On Saturday, the National Law School of India (NLSIU) in Bengaluru hosted its 34th annual convocation, a ceremony attended by 400 freshly minted lawyers and a host of faculty, alumni, and family members. Chief Justice Surya Kant, the chief steward of the Supreme Court, took the podium to address the graduating cohort.
"The purpose of legal education extends beyond learning the principles of criminal or constitutional law," Surya Kant said, urging the new bar‑adopters to engage with diverse perspectives and to listen to the voices that often go unheard. He warned that the legal profession is not for the faint of heart, demanding not only mastery of statutes but also the courage to defend what is just and the humility to hear marginalized concerns.
He added that law is a living instrument, evolving through every case argued, contract drafted, and judgment penned. "Intellectual independence and fairness are the twin pillars of this profession," he emphasized, calling on graduates to hear before judging and to distinguish a person from a position without denying dignity.
The Chief Justice cautioned against compromising principles for convenience, stressing that expediency often tempts lawyers. He also paid tribute to Urvashi Krishnatra, a deceased LLB graduate, offering condolences and reminding the audience that every student’s journey reflects the sacrifices of families and the guidance of teachers.
Concluding, Surya Kant framed the profession as a calling to be guardians of autonomy and servants of the people. "The law will test your patience and ethics, but it will also offer the satisfaction of righting a wrong," he said, urging the graduates to let the values instilled at NLSIU guide their future cases.