New Delhi, Jan. 25 -- Every Republic Day, we return to familiar rituals. Patriotic songs like "Saare Jahan Se Achcha, Hindustan Hamara" and "Ae Mere Watan Ke Logon, Zara Yaad Karo Qurbani" play across TV channels and public spaces. They remind us of sacrifice and how far India has come.

There is quiet confidence in the country today. This year, it is worth pausing to reflect on the institutions and systems that hold India together. Some are visible; many are not. And, several of them are in the midst of a profound transformation.

One of the less visible contributors to India's nation-building effort has been blockchain technology. It rarely makes headlines, but it is increasingly forming the digital scaffolding that strengthens trust an...