CJI Surya Kant Highlights Eternal Values at Gujarat National Law University Convocation
In a profound address at the 16th convocation of Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) in Gandhinagar, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant invoked the ancient wisdom of the Taittiriya Upanishad to guide the graduating students. Speaking on Saturday, he emphasized the enduring relevance of the Shikshavalli's message, "satyam vada, dharmam chara," which translates to "Speak truth. Walk in righteousness." For the legal profession, whose very foundation rests on the bond between truth and justice, these words require no further explanation, the CJI noted.
Timeless Guidance for Modern Legal Challenges
Justice Surya Kant elaborated that this ancient teaching speaks directly to students stepping into a world that will inevitably test their principles. "Centuries have passed, and that has not changed," he remarked, underscoring how the core values of truth and righteousness remain as crucial today as they were in ancient times. He pointed out that the legal profession has endured not because it is immune to criticism, but because, across generations, lawyers have recognized that credibility is not something one possesses outright. Instead, it is held in trust, built gradually through consistent actions and integrity.
The CJI further explained that courts continue to command public confidence largely because those who appear before them understand that their words carry weight beyond the immediate case. Reputation in law, he stressed, is forged through steadfast consistency rather than fleeting successes. He warned the graduates that the most rigorous scrutiny they will face will not come from external sources like judges or colleagues, but from "the lawyer you have allowed yourself to become." This internal accountability, he suggested, is key to upholding the profession's legitimacy.
Celebrating Academic Achievements and Innovations
The convocation ceremony was a grand affair, attended by senior Supreme Court judges, judges from various high courts, and eminent lawyers and legal experts. Degrees were conferred on a total of 295 students, marking a significant milestone for GNLU. This included:
- 12 PhD scholars
- 89 LLM graduates, with 63 from the Gandhinagar campus and 26 from the Silvassa campus
- 194 undergraduate LLB (Hons) students
In his address, Prof S Shanthakumar, Director of GNLU, highlighted the university's achievements over the past year. He announced that 2025 saw 135 placements, the highest in GNLU's history and among the top records for national law universities (NLUs). The median salary for these placements was an impressive Rs 18 lakh per annum, reflecting the strong demand for GNLU graduates in the legal sector.
Launch of AI-Enabled Tools and Legal Aid Initiatives
Adding a technological and philanthropic dimension to the event, the CJI and other senior judges launched an AI-enabled moot court simulator developed at GNLU. This innovative tool is designed to enhance practical legal training for students, simulating real-world courtroom scenarios. Additionally, they flagged off a mobile legal aid clinic, aimed at providing accessible legal services to underserved communities, thereby promoting justice beyond the courtroom.
The convocation served as a powerful reminder of the legal profession's deep roots in ethical principles while embracing modern advancements. As the new graduates embark on their careers, they carry forward the timeless message of truth and righteousness, equipped with both traditional wisdom and cutting-edge tools to navigate the complexities of law in contemporary society.
