Chief Justice of India, Justice BR Gavai, delivered a stirring and deeply reflective convocation address at the 22nd Convocation of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad.
The event was graced by dignitaries including A Revanth Reddy, Chief Minister of Telangana; Justice PS Narasimha, Judge of the Supreme Court of India; Justice Sujoy Paul, Acting Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court and Chancellor of NALSAR; and Prof Srikrishna Dev Rao, Vice-Chancellor of NALSAR.
Justice Gavai opened his address by commending NALSAR’s legacy since its inception in 1998, praising the university for its academic rigour and its commitment to the deeper spirit of law through centres focused on social justice, technology, climate change, and governance.
He noted the remarkable achievements of NALSAR alumni who have made their mark as Senior Advocates, legal scholars, public policy leaders, and social justice advocates.
“You don’t just receive a degree. You are becoming part of a living tradition of impact and integrity,” he told the graduating students.
Shifting from ceremonial formalities to an honest and practical tone, Justice Gavai underscored the demanding nature of the legal profession.
Citing Thomas Grant’s The Mandela Brief: Sydney Kentridge and the Trials of Apartheid (2024), he stressed the need for perseverance, stamina, and clarity in advocacy.
He encouraged graduates to prepare for a path that requires both legal mastery and emotional resilience.
Mental health, often a taboo topic in professional circles, featured prominently in his speech.
Justice Gavai urged young lawyers to share their struggles and stressed that self-care is essential, citing Bell Hooks and Audre Lorde.
Justice Gavai emphasises importance of consistency & clarity
Addressing systemic issues, Justice Gavai pointed out structural inequalities in legal education and hiring practices, referencing a 2023 US study from The Making of Lawyers’ Careers: Inequality and Opportunity in the American Legal Profession.
He connected its findings to similar realities in India, where perception often overshadows merit based on institutional origin.
Justice Gavai urged graduates to master core legal subjects and follow emerging fields like AI and data privacy.
“There is no shortcut to knowing the law,” he reminded the audience, emphasising the importance of consistency and clarity.
Justice Gavai stressed the transformative role of mentorship in the legal profession.
He credited his success to both hard work and early supporters.
Justice Gavai called upon senior professionals to extend the same support to the next generation.
On the growing trend of pursuing expensive foreign degrees, Justice Gavai issued a cautionary note.
While acknowledging the value of global exposure, he warned against falling into financial debt for validation.
He called for reforms to support returning scholars and legal researchers with better academic environments.
“It is not just enough to celebrate India’s legal legacy. We must invest in its future,” Justice Gavai asserted.
Justice Gavai also highlighted the urgent challenges within India’s legal system, including prolonged undertrial detentions.
Citing Jed S Rakoff’s book, Why the Innocent Plead Guilty and the Guilty Go Free, he called for the nation’s brightest legal minds.
In his closing remarks, he offered personal advice: never neglect friends and family, books, hobbies, health, and imagination.
Referencing authors like Hisham Matar, Susan Cain, and John Grey, he emphasised the importance of mental wellbeing.
He concluded with a powerful reminder: “You don’t always have to prove yourself. Sometimes, just being is enough.”
The 22nd Convocation of NALSAR thus became more than a ceremonial milestone. It was a call to young lawyers to shape their futures with compassion, intellect, and integrity.
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