The 25th Annual Convocation of the National Law School of India University saw girls stealing the show, with only 7 out of the 21 gold medalists being boys.
Ms. Shruthi Ashok walked away with 16 gold medals, and the ceremony saw 581 under-graduate and post-graduate students being feted.
The Convocation witnessed the attendance of Vice President Hamid Ansari as the Chief Guest. Chief Justice of India J.S. Khehar presided over the Convocation, with Governor of Karnataka Mr. Vajubhai Vala as the Guest of Honor and Chief Minister of Karnataka, Mr. Siddaramaiah as the Special Guest.
Speaking at the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) R. Venkata Rao recounted the various achievements of the current students and the alumni. His message to the passing out graduates was: “Remember, God has not given a bone in our tongue because he wants us to speak only soft words. Every selfless act, every gesture of gratitude, every soft word, every kind thought – they make up who you are, they create your world. Our education, knowledge and wisdom should give us an understanding, compassion and empathy towards other people’s situations, nature and behavior.”
The Vice President, in his address, spoke at length on the necessity of pluralism and secularism in our democracy. He also voiced his opinion on nationalism, and condemned ‘hyper-nationalism’ and closing of the mind as a “manifestation of insecurity about one’s place in the world”.
“Citizenship does imply national obligations. It necessitates adherence to and affection for the nation in all its rich diversity. This is what nationalism means, and should mean, in a global community of nations,” he opined.