Legal Education Must Strive For More Inclusivity : Justice Ravindra Bhat In Convocation Address

Supreme Court Judge Justice S. Ravindra Bhat delivered the Convocation Address at the 10th Convocation Ceremony of the National Law University, Delhi on Saturday..

At the commencement of his convocation address, Justice Bhat shared a few insights he had figured along in his journey.

Every day remains an opportunity for learning

On the importance of learning in law, Justice Bhat told how books used to be only source of information back then. He stated: “This is why I consider each of you in hall to be a peer in learning. Because despite being where I am fortunate to be and whereas fledglings in law find yourselves, this is our commonality that we remain peers in learning.”

Whether legal or otherwise, pursuing learning is an ongoing life journey without a definite end. The hunger for growth and unwavering resolve to achieve it, not by comparing yourselves with others but only to be a better version of ourselves. Promising to be at your best each day is what gives life its true essence, Justice Bhat said.

Ability to nurture patience

Justice Bhat explained that this does not mean patience with others only but more with ourselves to offer time and kindness as we find our footing. He illustrated the same by saying:

“Life is not a two-minute packet of instant noodles, rather it is an audacity of a self-discovery and exploration of diverse ingredients through a trial and error method.”

Moving forward, he said that many students might have secured jobs with varying profiles, including in law firms, policy, litigation, and even preparing for competitive exams. However, many must be trying to find a steady ground. Addressing all these students, he said, “It is perfectly alright not to possess all the answers or to have every aspect of life planned out. Even if you do figure it out, I hope you will be open to them changing to giving yourself the space to change your minds as you meander in the river of life.”

“While standing at such a metaphorical juncture, remember that embarking on an uncharted path, one that you did not anticipate for yourself, offers an opportunity for learning.”

He quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson at this and said, “Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

Elaborating, Justice Bhat said that choices and decisions are not merely relevant when they are made in the corridors of power or constitutional courts; everyday life presents us with choices. Some are straightforward, while others are more complex. “It is in the dancing flames of such moments that your character will sink; you will have before you the option to opt for the easy and pragmatic route, one that seems convenient at the time. However, there is another path, a path guided by principles and your sense of what is morally right. This path might be challenging, demanding, and often require resilience, but this is what will determine who you are.”

Further, Justice Bhat shared advice given to him when he was younger. “If every time you stand up for what you believe in, even in the face of adversity, you are adding a brick to that foundation. This is what shapes the person you are becoming. A person known for integrity, courage and a commitment to your principles. However, the opposite also holds true. Every compromise you make with yours believes is like removing a brick from this metaphorical foundation. It is a slippery slope, granting yourself permission for future compromises and gradually weakening the very essence of who you are.”

The Collective ability to raise critical and honest questions will profoundly shape society as we wish to construct

Justice Bhat implored the audience to “unflinchingly embrace the audacity to pursue forthright answers and not merely not settle for convenient ones…We must muster the courage to probe deeper to uncover the true causes that lie beneath the surface.”

Thereafter, he addressed the students and said that they are responsible for maintaining the culture of the Constitution, which is to practice and live by the rule of law. “You have to carry the torch of liberty and equality.”

He emphasized the path of honesty and how the same is vital in every walk of life and is not just a one-time endeavour. It is a skill that requires nurturing a commitment to constant reflection. Just like an artist who hones their craft. “Through relentless practice, we must sharpen our ability to uncover the truth and navigate the complexities of life.”

Justice Bhat quoted Seamus Heaney, a Nobel prize winner, and said: “The thing about stepping stones is that you always need another one up there, ahead of you, even if you panic midstream, there is no going back, the next move is always the test.”

Justice Bhat recalled that when he joined college, there were fewer female students, which was not unique to this profession but a mere reflection of society and women’s participation in it. “Standing after 40 years, it is heartening to see how far we have come.” However, he said there are miles to achieve equal participation of women in the workforce in our deeply unequal society and that everyone should endeavor to make room for being more diverse and representative. “Our legal education must strive for inclusivity.” He added that this is the only way to encourage more women to pursue a law career long after graduation.

Legal education

Justice Bhat also spoke briefly on legal education. He said, “Inclusive education entails students coming from diverse backgrounds, rather than exclusive institutions catering to the elite.” He also highlighted the need to teach more practical course like legal remedies, law and development, alongside commercial courses so that the students could understand the issues at grassroot level. He averred that this is the only way through which the impact of law on society can be understood. Notably, he pointed out that there is a presumption that students will pick up these subjects on the job, but in reality, these aspects need to be inculcated beforehand. Taking about the purpose of legal education, he said that the same is not merely about a lucrative career, but it is a profound commitment to uphold justice, serve the needs of society, and safeguard the principles enshrined in our Constitution and legal system. “It is your potential to harness the education you have achieved for the good of society.”

Choose a Path that serves you well and not anyone else; if none exist, then be brave enough to form a new one: Justice Bhat

He said that true success should not be measured with just material gains and professional accomplishments; it is also about life well-lived, rich with experiences. He then requested the audience to cultivate interest beyond law and engage in art, culture, and community work.

“Have the courage to pursue your instincts”

Further, after addressing the graduates, he says: “Do not lose sight of the values that define your character...the road ahead is yours to travel… You possess the power to shape the future of the legal profession and of our nation. Uphold the Constitution, embrace change but stand by your principles and remember that pursuit of justice is a noble calling that requires unwavering commitment.”

Justice Bhat quoted Audrey Hepburn and said, “Nothing is impossible. The word says I'm possible."

In the end, Justice Bhat referred to Rudyard Kipling to summarize his address:

“If you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

But make allowance for their doubting too;

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,

Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,

And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise.”