American Independence Day: Justice Markandey Katju on the Legacy of Liberty, Democracy, and India-US Friendship
Why is American Independence Day significant? Former Supreme Court Judge Justice Markandey Katju reflects on the founding ideals of the United States, the legacy of its leaders, the American War of Independence, and the promise of a stronger India-US partnership rooted in democracy, freedom, and human dignity.
Summary
Justice Markandey Katju marks American Independence Day by recalling the enduring inspiration of the American Revolution and the ideals established by the Founding Fathers. Reflecting on the leadership of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, he highlights America's contributions to democracy, science, literature, and human rights. He also emphasises the strategic and civilizational importance of deeper India-US cooperation in promoting liberty, pluralism, justice, peace, and sustainable global development.
American Independence Day
By Justice Markandey Katju
Fifty years ago, when the United States celebrated the Bicentennial of its Independence on 4th July 1976, I was a 30-year-old struggling junior lawyer in Allahabad High Court. I had subscribed to SPAN magazine, published by the United States Information Service (USIS). To commemorate the occasion, they produced a special calendar printed on exceptionally fine paper, featuring six magnificent paintings depicting scenes from the American War of Independence. I was so captivated by those images that I had one of them ( given below ) framed and displayed in my room on the wall, where it remained a source of inspiration for years to come.
America has been one of the most remarkable experiments in human history. The Founding Fathers created a great nation founded on lofty ideals of liberty, democracy, and human dignity. It produced great leaders like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Franklin Roosevelt, etc.It also produced great scientists, great writers, great artists, great jurists, etc.
Despite the many challenges and setbacks that every society encounters, I remain hopeful that the United States will continue to reclaim and renew its destiny as a land where humanity, in all its diversity, is celebrated and will prevail.
I also believe that the United States and the Republic of India have a historic opportunity to discover each other more deeply and to forge an enduring partnership. Together, our two great democracies can complement one another in advancing freedom, pluralism, justice, and the highest humane values that are destined to prevail across the globe, helping humanity flourish on a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable planet.
On this Fourth of July, I extend my warmest greetings and heartfelt good wishes to all my brothers and sisters in America.
Happy Independence Day!
God Bless America.
(Justice Markandey Katju is a former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, and former Chairman of the Press Council of India. The views expressed are his own.)
