Convocation Ceremony at HPNLU Shimla: 451 Students Get Degrees, Law Studies Awaken a Sense of Confidence

Shimla, March 30: The Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU) in Shimla hosted its second convocation ceremony at the Himachal Pradesh Judicial Academy on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in the academic careers of its graduating students. A total of 451 students received their degrees, with 114 students from the BA LLB course, 111 from the BBA LLB course, and 211 from the LLM program. Additionally, 15 students were awarded PhD degrees, adding to the prestigious occasion. This convocation not only celebrated the academic achievements of these students but also reflected the university’s commitment to producing skilled legal professionals who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to society.

The ceremony was graced by dignitaries from various sectors, with Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu delivering a heartfelt address, congratulating the graduates and offering his insights into the role of law studies in shaping confident, dedicated professionals. He emphasized that law studies are more than just an academic pursuit; they provide a foundation of knowledge and confidence that students can carry with them into any career.

Chief Minister’s Address: Encouraging Hard Work and Dedication

Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu took the stage as the chief guest of the ceremony. In his address, he congratulated the graduates for completing this crucial phase of their educational journey. He shared a personal anecdote from his own life, recalling how he earned a law degree from Himachal Pradesh University but chose not to pursue a career in law. Instead, his passion for politics and social service led him to public office, where he has had the privilege of serving the people of Himachal Pradesh.

Despite not practicing law, CM Sukhu explained how his legal education contributed significantly to his political and social work. “Law studies instill a sense of confidence in people,” he said. “No matter which field you choose for your career, the foundation of legal studies will give you the strength and understanding to navigate life’s challenges.” He urged the graduates to approach their future with dedication, hard work, and a strong will to make a positive impact on society.

The Chief Minister also touched upon the significant reforms and initiatives undertaken by the state government in recent years, particularly in the legal domain. He highlighted the state government’s efforts to improve the financial condition of the state while addressing systemic issues that hindered progress.

Legal Reforms and Initiatives for Social Welfare

One of the standout moments in CM Sukhu’s speech was when he spoke about the legal reforms introduced by the state government, underscoring their importance in securing a better future for all citizens of Himachal Pradesh. He shared that the state has made groundbreaking strides by enacting a law that provides for the welfare of orphaned children. “Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in the country to enact such a law, ensuring a better future for approximately 6,000 children,” he noted.

Additionally, he spoke about the legal rights of women, including a new provision giving daughters equal rights in property and increasing the legal marriage age for women from 18 to 21 years. These reforms, CM Sukhu said, are in line with the state’s ongoing efforts to create an environment where justice, equality, and welfare are accessible to all.

The Chief Minister also spoke about the recent passage of two significant pieces of legislation in the state assembly: the Himachal Pradesh Drug Prevention Act and the Organized Crime Act. These laws aim to tackle the growing issues of drug-related crimes and organized criminal activities in the state. CM Sukhu emphasized that these measures were designed to ensure strict action against the drug mafia and dismantle the drug supply chain, alongside efforts to rehabilitate those affected by addiction.

Justice Suryakant’s Inspirational Message

Justice Suryakant, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, delivered an inspiring address, urging students to approach their careers with determination and intellectual rigor. He emphasized that while legal education provides the knowledge needed to succeed, it is determination, intelligence, and integrity that truly lead to success. He encouraged the graduates to develop qualities like self-doubt, integrity, and the ability to face challenges with patience and restraint.

Justice Suryakant stressed that the practice of law is not solely for those who can afford it, but for those who truly need it. He urged the students to view their legal education not as a tool for personal gain, but as a means to serve society and contribute to justice and equality.

Honorary Degrees Conferred on Eminent Judges

During the ceremony, two esteemed legal luminaries were conferred with the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws for their exceptional contributions to the field of law. Justice Sanjay Karol, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, and Justice Rajiv Shakdhar, former Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, were both honored with this prestigious recognition. Their exemplary careers in law and their contributions to the Indian judicial system were celebrated by the university and the attendees.

Recognizing Academic Excellence: Award Winners

The convocation also celebrated academic excellence, with several students receiving prestigious awards for their outstanding performances during their time at HPNLU. Suryadev Singh Bhandari, the overall topper of the postgraduate degree for 2021, was one of the most notable awardees. He was joined by Ticy Annie Thomas (2022 topper) and Nivedita Sharma (2023 topper), who were all awarded the Founding Vice Chancellor Gold Medal.

Sheenam Thakur, from the 2018 batch, was the recipient of multiple prestigious awards, including the Dr. Luthra Memorial Gold Medal (Criminal Law), Tarsem Kumar Gold Medal (Best Female Topper), Shyam Sunder Goyal Memorial Gold Medal (Undergraduate Topper), and Founding Chancellor Gold Medal as the best student of Himachal Pradesh. She also received the Founding Vice Chancellor Gold Medal for being the best overall topper and the Founding Chancellor Fellowship Award as the best law student in the state.

Other awardees included Aditi Sharma, who received the Justice Dharampal Sood Gold Medal for Outstanding Performance in Constitutional Law for the 2018 batch, and Lipi Aryan, who was awarded the K.K. Luthra Memorial Gold Medal (Criminal Law) for 2019. Ankita Sharma received multiple accolades, including the Tarsem Kumar Gold Medal, Shyam Sunder Goyal Memorial Gold Medal, and Founding Vice Chancellor Gold Medal for 2019.

The awards were not just a recognition of academic excellence but also a testament to the students’ dedication, hard work, and passion for the legal profession.

Dignitaries in Attendance

The ceremony was attended by several prominent dignitaries, including Justices MM Sundresh and R Mahadevan, Judges of the Supreme Court of India, as well as Justice GS Sandhawalia, Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. The Vice Chancellor of HPNLU, Prof. Preeti Saxena, also graced the occasion, offering her congratulations to the students and outlining the university’s vision for the future.

In her address, Prof. Saxena expressed pride in the accomplishments of the university’s students and emphasized the university’s commitment to providing world-class legal education that not only meets academic standards but also nurtures students to become responsible and capable professionals. She praised the university’s role in shaping the future of law in Himachal Pradesh and beyond.

A Bright Future for the Graduates

The HPNLU Shimla’s second convocation was a momentous event, celebrating the achievements of 451 graduates who are now poised to make their mark in the legal profession and other fields. The ceremony highlighted the university’s growing prominence as a center of legal education and the bright future ahead for its students. With inspiring words from the Chief Minister and the judicial dignitaries, the graduates left the ceremony with a renewed sense of purpose, confidence, and responsibility as they embark on the next stage of their professional lives.

The event also underscored the importance of law in society, not only as a career path but as a powerful tool for justice, equality, and social change. As the graduates prepare to take on new challenges, their education at HPNLU Shimla has undoubtedly laid a strong foundation for their success in the years to come.