Legal education must be rooted in national unity above caste or community, says Raj Guv; invokes Ambedkar's vision
Jaipur, May 27
Recalling the ideals of B.R. Ambedkar, Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde said on Wednesday that legal education must rise above caste, class, and community divisions and remain rooted in the spirit of national unity, quoting Ambedkar's famous assertion: "I want all people to be Indian first, Indian last, and nothing but Indian."
Addressing the third convocation ceremony of Bhimrao Ambedkar Law University in Jaipur, the Governor added that Rajasthan should emerge as a leading centre of legal education by upholding high constitutional values.
Union Minister for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal and Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa were also present at the ceremony, where medals and degrees were conferred upon students.
Describing convocation as a celebration marking the culmination of knowledge and learning, Governor Bagde referred to traditions mentioned in the Taittiriya Upanishad, where teachers imparted final guidance to students upon completion of their education.
He said the essence of those teachings lay in following truth, adhering to righteousness, and remaining humble despite acquiring knowledge.
Recalling the legacy of B.R. Ambedkar, the Governor quoted his famous statement made in 1938 in the Bombay Legislative Assembly: "I want all people to be Indian first, Indian last, and nothing but Indian."
He said the spirit of legal education must also be rooted in national unity above caste, class, or community identities.
The Governor highlighted Dr. Ambedkar's contribution as Independent India's first Law Minister and his role in framing laws aimed at social equality and justice for marginalised communities.
He also paid tribute to noted jurist Bachhraj Vyas of Didwana, praising his deep understanding of constitutional values and commitment to justice.
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said that Ambedkar was not only a legal scholar but also an economist, author, psychologist, and visionary thinker.
He proposed that the university organise a lecture series exploring the multidimensional personality and intellectual contributions of Ambedkar so that younger generations can understand his broader legacy.
Union Minister Meghwal also added that colonial-era penal laws were primarily designed to punish Indian citizens, whereas the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita aims to ensure justice-centric governance under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership.
Deputy Chief Minister Prem Chand Bairwa said legal education and judicial reforms are essential for realising the vision of a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India).
He emphasised that Rajasthan is working towards providing globally competitive education and called upon students to contribute towards making India a leading global power.
During the ceremony, Governor Bagde digitally activated the degrees of more than 25,000 graduating students through DigiLocker.
Earlier, Vice-Chancellor Nishtha Jaswal presented the university's achievements and welcomed the dignitaries.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The Governor quoting the Taittiriya Upanishad alongside Ambedkar is exactly the kind of cultural synthesis India needs—rooted in our ancient wisdom but committed to constitutional modernity. Also, DigiLocker for 25,000 degrees is smart governance. Rajasthan is setting a good example! 😊
While the sentiment is noble, I find it ironic that we invoke Ambedkar's call for national unity while simultaneously pushing the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita as a replacement for colonial laws. Let's not forget Ambedkar himself debated the drafting process thoroughly. Quick changes need careful scrutiny, not just political will.
Rajeev Bagde is right—legal education must transcend caste and community. But as someone from a marginalized background, I see the ground reality is still far from this ideal. Even today, students from SC/ST and OBC communities face subtle discrimination in law colleges. Speeches are fine, but action is needed in admissions and faculty hiring too. 🎯
Interesting to see an American-style push for national unity in Indian legal education. The Ambedkar quote is powerful, but I wonder how it will reconcile with India's federal structure and diverse regional identities. Unity in diversity is a fine slogan, but it's the practical implementation that makes or breaks legal systems.
The mention of Bachhraj Vyas from Didwana is a nice touch—recognizing local legal luminaries matters. Also, Union Minister Meghwal's suggestion for a lecture series on Ambedkar's multi-dimensional personality is actually a good idea. Too often we reduce Ambedkar to just the
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