MSU convocation: Ensure inequality doesn’t widen in society, urges CJI DY Chandrchud | Ahmedabad News

Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud Sunday urged young graduates to transform their foundational journey into a life and ethic of intellectualism, and ensure that inequality does not widen in the society.

“In many countries across the world, greater development and greater prosperity has led to greater inequality. It is for you as young people to ensure that inequality in society does not widen. Make sure that you take the last person along with you in society. In everything you do, make sure that you promote a more gender equal society, create a sustainable future,” the CJI said in a virtual address as the chief guest of the 72nd convocation of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad University (MSU) of Vadodara.

Hailing the current young generation as ‘unique’, the CJI said, “…you are a unique generation which is aware about the challenges of our time more than any generation before you”.

In a piece of advice to the graduates, the CJI said, “The recipe to sail through this time is to know that life is a marathon and not a 100-metre sprint”. “In these times, I am amazed at the capacity of the young generation to rise to the occasion and address the enormous challenges of our time. India is undergoing a demographic change when the present and future belongs to the young,” he added.

“As you pass out from the shelter of a university, you must use your foundational journey and transform it into a life and ethic of intellectualism. The terms learned and intellectual are often used individually. But there are important distinctions between these two phrases,” the CJI said.

A learned person is one who is conscious of his class and makes decisions only in the best interest of his class, Chandrachud said, citing Babasaheb Ambedkar. “But an intellectual is an emancipated being who is free to act without being swayed by class considerations. An intellectual is someone who engages deeply with ideas, theories and concepts…The MSU of Baroda has a rich legacy almost as old as our republic of generating intellectuals, even nobel laureates. I am certain that you would follow those footsteps. Your capacity to include intellect in your work and conduct will also make you a leader. Not just a leader in India, but many of you will become global leaders.”

He also cautioned the graduating students against getting swayed by unrealistic expectations and to learn from failures. “I have learnt from my own failures in life. One thing that our formal education does not prepare us is how vital failure is to our growth. Our education system is designed for us to despise failure and have a paralysing fear of it. However, life is not made to be free of failure. Failures in life are designed for you to introspect and emerge as a better person. Do not ever be disheartened by not having solutions to all the problems which you face,” he stated.

The convocation ceremony was also attended by Chief Minister Bhpendra Patel and Education Minister Rushikesh Patel.