Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said democracies invest in higher education to create responsible citizens capable of self-governance, not just prosperous graduates. Speaking at the Central University of Haryana convocation, he urged students to use education to strengthen public institutions and serve society.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Saturday emphasised the deeper purpose of higher education in a democratic society, stating that universities are not meant only to create prosperous graduates but responsible citizens who can contribute to governance and public institutions.
Addressing students at the 12th convocation ceremony of the Central University of Haryana in Mahendragarh, the Chief Justice spoke about the role of education in shaping responsible individuals who strengthen democratic institutions.
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During his speech, Justice Kant said that education has a wider purpose in a democracy. He observed that universities play a key role in preparing citizens who can participate responsibly in society and public life. According to him, education should not be viewed merely as a pathway to financial success.
He remarked,
“A democracy does not invest in higher education only so that graduates become prosperous. It does so to ensure that citizens can govern themselves well.”
Justice Kant further explained that the quality of a nation’s public institutions depends greatly on the people who serve in them. Whether it is the judiciary, administration, or local governance bodies, their effectiveness is determined by the competence and character of those working within them.
Highlighting this idea, he said,
“Every institution of public life — the courts, the civil services, the schools, the hospitals, the local governance bodies — all depend for their quality on the calibre of the people who choose to serve within them.”
Speaking about the progress of the Central University of Haryana, the Chief Justice noted that the institution has grown rapidly since its establishment. In a relatively short period of 17 years, the university has achieved national accreditation and recognition.
He told graduating students that their degrees represent the knowledge and learning they have gained over the years, and they should feel proud of this achievement. However, he also reminded them that academic degrees alone cannot measure a person’s character or judgement.
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According to Justice Kant, the real test of these qualities begins once formal education ends and individuals enter professional and social life.
He pointed out that many graduates from prestigious institutions sometimes struggle when they face real-life challenges. This, he said, often happens not because they lack knowledge, but because their abilities were mainly tested through examinations rather than through real-life experiences.
At the same time, Justice Kant observed that many professionals who graduate from lesser-known institutions often succeed in their careers. Such individuals, he said, tend to remain calm under pressure and approach their work with seriousness and dedication. As a result, they gradually earn the trust and confidence of people around them.
The Chief Justice explained that the difference between success and failure in such situations often lies not in talent but in personal upbringing and life experiences.
He elaborated on this thought by saying,
“Those who grew up observing their families manage scarcity with dignity, who understood early on that the world does not rearrange itself for your convenience and who entered professional life already knowing that hard work is not just a phase but a permanent state, they carried something that no curriculum can teach. They carried a seriousness that was not performative but genuine.”
Justice Kant also acknowledged that many students present at the convocation come from similar backgrounds. For several families, he noted, obtaining a university degree is not an easy or automatic achievement. Instead, it is often the result of years of effort, sacrifice, and collective support from family members.
He said families invest in their children’s education not only to secure financial stability but also to help them create something meaningful for society.
The Chief Justice also reminded students that higher education in India is supported by public resources. Universities, classrooms, laboratories, and teachers are funded through taxes paid by citizens, including many who may never have the opportunity to attend a university themselves.
Because of this, he said, education brings with it a moral responsibility. Graduates must understand that education is not only a personal achievement but also a social obligation.
Justice Kant reiterated that the reason democracies invest in higher education is to ensure that educated citizens contribute to responsible governance and strengthen democratic values.
During his address, the Chief Justice also referred to the Ramayana to explain the idea of responsible leadership. He spoke about the episode in which Bharat places Lord Ram’s “paduka” on the throne and rules as a trustee rather than as a king. According to him, this example highlights the difference between exercising power for personal gain and using authority for the welfare of others.
Encouraging students to remain connected with society, Justice Kant urged them to contribute to public systems instead of simply benefiting from them.
He also used an example from the traditional sport of Kabaddi, explaining that success depends on knowing the line between ambition and overreach. Just like a raider in the game must judge how far to advance before returning safely, individuals in life must balance ambition with responsibility.
In his concluding remarks, the Chief Justice advised graduates to carry forward the values that shaped them — the discipline taught by their families, the resilience developed through challenges, and the straightforward and hardworking spirit often associated with the people of Haryana.
Through these qualities, he said, students can not only achieve personal success but also contribute meaningfully to society and the nation’s democratic institutions.
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