Nearly five centuries ago, in an era of unequalled social and political change in Europe, a leading English jurist Sir Robert Rede founded a lectureship at Cambridge University. After many changes over the years this appointment continues today as one of the most prestigious the University can offer, and provides for a leading public figure to lecture on a subject of their choice.

Dr Singhvi, whose lecture is published in this volume, could not have been a more appropriate choice, nor could his subject have been more relevant to our times. His own career – as a distinguished advocate, as a parliamentarian, as a tireless representative of his great country overseas – could not have equipped him better for his theme. And the theme itself is indeed a compelling one. Like Sir Robert Rede himself, but on a vastly larger stage, Dr Singhvi has experienced the many contending pressures and opportunities which our own era too has seen as it faces such dramatic change. This is a great and challenging topic and, as will be seen on what follows, it has found an inspired author more than equal to his task.