In a series of distinguished lectures and discourses in the UK organised by JGU, Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament, spoke about the lessons from India's history and civilisation and the Indian Constitution at 75, reflecting on the evolution of India's constitutional democracy and its enduring significance in the protection of rights and freedoms, while also speaking about the challenges as India looks to 2047 when it will celebrate 100 years of independence.
The landmark event was organised by JGU. The lectures were held at University College and Somerville College, Oxford, and the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple.
At University College, Oxford, Dr. Shashi Tharoor spoke on the theme ‘An Immemorial Civilisation: Lessons from India, Lessons for India’, and said: "There are lessons to be drawn from India's historical and mythical figures and also from modern reformers and leaders like Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi. India's secularism and egalitarianism have been shaped by its ancient wisdom. No nation can be called democratic and progressive unless it combats the injustices faced by the marginalised and subjugated. Indian civilisation, at its most luminous moments, has done exactly that and our quest for modernist inequality has always been forged through a struggle against orthodoxy, casteism, superstition and fundamentalist exclusion."
He said, "The task before us is not just to remember India, but to reimagine it, to draw from the deep wells of our immemorial inheritance, the ethical resolve to confront contemporary inequities with courage, conviction and moral clarity, thus ensuring greater rights to the disenfranchised and those on the margins of our society."
Dr. Tharoor explained how, since the time of Ashoka, the Mauryan king, the idea has been not just of tolerance but of acceptance. India and its memorial civilisation have lessons for the world today: that one is free to strive and seek and arrive at one's own conception of the Almighty. And the greatest truth is to acknowledge the existence of other truths! As Vivekananda said, “Hinduism is a religion that taught the world not just tolerance, but acceptance.”
At the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple, Dr. Tharoor who spoke on the theme ‘India at 2047: The Future of the World's Largest Democracy’, offering insights into the state of Indian democracy, its achievements, and the urgent need to safeguard its institutions, values, and constitutional foundations. "India's democratic journey has been both remarkable and resilient, but it faces serious tests in the years ahead. Institutions matter, but the spirit behind those institutions matters even more," he said. He commended JGU for fostering important conversations on democracy and development at the global level.
Mr. Naveen Jindal, Chancellor of JGU and Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha), India, also addressed the distinguished gathering, and said: “The need for a forward-looking vision for India in 2047, grounded in five core values:
- Education: Especially primary education as the foundation needs to be strong. It's a drop in the ocean to have started two universities, JGU and O.P. Jindal University in Chhattisgarh, which is an engineering university.
- Economy: India's economy needs to be strong, that creates jobs and wealth for the nation. There needs to be a lot of action, risks, investment and activities.
- Entrepreneurship: The private sector in India is driven by very enterprising people. We need to nurture them and respect the wealth creators more.
- Energy: Our future needs to be powered by more and more clean energy, renewable and sustainable energy. And empowerment here would mean affordable energy for the rich and the poor.
- Equality: This is the soul of a true democracy, which lies in equality of opportunity, which we must be able to give our 1.4 billion citizens.”
Earlier at Somerville College, Dr. Tharoor traced the historical journey of the Indian Constitution on the theme ‘Indian Constitution at 75: Protecting Rights, Expanding Freedoms & Empowering Citizens’, emphasising its foundational ideals and their relevance in addressing the aspirations of a diverse and complex nation. "Our Constitution represents not only a legal framework but also a social contract that has bound our diverse nation together. As we mark 75 years of its adoption, we must recommit ourselves to defending the rights and freedoms it enshrines for every citizen," he said.
Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, the Founding Vice Chancellor of JGU, spoke about the importance of global dialogue around constitutional values, democratic governance, and sustainability. "This occasion at Oxford reaffirms our belief that universities must be active participants in shaping democratic societies. The Indian Constitution is a living testament to the strength of democratic ideals, and Dr. Tharoor's insights remind us of the need to protect, expand and renew those values across generations and borders. This event is a celebration of intellectual engagement and institutional purpose. Dr. Tharoor's powerful lecture inspires us to reaffirm our commitment to democratic values and global cooperation. As a global university, we are proud to bring together thought leaders and changemakers who shape the future of our world."
The discussion was enriched by a response from Professor (Dr.) Shailendra Raj Mehta, the O.P. Jindal Distinguished University Professor at JGU, who provided academic commentary and broader perspectives on the challenges and opportunities of constitutional governance.
JGU's Sustainable Development Report 2025 was also presented at the lecture. The report outlines the university's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through its teaching, research, and institutional practices.