Fraternity must be India’s foremost goal, says former Supreme Court judge
Justice Lavu Nageswara Rao says caste and religion continue to divide society and stresses the need for social independence alongside political independence
Former Supreme Court judge Lavu Nageswara Rao emphasized that fraternity should be India's top priority, as equality and liberty, the core principles of the Constitution, cannot thrive without it. Rao, who addressed the Alumni Meet of the Acharya Nagarjuna University (ANU) School of Law, highlighted that caste divisions continue to plague society, despite the country having achieved political independence since its 1947 freedom.
He claimed that people still suffer due to the pervasive influence of religion, caste, and divisive forces. Rao observed that caste remains a determining factor in elections and appointments, hindering the nation's progress. He cited violent clashes between the Kuki and Meitei communities in Manipur and honour killings as instances of deep divisions within India.
Rao urged future lawyers to embrace samatha and fraternity, as mere slogans are not enough, and stressed the importance of lifelong learning and ethical conduct in their profession. ANU Vice-Chancellor K. Gangadhar Rao announced Rao's appointment as Distinguished Emeritus Professor of ANU, receiving a warm welcome from the audience.
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