About the Award:
The Nani Palkiwala Award for the Protection and Preservation of Civil Liberties and Human Rights in India recognizes individuals and institutions. Established in 2006, it comes with a monetary award of rupees two and a half lakhs and a citation.

Nomination and Adjudication:
Nominations for the award are evaluated by a distinguished panel of three persons. The panel for this year and the previous three years consisted of Justice Mrs. Sujata Manohar (Chairperson), Mr. Justice Sam Bharucha, and Mrs. Sudha N. Murthy.

Appreciation and Acknowledgment:
The speaker expresses gratitude to the panel members for their continuous efforts, particularly Justice Mrs. Sujata Manohar, who graced the occasion. A token of appreciation (flowers and a small memento) is presented to Justice Mrs. Sujata Manohar by Trustee Secretary, Shirin Bharucha.

Next Steps:
Justice Sujata Manohar is invited to address the gathering and present the awards after the citations are read by Shirin Bharucha.

Introduction:
The Naniye Palkhiwala Awards honor individuals and organizations for their exceptional efforts in preserving and defending civil liberties and human rights in India.

Award Winners:
Individual Award: Dr. Abhay Bang, founder of the Society for Education, Action, and Research in Community Health (SEARCH) Organization Award: MSS Anandwan, a rehabilitation center for leprosy-affected and disabled people founded by Baba Amte and continued by his sons, Dr. Vikas Amte and Dr. Prakash Amte

Dr. Abhay Bang:
Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Bang established SEARCH to provide community-based health care in Gachiroli, Maharashtra, one of India’s most underdeveloped districts. Developed a village health care program that has become a national and international model, influencing health care policy in India and abroad. Raised awareness of gynecological diseases, pneumonia in children, and newborn care, providing innovative solutions in these areas. Home-based newborn care approach developed by Dr. Bang has been replicated in several countries and adopted as a national program in India. Established Shodha Gram, a community health care and research center in a tribal area, and studied hidden child mortality in the state. Worked with the Maharashtra government to control alcohol and tobacco usage in Gachiroli district and started Nirman, a youth initiative to address social problems.

MSS Anandwan:
Founded by Baba Amte, a renowned social worker, and continued by his sons, Dr. Vikas Amte and Dr. Prakash Amte. Provides rehabilitation and a new life for thousands of leprosy-affected and disabled people. Teaches lessons of self-respect, self-help, and selfless service to its residents. Dr. Prakash Amte moved to a forest region to help secluded tribal communities, weaning them from primitive rituals and beliefs. Dr. Vikas Amte joined Anandwan in 1974, managing the institution and setting new standards in environmental protection, social reform, civil rights, health, and human rights. Under Dr. Vikas Amte’s guidance, Anandwan has made significant achievements in water conservation, farming techniques, and land resource utilization.

Conclusion:
The Naniye Palkhiwala Awards recognize the extraordinary contributions of Dr. Abhay Bang and MSS Anandwan in advancing civil liberties, human rights, and the well-being of marginalized communities in India.

Purpose of the Award:
The award honors Nani A. Palkhewala, a prominent figure in the 70s, for their dedication to civil liberties and human rights.

Accolades:
John Doe, the recipient of the award, expresses gratitude and humility for receiving the honor. He dedicates the award to the people of Gadichurli, colleagues, and his wife, Rani.

Mission of Liberation:
The ultimate goal is to liberate people from disease, ignorance, malnutrition, addiction, and dependency on healthcare systems.

Swastha: Indian Concept of Health:
The Indian word “swastha” signifies a stable and self-reliant state of health. Health is defined as the ability to manage one’s own health and well-being, leading to Aarogya Swaraj (health self-governance).

Surge’s Work:
Surge empowers tribal people, rural communities, women, youth, and others to take charge of their health through Aarogya Swaraj. Programs include working with tribal communities, enabling rural women and healthcare workers to care for newborns, and training youth to address social causes.

Personal Liberation:
Through the liberation of others, One speakerfound liberation from the pursuit of success, wealth, and status. Liberating others is a journey of self-liberation from selfishness.

Conclusion:
The award celebrates John Doe’s partial success in his efforts to liberate others and himself. The recognition honors the legacy of Nani A. Palkhewala and the work of Anandvan, founded by Baba Amte, known as the Forest of Joy.

Baba Amte’s Life and Dedication to Leprosy Patients:
Baba Amte, a renowned human rights activist and peace worker, devoted his life to serving leprosy-affected people and the poor and helpless. He established the Shram Ashram Mitravasti ashram, where everyone worked together and pooled their income and expenditure. Baba Amte’s son, Vikas Amte, joined Anandwan as a doctor and expanded the institution’s activities.

Anandwan: A Model Village for Disabled Persons:
Anandwan is a self-made, self-sustaining model village that promotes unity, harmony, joy, and love. It houses over 4,000 disabled persons engaged in various trades and disciplines, including agriculture, agro-industries, and handicrafts. Anandwan runs colleges and schools for disabled and non-disabled students, fostering a diverse and inclusive community.

Innovative Developments and Social Initiatives:
Anandwan has experimented with low-cost housing construction, waste plastic reuse, and improved farming techniques. It established a unique orchestra consisting of leprosy-affected, visually or physically challenged, and hearing or speech-impaired individuals. Anandwan expanded its reach to disaster-stricken areas, providing aid, empowering communities, and restoring the environment.

Recognition and Appreciation:
The Nani A. Palkhiwala Memorial Trust recognized Anandwan’s service to leprosy-affected and disabled people. Vikas Amte expressed gratitude for the award and spoke about his father’s work as a lawyer advocating for the marginalized.

Baba Amte’s Impact and Legacy:
Baba Amte’s efforts transformed Anandwan into a thriving village, providing dignity, self-respect, and opportunities for disabled individuals. Vikas Amte highlighted his father’s emphasis on strength and self-reliance rather than charity. Anandwan’s economic development budget has grown to 160 crores, demonstrating its financial sustainability and impact.

Vikas Amte’s Humble Acceptance of the Award:
* Despite his father’s numerous awards and recognition, Vikas Amte acknowledges that his own work has not received the same level of attention.
* He emphasizes that the Amte family’s contributions are not a family trust but a public trust.

Anandwan: A Unique Social Prison:
* Vikas Amte refers to Anandwan as a social prison, where people come due to social compulsions rather than by choice.
* He highlights the absence of his father’s image in Anandwan, emphasizing that it is a voluntary prison where he serves as the jailer.

Vikas Amte’s Family Legacy:
* Vikas Amte’s father, Baba Amte, was a renowned social worker and activist.
* His mother was the first person to advocate for the rights of leprosy patients to have sexuality, companionship, and parenthood.
* Vikas Amte himself has dedicated his life to working with marginalized communities, including the blind, deaf-mute, spastics, accident victims, and rural youth.

The Fellowship of Pain:
* Baba Amte believed that the fellowship of pain transcends caste, creed, religion, and international boundaries.
* Vikas Amte emphasizes the importance of working together to address the needs of the marginalized, regardless of their differences.

Awards and Recognition:
* Vikas Amte’s father, Baba Amte, received numerous awards, including the Templeton Prize and the Damien Dutton Award.
* Vikas Amte’s brother and his wife have also received awards for their work.

Vikas Amte’s Emphasis on Basic Needs:
* Vikas Amte stresses the importance of prioritizing food and basic necessities for those in need.
* He believes that hunger and thirst cannot be delegated and that worship should not take precedence over basic needs.

Therapeutic Theatre:
* Vikas Amte discusses the Therapeutic Theatre initiative, which allows leprosy patients to perform in plays and showcases their talents.
* This initiative challenges societal stigmas and promotes inclusivity.

Vikas Amte’s Work in Planning Indian Villages:
* Vikas Amte emphasizes the need for smart villages instead of smart cities and shares his experiences working with Dr. Swaminathan on the Scientific Advisory Committee to the Union Cabinet.

Conclusion:
* Vikas Amte humbly accepts the award on behalf of his father, mother, and those who have dedicated their lives to serving the marginalized.
* He highlights the importance of collaboration and working together to create a more inclusive and just society.

The Nani A. Palkiwalla Memorial Trust:
Established in August 2003 by Nani Palkiwalla’s friends and admirers to preserve his memory and carry forward his causes.

Objectives of the Trust:
Preserve Nani’s memory. Carry forward the causes to which Nani devoted his life.

Initiatives Taken by the Trust:
Annual memorial lectures. Nani’s name and portrait in the Supreme Court Bar Association library. Nani Palkiwala Awards for Civil Liberties and Human Rights. Annual election competitions for law students in various cities. Trophy for the National Debate Competition at the National Law School in Bangalore. Gold medals in 14 law colleges for students with the highest marks in the LLM examination. Sponsorship of three books: Biography by M. V. Kamath. Study of major constitutional cases by Arvind Datar and Soli Swarabji. Collection of quotations from Nani’s speeches and writings by Jignesh Shah. Production of a documentary film, “Nani the Crusader,” screened at last year’s Memorial Lecture.

New Initiative:
Establishment of the Nani A. Palkiwalla Centre for Law and Public Policy at the National Law School of India University, Bangalore.

Fringe Elements in Society:
The increasing influence of fringe elements in society is a dangerous trend that needs to be addressed. A greater spread of liberal thought and intellectual debate is necessary to combat this trend.

Nanipal Kevala Lecture Series:
The Nanipal Kevala Lecture Series was initiated to promote liberal thought and educate the youth. Eminent persons from various disciplines volunteer to lecture at IIMs and IITs. The lectures have been well received and have generated a lot of debate among students.

Memorial Lecture:
The Memorial Lecture is the marquee event for the Trust. Persons of great eminence have delivered these lectures, which have been printed and widely distributed. This year’s speaker is Dr. Raghuram Rajan, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India.

Dr. Raghuram Rajan:
Dr. Rajan is an economist of world renown. He is a member of the Group of 30, a prestigious private non-profit international body. He publicly predicted the financial crisis of 2008 and his book “Fault Lines” won the Financial Times’ Goldman Sachs Prize for the Best Business Book of 2010. He has won numerous awards for his work in economics.

Speaker’s Praise for Raghuram Rajan:
Speaker 04, a member of the RBI board during Rajan’s tenure as Governor, praises Rajan’s intellectual brilliance, clarity of mind, fixity of purpose, felicity of language, and willingness to speak out fearlessly on vital national issues.

Speaker’s Introduction of Rajan’s Lecture:
Speaker 04 introduces Rajan’s chosen lecture topic: strengthening free enterprise in India.

Invitation to Rajan and Presentation of Flowers and Memento:
Speaker 04 invites Rajan to deliver the lecture and requests Sharin Bharucha to present flowers and a memento to Rajan as a token of honor and respect.

Level Playing Field with Easy Entry and Exit:
Adam Smith’s “The Wealth of Nations” emphasized competition leading to efficient outcomes and thriving when anyone can enter and compete. Competition not only ensures the emergence of the best entity but also combats social prejudice and biases. Money’s neutrality allows it to speak louder than social privilege, caste, or religious background, promoting equality. Direct benefit transfers empower individuals with choice and create competition among service providers, fostering social progress and self-respect.

Protection of Property Rights:
Property rights are essential for economic growth and development. Secure property rights encourage individuals to invest in their property and businesses, leading to increased productivity and innovation. Clear and enforceable property rights also facilitate access to credit, enabling individuals and businesses to borrow money to invest and expand. Strong property rights protect individuals from arbitrary government actions and promote a stable and predictable investment environment.

Broad Access to Capabilities:
In addition to a level playing field and property rights, free enterprise also requires broad access to capabilities that allow individuals to function effectively in society. These capabilities include education, healthcare, and skills training, which enable individuals to participate in the economy and contribute to overall growth. Investing in human capital through education and healthcare empowers individuals to break free from poverty and contribute to economic prosperity.

Basic Safety Net:
A basic safety net is crucial for the political viability of free enterprise, especially in a poor country like India. A safety net provides a sense of security and reduces the risk of destitution, allowing individuals to take calculated risks in pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. Social welfare programs, such as food subsidies, unemployment benefits, and healthcare support, provide a safety net for those who are unable to support themselves. A safety net fosters social stability and prevents widespread poverty, creating a more conducive environment for free enterprise to thrive.

Market Regulation and Competition:
Effective markets require enforced rules, government-set guidelines, and a functioning regulatory apparatus to ensure adherence to contracts and prevent cartels. However, regulatory structures can bias these rules in favor of certain entities, leading to limited competition and crony capitalism.

Italy’s Regulatory Environment and Firm Growth:
Italy has a high number of small firms, often associated with dynamism and innovation. Research revealed that excessive business regulation in Italy, compared to the UK, hindered firm growth. Excessive regulations created high startup costs, favoring larger firms and discouraging growth in small firms.

Small Firms and Economic Growth:
Small firms can be job creators, but true economic growth comes from small firms that grow big, not those that remain small. A conducive business environment that facilitates enterprise and growth is necessary for small firms to flourish.

India’s Progress in Regulation and Competition:
India has made strides in reducing excessive regulation, moving away from the License Permit Raj. New banking licenses have been granted, indicating a shift towards fostering competition across sectors.

Resource Allocation and Unfair Competition:
India’s shift from the License Permit Raj to the Resource Raj saw selective resource allocation, creating an uneven playing field for businesses. Efforts are underway to address this issue, with increased transparency in resource allocation.

The Evolution of the Resource Raj:
The “Resource Raj,” where access to resources was controlled by a select few, has become more transparent and competitive. This has created a more level playing field for businesses.

Addressing the Inspector Raj:
The government’s Startup India initiative aims to reduce red tape, entry barriers, and the Inspector Raj. The goal is to give firms a three-year period without inspections, making it easier to start and operate a business.

The Importance of Well-Enforced Regulations:
Simpler, easier-to-understand, and well-enforced regulations are crucial for improving the business environment. Regulations should not be merely on paper but should be actively enforced to ensure compliance. Various institutions, including the RBI, are working towards simplifying and updating regulations.

Progress Made and Challenges Remaining:
Significant improvements have been made in simplifying and easing the process of doing business, but there is still room for further progress. Challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and limited access to resources for small firms need to be addressed.

The Need for Infrastructure Investment:
Large firms have the resources to create their own infrastructure, but small firms face challenges in accessing reliable power, logistics, and transportation. Substantial investment in infrastructure is necessary to support the growth of small businesses.

Land Acquisition:
Access to land for setting up businesses in India is difficult, especially for new entrepreneurs. There is a large demand for land, and those who have bought land in the past have an advantage over new entrepreneurs. States are competing to attract entrepreneurs by promising easier access to land and other infrastructure elements. A notable example is Andhra Pradesh, where the Chief Minister has acquired 33,000 acres of land for the development of a new capital city, Amravati.

Access to Finance:
Small firms often complain about lack of access to finance, particularly from large banks. Small banks and urban cooperatives play a significant role in lending to small entities. Technological developments like the creation of a unique firm ID can help establish credit histories and enable lending to small firms. Online marketplaces can facilitate financing for small vendors based on their reputation and sales history.

Resolution of Distress:
The process of resolving distressed firms, especially large firms, is very difficult in India. It takes many years, making it challenging to redirect resources to more productive activities. This creates an uneven playing field between creditors and borrowers, with large borrowers having an advantage. High-interest rates are charged due to the perceived high risks associated with lending. The Sarfasi law, intended to address this issue, has been effective against small firms but circumvented by large borrowers. The government is introducing a new bankruptcy code to address these challenges and improve the balance between creditors and borrowers.

Important Developments:
A bankruptcy court would ease credit access for businesses and allow for recovery of money in bankruptcy. The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has gained stature and credibility in enforcing competition laws, preventing cartels and monopolies.

Property Rights:
Property rights protection incentivizes economic activity and investment. Balancing free entry and exit with property rights is important to prevent excessive advantage for property owners. Moderate and predictable taxes, along with improved tax administration and transparency, promote better compliance. The government has clarified its position on retrospective taxation, addressing concerns from multinational corporations.

Taxation:
The government must find a balance between preventing tax avoidance and evasion by multinational corporations and avoiding excessive taxation. Moderate taxation levels in India, with personal taxes capped at 33%, are reasonable compared to historical rates.

Access to Capabilities:
In today’s economy, basic education and business knowledge are essential for participation in the free enterprise system. As a society, it is crucial to provide opportunities for everyone to acquire these capabilities, ensuring equal access to economic opportunities.

Government Role in Social Programs:
Supporting free enterprise requires ensuring universal access to essential capabilities, such as education, healthcare, and insurance. Social programs can be provided by the government or the private sector, but government oversight is essential to guarantee accessibility.

The Role of Education in Capitalism:
Capitalism begins at the age of 21 when individuals possess the capacity to compete. Nurturing children’s skills and abilities is crucial for their future success in the capitalist system.

The Need for a Safety Net:
Free enterprise systems experience economic fluctuations. Establishing a safety net focused on individuals prevents severe downturns and enables risk-taking and confidence.

Safety Net Principles:
The safety net should prioritize individuals, not firms or institutions. The goal of free enterprise is to let the most capable institutions succeed. Organizations may become outdated and should be eliminated through bankruptcy, while individuals should be protected.

Individual Protection:
Individual insurance and protection are necessary to ensure individuals’ survival and well-being.

Core Aspects of Strengthening Free Enterprise:
Raghuram Rajan emphasizes four key aspects of strengthening free enterprise: Protecting the individual rather than the organization. Ensuring an appropriate level of insurance and social safety nets within budgetary capacity. Creating a supportive environment for entrepreneurship. Changing the mindset of businesses from seeking special dispensations to advocating for frameworks and improvements.

The Shift from Tiny Shops to Internet Marketplaces:
Rajan highlights the remarkable transformation of India’s business landscape, from small shops to vibrant internet marketplaces. He recognizes the spirit of entrepreneurship and the increasing interest among graduates to pursue business ventures.

The Changing Perception of Business and Wealth:
Rajan notes the positive shift in attitudes towards doing business and accumulating wealth in India. He commends individuals like Narayan Murthy, Nandan Nilekani, and the Bansals for their contributions to creating wealth and inspiring young entrepreneurs.

The Importance of Established Businesses in Shaping the Environment:
Rajan emphasizes the need for established businesses to focus on improving the environment for all rather than seeking specific benefits. He encourages businesses to offer good ideas and frameworks for moving forward and creating a free enterprise system that benefits everyone.

India’s Resilience and Progress:
Rajan expresses optimism about India’s ability to find its way towards progress, albeit not always quickly or linearly. He believes that India will eventually find a path to success.

Recognition of Excellence:
The Nani Palkiwala Civil Liberties Awards are presented to individuals and organizations for their contributions to civil liberties. Shyamali Divya Chandra receives the gold medal for Mumbai University, and Dr. Vikas Amte and Dr. Abhay Bang receive awards on behalf of the Maharog Seva Samiti and as individuals, respectively.

Appreciation for Support and Participation:
The Nani Palkiwala Memorial Trust expresses gratitude to individuals, organizations, and sponsors who contributed to the success of the event. The audience is acknowledged for their presence and support.