established. It challenges us to consider if we have genuinely progressed towards the vision of a New India.
In the post-Independence era, while India was redefining its social and moral framework, the Chief Justice noted that concepts like equality, opportunity, and identity were foundational to nation-building. The framers of the Indian Constitution were deeply aware of these human values.
Recalling the Roman saying, “if you want peace, prepare for war,” the Chief Justice referenced a line by Dinkar that underscores the importance of awakened national consciousness. He asserted that true reverence for a nation arises when its citizens cultivate strength, unity, and respect for its identity and sovereignty.
