Thiruvananthapuram: Fraternity is the single important pivot on which everything else works, former Supreme Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman said today, adding that fraternity is crucial to the nation’s unity and integrity. Delivering the 16th edition of K M Bashir Memorial Lecture, organised by the Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust at the Thiruvananthapuram Press Club, Justice Nariman pointed out that secularism is an absolute must as a stepping stone towards achieving fraternity.
Speaking on the topic ‘Fraternity in a Secular State: The Protection of Cultural Rights and Duties’, Justice Nariman reminded the audience that when the preamble begins by saying “We, the People of India”, it doesn’t mean “We, the Majority Population of India”, or “We, the Adult Male Population of India”, but “All the People of India”. As per the preamble of the Indian Constitution, fraternity assures the dignity of every individual.
“Every citizen’s fundamental duty is to the Constitution. Every citizen must abide by the constitution, its ideals, its institutions,” he said. Respect to the national flag is a must, and the national flag is a reminder to fraternity. The middle white part of the Indian National Flag denotes peace and harmony among all faiths. So, there we have fraternity written large on our National Flag, Justice Nariman noted. Never forget that, whenever you see the National Flag, fraternity is the first thing that stares you in the face, he added.
The 16th edition of the prestigious K M Bashir Memorial Lecture also marked the centenary year of the birth of K.M. Bashir, the reputed public figure who dedicated his life to equitable economic development, social justice and communal harmony.
Dr. Alexander Jacob IPS, Former Director General of Police, presided. Vakkom Moulavi Foundation Trust President Prof. Jameela Begum; Executive Vice-Chairperson Dr. Sajitha Bashir; and Chairperson Er. A. Suhair also spoke. An interactive session followed the KM Bashir Memorial Lecture, where Justice Nariman answered questions from the audience.
Also, the lecture video is available in this link: https://www.facebook.
