The fourth day of Deeksharambh 2026 at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Law University (DBRANLU), Sonepat, featured an address by Hon’ble Mr. Justice V. Ramasubramanian, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Addressing the incoming batch, he spoke about choosing law with a larger purpose, the ethical complexities of legal decision-making, the social responsibility of lawyers and the strength of first-generation legal professionals.
Hon’ble Mr. Justice V. Ramasubramanian, who attended the programme as the Chief Guest, encouraged students to approach legal education with intellectual curiosity, professional discipline and a commitment to serving society.
The programme formed part of the University’s induction programme for the incoming batch. It commenced with the ceremonial welcome of the dignitaries, lighting of the lamp, felicitation ceremony and welcome address, followed by the keynote address delivered by Justice Ramasubramanian.
During his address, Justice Ramasubramanian underscored the enduring relevance of India’s ancient epics in understanding law, ethics and human behaviour. Referring to the Mahabharata, he described it as a timeless repository of human experiences that encompasses every facet of life, including morality, duty, love, sacrifice, compassion, ambition, conflict, revenge and justice.
Vice Chancellor and Registrar Welcome the Incoming Batch
The session opened with addresses by Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Devinder Singh and Registrar Prof. (Dr.) Ashutosh Mishra, who welcomed the new batch to the University and set the tone for the students’ academic journey.
Prof. (Dr.) Devinder Singh outlined the University’s vision and shared the aspirations and values expected of students as they begin their legal education. He spoke about the responsibilities that accompany academic life and encouraged students to make meaningful use of the opportunities available at the institution.
Prof. (Dr.) Ashutosh Mishra highlighted the University’s administrative framework and explained the various institutional support systems available to ensure a smooth and enriching transition into campus life.
Choosing Law with Purpose
Beginning his keynote address, Justice Ramasubramanian encouraged the students to reflect deeply on why they had chosen to study law. Drawing comparisons with careers in medicine and engineering, he explained that although law offers diverse professional opportunities and rewarding career prospects, students should not view the profession solely through the lens of financial success.
He urged the incoming batch to identify a larger purpose that would guide their legal journey, regardless of whether they eventually choose to work as litigators, corporate lawyers, academicians, judges or public servants.
A meaningful legal career is built upon conviction, clarity of purpose and commitment to justice, rather than material rewards alone.
Justice Ramasubramanian reminded the students that professional success acquires greater significance when it is connected with a clear sense of responsibility towards the justice system and society.
Understanding the True Nature of Law
Justice Ramasubramanian explained that the study of law extends far beyond statutes, legal provisions and courtroom practice. Tracing the evolution of legal systems, he observed that societies have long grappled with questions concerning right and wrong, and that law emerged as an institutional framework to resolve increasingly complex disputes.
He encouraged students to recognise that legal problems rarely present straightforward answers. Lawyers, he said, must develop the ability to examine competing perspectives with objectivity, patience and intellectual honesty.
Illustrating this idea through the well-known “trolley problem” discussed by philosopher Michael Sandel, Justice Ramasubramanian engaged the students in a discussion on ethics, morality and utilitarianism.
The exercise demonstrated that legal questions frequently exist in shades of grey rather than in absolute categories of right and wrong. It also highlighted the importance of careful reasoning, ethical reflection and a balanced assessment of competing interests in the practice of law.
Law as a Means of Service
Highlighting the social responsibility attached to legal education, Justice Ramasubramanian reminded the students that every educated citizen benefits from society’s collective investment in educational institutions.
He urged the incoming batch to dedicate a part of their professional lives to ensuring access to justice for marginalised and underprivileged communities. According to him, the true purpose of legal education is fulfilled only when the knowledge and skills acquired by students are used in the service of society.
His remarks encouraged the students to view legal education not merely as a route to personal advancement, but also as an opportunity to contribute to a more accessible and equitable justice system.
Strength of First-Generation Lawyers
One of the most memorable moments of the address came when Justice Ramasubramanian sought to reassure students who may have been concerned about entering the legal profession without a family background in law.
Reflecting on his own journey as a first-generation lawyer, he remarked that beginning a professional career without inherited advantages often gives individuals the opportunity to build their own identity, reputation and achievements.
Justice Ramasubramanian observed that nearly 80% of successful legal professionals are first-generation lawyers.
He encouraged the students to approach their careers with confidence and determination, and to regard the absence of a professional family background not as a limitation, but as an opportunity to break new ground and establish an independent identity.
Importance of Reading Beyond Law
Concluding his address, Justice Ramasubramanian encouraged students to cultivate excellence in communication, literature and public speaking alongside their legal studies.
He stressed that language remains one of a lawyer’s greatest strengths and observed that even the smallest nuances in the use of words can alter legal meaning. A strong command over language, he indicated, is therefore essential for legal interpretation, drafting, advocacy and judicial reasoning.
Justice Ramasubramanian advised students to read widely beyond legal textbooks and judgments. He observed that lawyers who immerse themselves in literature, history, philosophy and allied disciplines are better equipped to understand human behaviour, communicate persuasively and excel in the legal profession.
Interactive Session with Students
The programme concluded with an engaging interactive discussion during which students posed questions on legal ethics, judicial decision-making, literature, time management and professional development.
Drawing upon his judicial experience, Justice Ramasubramanian responded with practical insights and encouraged the students to remain intellectually curious, disciplined and socially conscious throughout their legal careers.
The fourth day of Deeksharambh 2026 at DBRANLU, Sonepat, thus provided the incoming batch with an opportunity to reflect on the broader meaning of legal education and the responsibilities that accompany entry into the legal profession.
