Pranab Mukherjee addressed 1st Convocation of National Law University

President Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday addressed 1stconvocation of National Law University (NLU) Delhi.

The President said Graduates from NLUD must constantly look for ways in which they can give back to their country. They must be ready and willing at all times to represent the powerless and help them obtain justice.

He said, "We need an army of smart, committed and idealistic people to give voice to the voiceless and produce tangible change in our society".

He expressed the hope that graduates would take up legal aid for the poor as a life long commitment and do their utmost to draw attention to the problems of the dis-empowered. However, he advised them not to do this demanding or expecting gratitude. He said "Do it as your duty - your contribution to a more equal world and a motherland you are proud of - an India which has made you what you are today".

The President said lawyers have a duty to fight injustice wherever it exists. It is lawyers who must lead the change against criminality, poverty, domestic violence, discrimination and other forms of exploitation.

The President called upon the NLUD to take the lead in meeting contemporary moral challenges and ensuring that nine essential civilizational values of love for motherland; performance of duty; compassion for all; tolerance for pluralism; respect for women; honesty in life; self-restraint in conduct, responsibility in action and discipline are fully entrenched in the young minds

Shri Altamas Kabir, Chief Justice of India & Visitor, NLUD Released the Publications 2013 of National Law University, Delhi and presentation of the first copy to President.

Shri Badar Durrez Ahmed, Acting Chief Justice, Delhi High Court & Chancellor, NLU Delhi declares the convocation open.

Conferment of LL.D. (Honoris Causa) on Mr. Justice Dalveer Bhandari, Judge, International Court of Justice & former Judge, Supreme Court of India.

Two candidates received Ph.D awards from Shri Badar Durrez Ahmed, Acting Chief Justice, Delhi High Court & Chancellor, NLU Delhi.

Around 12 candidates received LL.M degree awards and 71 candidates received B.A ll.B degree awards from Shri Badar Durrez Ahmed, Acting Chief Justice, Delhi High Court & Chancellor, NLU Delhi.

The president presents the Gold Medals to the 22 candidates, and one candidate receives a cash prize.