Concept That Legal Profession Is A Rich Man’s Profession Is Coming To An End: Justice NV Ramana

Hon’ble Justice NV Ramana while delivering his Convocation Address at Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University 4th, 5th, 6th & 7th Virtual Convocation organised on 4th April,2021 urged the young law graduates to  contribute in giving back something to this society, to this great nation which has bestowed on them so many privileges.

Speaking at the Virtual Convocation, Justice Ramana started his address by remembering Sri Damodaram Sanjivayya, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh after whom this law university was named. 

“I believe that everyone could learn from his exemplary life about values and service to the people. I would like to recount a famous anecdote about Shri Sanjivayya which I believe highlights his values perfectly. When Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was considering Sri Damodaram Sanjivayya as the Chief Minister candidate for Andhra Pradesh, many leaders who could not digest his decision sent multiple complaints that he was highly corrupt and earned millions of rupees. Pandit Nehru told one of his intimate friends to conduct a secret inquiry and submit a report to him.  The central leader landed in Hyderabad and went to Sanjivayya’s native village with a local leader. The local leader made their car stop in front of a small straw hut at the outskirts of the village, where an old lady was cooking with a clay pot using firewood. This was Shri Sanjivayya’s mother. When she was informed about the fact that Sanjivayya was being considered for Chief Minister, she was very happy. She had just one question for the central leader- “Will my son be able buy a coal burning stove for me now? It is very difficult to cook using firewood at my age.” The leader from Delhi was dumbstruck. He told the local leader – ‘there is no need for further enquiry. Let us go back.’ After one week, Damodaram Sanjivayya took oath as the first Dalit Chief Minister of an Indian State. As a Chief Minister, he used to travel to the State Assembly in a Rickshaw.”, Justice Ramana said. 

While highlighting the deficiencies in the current system of education, he further remarked that the ultimate purpose of education should be to combine the perception & patience, emotion & intellect, substance & morals. 

“Students are often caught in the “rat race”. All of us should therefore make a collective effort to revamp the educational system to ensure that students can have the right outlook to their career and life outside. To understand the law, its functioning and effect, it is necessary to be socially conscious.”

In his address, he said that the goal of a Law School should be to make a Law Graduate socially relevant & technically sound. In order to further the practical knowledge of Law Students, Law Schools should expose students to clinical education through Lok Adalats, Legal Aid Centers and Arbitration and Mediation Centers. They should engage them to work actively with the Legal Service Authority to give them an opportunity to work with the justice delivery system closely. 

“They must be social engineers because law is considered as an instrument of social change.  Law graduates have to inculcate analytical skills, critical evaluation and creative solutions to legal problems. The multiple avenues available to a legal professional in today’s world, where they may be Lawyers, Legal Executives, Arbitrators, Mediators, Solicitors and Judges, necessitate a broad-based education with a focus on developing the skills of students. Law Students have to be able to explain their point clearly and precisely with flawless communication skills. They have to maintain integrity of character and be prepared to work under stressful and difficult circumstances. They must be prepared to work hard. Only those who work with dedication will reach the zenith in the legal profession.”, Justice Ramana also said.

While concluding his address, Justice Ramana called the fresh young graduates as the stewards of the nation & advised them to be the conscience bearers of by educating people of their rights & providing legal guidance whenever they can. 

“These are heavy burdens to bear, but I am sure you are all strong enough to bear it. Remember the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “Silence becomes cowardice, when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly.” Being the drivers of social change, a heavy burden falls on our youth today, to raise their voice on behalf of those rendered voiceless. Through your determined efforts you can empower communities, both locally and globally. Remember, your voice matters.”, Justice Ramana remarked.