India’s Vibgyor Man

Description

Dr L.M. Singhvi (1931–2007) was an eminent Indian jurist, a distinguished parliamentarian, a celebrated statesman, an able administrator, a brilliant scholar, a prolific writer, and a diplomat par excellence. He was India’s second longest-serving high commissioner to the United Kingdom, from 1991 to 1997, and was conferred the Padma Bhushan in 1998. Dr Singhvi was deeply wedded to human service, and wrote on a variety of issues which are relevant in contemporary sociopolitical discourse.
This work, alluding to the multifaceted personality of Dr L.M. Singhvi, highlights his scholarly contribution in varied fields of human activities such as law, diplomacy, democracy, and literature. It brings together his unpublished papers and lectures which address topics ranging from human rights, foreign policy issues, Kashmir, centre–state relations, public administration, legal issues, to education, healthcare, civil services, and Indology. The comprehensive introduction knits together the themes discussed in the volume, and emphasizes their relevance in today’s times.

About the Editors
Abhishek Manu Singhvi is a senior advocate of the Supreme Court of India.
Lokendra Malik is a practising advocate in the Supreme Court of India.

Reviews

‘[Dr Singhvi] made an immense contribution to his motherland and humanity in various capacities. I know no individual who has touched life at so many points. India’s Vibgyor Man truly reflects Dr Singhvi’s multifaceted personality. Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Dr Lokendra Malik deserve accolades on this wonderful initiative.’

—Justice Dalveer Bhandari, Judge, International Court of Justice, The Hague, The Netherlands

‘An institution-builder, and the conscience-keeper of the bar, Dr Singhvi held many positions in his life and made a visible contribution to the nation-building process. He introduced the concept of ‘Lok Pal’ in the country first time…. India’s Vibgyor Man reflects his outstanding scholarly personality and views. It indeed makes a serious and interesting reading.’

—Justice A.K. Sikri, Judge, Supreme Court of India

‘A veritable bouquet of wisdom from an intellectual giant of contemporary Indian public landscape. Remarkable observations on a rich experience of life.’

—Salman Khurshid, former Union Minister of External Affairs, Law and Justice, India

‘This collection of essays and speeches distils the erudition and contributions of Dr L.M. Singhvi to the worlds of law, politics, social change, and international life. Future generations should benefit from this collection, not merely for its wide wisdom but also imparting many a social meaning to a constitutionally sincere and well-lived life.’

—Upendra Baxi, Emeritus Professor of Law, University of Warwick, and former Vice-Chancellor, University of Delhi, India

Table of contents

Foreword by Gopalkrishna Gandhi
L.M. Singhvi: A Tribute by Abhishek Manu Singhvi
Introduction

PART 1 A Biographical Sketch
L.M. Singhvi: A Biographical Sketch
Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Lokendra Malik

PART 2 Selected Writings and Speeches of L.M. Singhvi

A. Public Governance and Administration

1. Public Governance and Decentralization of Powers
2. In Defence of Bureaucracy and an Agenda for Reforms
3. President versus Prime Minister
4. The Crisis and the Promise of Democratic Governance in India
5. The Idea and the Vision of Small States in India

B. Diplomacy and International Affairs

6. Past, Present, and Future of Africa
7. World Conference on Human Rights
8. Challenges to Indian Professionals in the United Kingdom
9. Global Dialogue
10. Kashmir in the Changing International Environment
11. The Pope is Dead: Long Live the Pope
12. Pravasi Bharatiya Divas
13. Rotary Foundation Lecture
14. Address at Royal Society, London
15. Conference on Sustainable Development
16. Towards a Culture of Peace and for Establishing a World Parliament of the Global Civil Society
17. Statement at the Regional Meeting for Asia for the World Conference on Human Rights

C. Education, Literature, Health, Religion, Arts, and Society

18. Islamic Heritage in the Contemporary Dialogue among Civilizations
19. Freedom and Creativity: Rights and Responsibilities of Indian Authors in Contemporary Time
20. Convocation Address at Osmania University, Hyderabad
21. Educational Reforms in India
22. Horizons of Healthcare: Promises to Keep
23. Indology and the Future of Our Past
24. The World Conference of Jains
25. Krishna Menon Memorial Meeting
26. University of Mysore Convocation Address

Index
About the Editors