“Any keen observer of Indian society would have noticed that in the last few decades no great leader has emerged from the student community. This appears to be correlated with lower participation of students in social causes after liberalisation,” said CJI NV Ramana in his convocation address at the National Law University (NLU) Delhi. “The importance of student participation in a modern democracy cannot be overstated. It is essential for you to participate in the current debates,” he said.
Encouraging the students to “emerge as leaders in public life”, the CJI said that more and more students should become “socially and politically aware”. Addressing a gathering in the presence of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi High Court Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Siddharth Mridul, besides Vice-Chancellor Srikrishna Deva Rao, the CJI also gave his views on the state of education.
“In the concern of securing highly lucrative and lucrative job opportunities, children are sent into exile in privately run residential schools and coaching centres. The budding talent’s formative years are spent in a suffocating environment, which unfortunately resembles prisons. The holistic development of a child cannot be achieved in such a restrictive environment,” he said.
Preparing them for life outside the campus, the CJI, who is also a visitor to NLU, said, “Don’t be surprised when you see the situation outside. Court rooms are not like those represented in movies or moot courts. Tight court rooms, judges sitting on broken chairs, stenographers and court masters appearing in court without adequate arrangements, lack of toilets etc. will be a common sight.
The head of the judiciary also lauded the role of the Chief Minister of Delhi, saying that he has been a pillar of strength for NLU Delhi. “I am told that he respects every request made in the interest of this institution. He is known for his commitment and hard work for the welfare of the people of Delhi. His work in the field of education and healthcare is recognized. Much appreciated,” the CJI said.
He expressed concern about the status of the NLUs, saying that they were perceived as “apart from the elite and social realities”. He said it was “a bit disturbing” that most of the students from these universities ended up in corporate law firms, adding that “it is unfortunate that a comparable addition is not being made to the ranks of lawyers practicing in the courts from NLU”.
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