Pro bono is soul of advocacy, true test of legal acumen is how many lives you impact: SC Justice Aravind Kumar

The SC judge, who was elevated to the Apex court in 2023 from his previous position as the Chief Justice of Gujarat High Court, further advised the students to visit legal aid clinics. “Help a woman in distress, or a person from the downtrodden class, a wrongfully imprisoned man. Every life you save will whisper a blessing into your journey,” Justice Kumar said.

Those in attendance included SC Justice Bela M Trivedi, who also serves as the Visitor of GNLU.

Condemning the recent terror attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam, Justice Kumar said, “Our nation was shaken by a cowardly terrorist attack… Innocent lives lost, families shattered, dreams turned to ashes. As we gather here for celebration, let us not forget those who mourn. Let us condemn in the strongest terms such acts of hatred and violence that stand against the spirit of humanity.”

At the beginning of the ceremony, Professor (Dr) S Shanthakumar, Director of GNLU, held a moment of silence for the victims of the attack.

The death by suicide of Vansh Gaint, a third-year GNLU student, in March found mention in Justice Trivedi’s address as she said, “I was deeply saddened by the recent incident of suicide, which was quite unfortunate, on the campus. Life is very precious, please do not spoil it by your exasperation.”

She added, “Do not be impatient. You will get everything — name, fame as you desire — but you will have to wait and strive hard by building up your character and inculcating virtues. Life has much more to offer to you than what you deserve and desire. So have faith in yourself and in God. You are the future of India.”

Justice Kumar, too, spoke about the pressures of the profession and urged the students passing out to seek help when required. He said, “This is a tough profession; it doesn’t just test your intellect, it strains your soul. Sleepless night, toxic chambers sometimes, impossible deadlines, and heartbreak, all dressed up in black. Let me say this plainly. It is okay to not be okay. Seek help when needed. Talk to your friends, cry if you must, rest if you must… There is nothing heroic about destroying your health for your career. Let balance be your superpower.”

On the gender gap in the legal system, Justice Kumar said, “Women have always been the backbone of justice. Yet, we still face a gap that must be breached. It is our collective duty as lawyers to champion true equality, not just in the courtrooms but in every sphere of our influence.” Quoting a Sanskrit shloka, he said, “’Where you only worship women, it is only lip service’. Female voices in policy making are not just necessary, they are vital to shaping a just society. To women in this room: step up, take your rightful place at the table and shape the laws that govern us. We have to ensure that the law reflects the diversity and strength of all our people. The living example of what I am saying is my esteemed sister Justice Belaben.”

Referring to her impending retirement in June, Justice Trivedi said, “It is a momentous day for you as well as for me. I will be completing three decades in the judiciary. Today will probably be my last function as a visitor of GNLU; so, it is momentous for me… Students, you are on the first step of your career and I am on the last. I will be demitting my office with a lot of satisfaction and contentment. I firmly believe law is a continuously evolving discipline and we remain its perpetual students.”

At the convocation for graduating batch of 2024 (UG 2019-24 & PG 2023-2024), degrees were conferred upon 286 students, including 16 PhD scholars, 85 LLM postgraduates comprising 67 from the Gandhinagar campus and 18 from the Silvassa campus; and 185 students from the Undergraduate LLB (Hons.) Programme.

As part of the convocation, a total of 38 gold medals were awarded to meritorious students. Further, 35 GNLU scholarships in the form of tuition fees waiver were awarded to 23 students for the academic years 2022-23 and 2023-24.

Earlier, the convocation address was delivered by Justice Kumar while the GNLU Director presented a report of the progress of the institution.