By Dr Birbal Jha*
A Legally Literate Nation Is Never a Weak Nation
As we celebrate Advocates’ Day and commemorate the birth anniversary of Desh Ratna Dr Rajendra Prasad, India’s first President and a leading legal mind, today, it is essential to reflect on the central role lawyers play in building a just and progressive society by defending rights and upholding democratic values. Lawyers are at the heart of shaping a nation through justice.
Over the years, through my interactions with students, professionals, and ordinary citizens striving to lead better lives, I have come to realise that the strength of a society lies not only in its economy or politics, but in its commitment to justice. And at the heart of this commitment stand our advocates.
It is in this spirit that I often affirm that a lawyer is not just a voice in the courtroom but a torchbearer of justice in society. The courtroom may be the advocate’s primary arena, but their influence radiates far beyond it. The moral clarity, analytical rigour, and ethical grounding that lawyers bring to social discourse make them essential drivers of societal order and harmony.
Law as the Framework of a Nation
Every nation stands on a foundation of laws. These laws, however well written, remain lifeless without the professionals who interpret, contest, and give them meaning. That is why I say, where laws guide the nation, lawyers guide the people — with clarity, courage, and conviction.
In a country as diverse and complex as India, the guidance of lawyers ensures that people do not feel lost in the maze of legal procedures. Their counsel empowers individuals to make better decisions, participate responsibly in civic life, and claim the rights guaranteed to them.
A society becomes stronger as its people become more legally aware. But this awareness cannot grow without ethically grounded professionals leading the way. Therefore, I firmly believe that a society grows stronger when its citizens are legally informed and its lawyers are ethically aware.
The Advocate as a Force for Social Good
The first responsibility of an advocate is to ensure that justice is neither delayed nor denied. However, their role is not only reactive but also profoundly constructive. Lawyers mediate disputes, resolve conflicts, and often restore social harmony. As I often explain to my learners and community groups that advocates turn confusion into clarity and conflict into resolution — that is their true social service.
It is this service that strengthens the very fibre of society. In times of injustice or social imbalance, advocates act as the voice of the voiceless, defending not only individuals but the core principles that keep society humane and equitable. And what enables them to do so effectively? Integrity.
Integrity: The Lawyer’s Greatest Power
Knowledge of the law may produce a competent lawyer, but only integrity produces a great one. The advocate’s commitment to truth becomes a beacon for those seeking justice. This belief inspires my assertion: In the pursuit of justice, a lawyer’s integrity is the nation’s strength.
When lawyers uphold truth fearlessly, they reinforce the nation’s confidence in the rule of law. Their devotion to fair play and ethical practice becomes a stabilising force in times of uncertainty.
Guardians of Rights, Pillars of Democracy
India’s democracy is built on constitutional values — liberty, equality, dignity, and justice. In everyday life, it is the advocate who ensures that these values do not remain theoretical ideals but living realities. This is why I often remind people: Rights survive, democracy thrives, and society progresses because advocates stand guard.”
Whenever a lawyer steps into a courtroom to defend a right, to oppose injustice, or to challenge arbitrary power, they are, in essence, strengthening the democratic spirit of the nation.
Advocacy, in its noblest form, is an act of courage. Thus, I say with conviction: Every lawyer who fights for truth strengthens the moral spine of the nation.
A Legally Correct Society Is a Better Society
In my experience as a social entrepreneur and educator, I have seen that most social injustices—exploitation, deception, discrimination—are rooted in legal ignorance. People who do not know their rights often suffer silently, while those who do wrong take advantage.
This is why legal literacy is not only a requirement but a social necessity. And who promotes this literacy? Our advocates. Therefore, I regard it as a fundamental truth that a legally correct society is a confident society — and for that, we owe our gratitude to our advocates.
When individuals understand the law, they act responsibly. When communities respect legal boundaries, society functions with greater efficiency and less conflict. The advocate is the bridge that connects law with life.
Advocates as Architects of Social Order
A lawyer’s influence goes beyond winning cases. It extends to shaping the norms, attitudes, and ethics that define a community. For this reason, I deeply believe advocates are architects of social order; their arguments shape not just cases but communities.”
Every legal argument, every petition drafted, every judgement delivered contributes to the collective conscience of society. Advocates participate in the intellectual and moral development of the nation, often without receiving the recognition they deserve.
Acknowledgement Is Empowerment
Appreciating advocates is not only a gesture; it is an affirmation of the principles they uphold. When society acknowledges the value of the legal profession, it strengthens the resolve of those who dedicate their lives to justice. This is why I often emphasise: To appreciate a lawyer is to acknowledge the role of justice in everyday life.
Conclusion
As we mark Advocates’ Day and honour Dr Rajendra Prasad’s legacy, let us recognise that lawyers are fundamental to a just society, not only for their expertise but for their steadfast commitment to justice and truth. Celebrating advocates is, at its heart, celebrating the foundation of a fair, enlightened, and vibrant society.
*Dr Birbal Jha is a noted author, cultural crusader, and youth-enabler committed to empowering people through language, culture, and ethical living.
