Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant addressed the 12th Convocation Ceremony of the Central University of Haryana, Mahendragarh, urging graduating students to remain grounded in their values and recognise the broader responsibility that education carries in a democratic society.

Congratulating the doctoral scholars, postgraduates and graduating students, Justice Surya Kant also acknowledged the role of parents and families in supporting the students’ academic journeys, remarking that the day belonged as much to them as to the graduating cohort.

Reflecting on his own journey, Justice Surya Kant noted that he had grown up and received his education in different parts of Haryana and began his legal career without the advantage of an established professional network. Sharing this experience with the students, he emphasised that humble beginnings often prepare individuals better for the challenges of professional life than inherited privilege.

Commending the rapid growth of the Central University of Haryana, Justice Surya Kant highlighted that the university had achieved national accreditation and recognition within just seventeen years of its establishment. He also noted with appreciation that out of the fifty gold medallists this year, thirty were women, describing the achievement as a meaningful contribution toward closing the gender gap in higher education.

Justice Surya Kant reminded students that while academic degrees recognise knowledge acquired in classrooms, they cannot measure qualities such as character, judgment and integrity, which ultimately determine the course of one’s life and career.

Speaking on the role of education in a democracy, Justice Surya Kant emphasised that public investment in higher education creates a corresponding obligation toward society. He noted that universities are funded through public resources derived from taxpayers, many of whom may never have the opportunity to attend higher education institutions themselves. As such, graduates carry a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to society through their professions.

Drawing from the Ramayana, he referred to the example of Bharat placing Lord Ram’s paduka on the throne and governing as a trustee rather than as a sovereign, highlighting the distinction between exercising authority for personal benefit and holding it in trust for the public.

Justice Surya Kant further observed that the strength of a democracy depends on whether educated citizens choose to engage with public systems and institutions or merely benefit from them. He noted that professionals across fields- engineers, teachers, lawyers and administrators contribute to the strength of the republic when they perform their roles with honesty and dedication.

Using a vivid analogy from the sport of Kabaddi, which holds a special place in Haryana’s culture, Justice Surya Kant urged graduates to balance ambition with discipline and self-awareness. Comparing a professional journey to a raider entering the opposing court, he remarked that success lies not in how far one advances, but in knowing the limits and returning to one’s foundations.

“Your career will be your raid, your upbringing will be your court, and the education you received here will be your breath,” he said, encouraging students to remain connected to their roots even as they progress in their careers.

Concluding his address, Justice Surya Kant reminded the graduates to remember the sacrifices of their families, the discipline of their upbringing and the education they received at the university.

He urged them to pursue ambition with wisdom and to use their knowledge and opportunities to strengthen the institutions and communities that enabled their success.

Justice Surya Kant once again congratulated the graduating students and their families, wishing them health, happiness and success in the years ahead.