A blend of compassion and legal expertise is the model of a successful legal profession: President Murmu of NALSAR University, Hyderabad

President Droupadi Murmu, Telangana Governor Jishnu Dev Varma. State Chief Minister Revanth Reddy poses for a photo with a student during the 21st convocation of NALSAR Law University, in Hyderabad, on Saturday. | Photo credit: ANI

President Droupadi Murmu has urged graduating students of the National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) College of Law, Hyderabad, to become agents of change and address the unfair situation of access to justice for the poor.

Referring to the Constitution of India, the preamble objectives of ensuring justice, liberty, equality to all citizens, the vision statement and the directive principles, Ms. Murmu told the students: “Stand always in the values ​​of integrity and courage. Telling the truth makes you more powerful.

Addressing the students, their family members, professors and judges of the Supreme Court of India and the Telangana High Court during the convocation, Ms. Murmu recalled the story of Mahatma Gandhi, who abandoned his successful legal career to fight for justice. on a much larger scale. His commitment as a lawyer was evident in his advocacy for the great causes he defended:

“His first Satyagraha took place in Champaran, to seek justice for poor farmers exploited by Indigo planters. He and his associates, including Dr. Rajendra Prasad, also a lawyer, prepared detailed documentation reinforcing Satyagraha in favor of farmers.

“Thus, Gandhiji mixed compassion and legal acumen, also on several issues against the most powerful empire the world has ever known. This blend of compassion and legal expertise is a formula for success that also contains sensitivity and fairness. This can serve as a model for a legal professional who wants to have a meaningful and successful career,” she said.

Ms. Murmu, while commending the efforts of various initiatives of NALSAR, including the Animal Law Center (ALC), recalled her tenure as Minister of Fisheries and Animal Resources Development in Odisha, almost two decades.

“Widespread efforts should be made for the protection and welfare of animals. I expect younger generations to protect animals and birds, trees and water bodies as necessities for the well-being of humanity. The NALSAR ALC is a good step in this direction,” she stressed.

Governor Jishnu Dev Varma, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, Telangana High Court Chief Justice and Chancellor (NALSAR) Alok Aradhe, and Vice-Chancellor Srikrishna Deva Rao, joined Ms. Murmu and presented the gold medals and awards to deserving students.