We the People: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of We the People, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
The Constitution must be protected
Palkhivala, a leading lawyer, argues that the Constitution's core principles must not be destroyed by temporary majorities.
He defended the idea that Parliament's power to amend has limits. He argued many landmark cases.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
The Emergency was a grave warning
Palkhivala describes the Emergency of 1975 as a time when freedoms were suspended and institutions were bent.
He argues that citizens must stay alert so such abuses are never repeated.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
High taxes hurt the economy
Palkhivala criticises extremely high tax rates of his time, arguing they encouraged evasion and discouraged honest work and investment.
Lower, simpler taxes, he believes, would raise more revenue. He backs this view with examples from budgets.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Controls choked Indian enterprise
He argues that licences, permits and heavy regulation slowed industry and encouraged corruption.
Palkhivala presents freer markets as a way to unlock the energy and talent of Indian businesses. He wrote this long before reforms began.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Citizens should understand the budget
Palkhivala was famous for public lectures explaining the Union Budget to ordinary people.
He believed citizens should understand how governments raise and spend money, since it affects everyone. These lectures drew huge crowds.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
Waste in government needs exposure
Palkhivala criticises wasteful public spending and loss-making state enterprises.
He argues that taxpayers' money should be used carefully and that governments must be held accountable. He gives examples from public companies.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
Character matters more than laws
Palkhivala argues that no constitution can save a nation whose people lack integrity.
Honest citizens and leaders, he believes, are more important than clever legal provisions. He returns to this idea often.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Education shapes the nation's future
He stresses the importance of quality education to build informed and responsible citizens.
For Palkhivala, education is the foundation on which democracy and prosperity rest. He wants schools to teach values as well as skills.
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