Vivek Krishna Tankha’s life embodies dedication, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to justice and public welfare. Born on September 21, 1956, in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, and guided by his father, Justice R.K. Tankha, he embarked on a mission to redefine society through law, governance, and social service.
Tankha began his legal career in 1978, becoming a Senior Advocate in 1999. That same year, he became the youngest Advocate General for Madhya Pradesh, playing a crucial role in the state’s division and the creation of Chhattisgarh in 2000, resolving critical issues related to asset allocation and resources.
He championed the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), streamlining law admissions for students across India. Tankha also addressed unsolicited telemarketing calls, leading to the establishment of the Do Not Disturb (DND) registry, enhancing consumer privacy. His appointment as Additional Solicitor General of India at the Supreme Court marked another milestone, underscoring his legal expertise.
Tankha’s pursuit of justice shone in his fight against corruption, notably in the Vyapam scam, where his commitment to transparency solidified his reputation as a formidable advocate.
Beyond the courtroom, Tankha’s humanitarian efforts have touched countless lives. As Chairman of the Rotary Clubs of Jabalpur, he led the reconstruction of homes after the 1997 earthquake and mobilized relief for the 1999 Orissa Super Cyclone. His establishment of medical camps following the 2001 Bhuj Earthquake and the RAHAT initiative, which has aided over 500,000 patients, exemplify his compassion. RAHAT-I in Mandla, Madhya Pradesh, provided healing to nearly 50,000 tribal patients in just seven days, performing 4,600 surgeries. He also founded numerous blood banks in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.
In education, Tankha founded the Justice Tankha Memorial Rotary Institute for Special Children in 1996, providing a sanctuary for children with special needs across five branches, transforming special education in India.
Entering politics in 2016, Tankha was elected to the Rajya Sabha, representing Madhya Pradesh, and re-elected in 2022. He has been involved in humanitarian efforts in Uri and Kashmir, focusing on rehabilitation, education, and healthcare. In 2022, he introduced a bill advocating for the restoration and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits.
Tankha’s strategic acumen was pivotal in the Congress party’s 2018 Madhya Pradesh assembly election campaign, where he helped uncover electoral discrepancies and expose the Vyapam scam.
His advocacy led to the lifting of a Supreme Court stay on road construction in Sikkim and prevented the relocation of the Jabalpur Army Base. As co-founder of the Madhya Pradesh Foundation, Tankha catalyzed policy reforms and championed economic justice, including a historic debt relief package for farmers. He also championed the cause of harmonious exercise of powers between the judiciary and the executive and was the forerunner in canvassing the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in India.
Vivek Krishna Tankha’s life, a story of dedication, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to justice and public welfare, has been captured in “Renaissance Man, The Life & Times of Vivek Tankha,” a documentary film by Ajay Chitnis.
Vivek Tankha’s life is a testament to relentless service, compassion, and an unyielding pursuit of justice, inspiring future generations to strive for a world shaped by integrity and empathy. He stands as a legal luminary, a political leader, and a force of nature, whose work will continue to illuminate the path for generations to come.