Maharashtra National Law University Mumbai celebrated its First Convocation Ceremony on Saturday, 2nd July 2022 at the coveted Maharashtra Judicial Academy, Uttan. 306 students were awarded degrees on the day. Hon’ble Dr. Justice D. Y. Chandrachud, Judge, Supreme Court of India and Chancellor of the University; Hon’ble Smt. Justice B. V. Nagarathna, Judge, Supreme Court of India and Member of General Council of the University; Hon’ble Mr. Justice Dipankar Datta, Chief Justice, High Court of Bombay and Pro-Chancellor of the University; Hon’ble Mr. Justice Nitin Jamdar, Judge High Court of Bombay and Member of the General Council; Hon’ble Smt. Justice Bharati Dangre, Judge, High Court of Bombay, and Member, General Council and Executive Council of the University, were present on the occasion along with other Judges of the High Court, High Court Registry, Judicial Officers, Government Officials and others.
Hon’ble Prof. (Dr.) Dilip Ukey, Vice-Chancellor of the University, in his welcome address called upon the students to fight for the social cause, fight for injustice and inculcate in themselves the values of humanism. He advised them to face life with a strong will and beautiful smile. He also highlighted the achievements of the University and the developments which have led to high preference and ranking of the University by the applicants nationally.
Hon’ble Mr. Justice Dipankar Datta, Chief Justice, High Court of Bombay and Pro-Chancellor of the University, emphasized on the academic profession and said that nothing can be more satisfying than to become a guru. However, academically brilliant you may be, never carry this impression that you are omniscient. The struggles in life which you face today will develop the strength you need tomorrow. He cautioned to exercise their Article 19 (1) rights wisely and advised them to take this graduation as a launching pad to promote goodwill and national interest.
Hon’ble Dr. Justice D. Y. Chandrachud, Judge, Supreme Court of India and Chancellor of the University, congratulated the University for excelling as a center for excellence within a short span of time. He advised that each one of us should inculcate and cultivate in ourselves, a sense of constitutional morality, starting from our home. Fraternity is important for structuring our democracy to recognize and accept the plurality of people. His lordship opined on living life imbibing constitutional values. Devoting one’s live to social justice and rights litigation is a remarkable way to promote the values of our constitution. He advised students to take up probono work and work for the marginalized, even if they are working for high paying jobs.
Hon’ble Justice Chandrachud emphasized on gender sensitization and equal opportunity. He suggested to look at life beyond the information bubble; explore what is being fed to you and learn to live your own experiences and learn from others’ experiences. He hoped that the students will come up with innumerable and creative ways to work the constitution. Lastly, he wished that may each one become instruments in the thirst for justice. May your fingertips become a medium for compassion, when you witness cruelty against any living being. May your life be the source of love, in place of hate, and of healing when there is sorrow. May in the happiness of others, you find your own self-realization.
This convocation was a long-awaited convocation as it couldn’t be held physically for the past two years due to the pandemic. The recording of the convocation is available here