Constitutional democracy does not necessarily result in Constitutional liberalism: Justice Chandrachud

New Delhi [India], Aug.8 (ANI): Supreme Court judge Dr. Justice D.Y. Chandrachud has highlighted that gender neutral parenting and sensitization are the need of the hour. Addressing students, faculty and other invited guests at the 6th annual convocation of the O.P. Jindal University here, he said, "While we have made progress over these few years, it is perhaps time for us to introspect as to why violent crimes against women are not abating. There must be an attempt to create safe spaces so that women can be equal participants in public life. Measures must be undertaken to make workplaces safer and public transport more accessible. To my mind what needs to change is our mind sets. Gender neutral parenting and sensitization is the need of the hour and I hope that your generation can be the required change." Enunciating the importance of the ideas of liberty and equality in democratic systems, Dr. Justice D. Y. Chandrachud observed, "Liberalism demands acceptance of our human differences and the ability to mediate them through democratic institutions. It demands acceptance of multiple, perhaps incompatible truths. Please remember that constitutional democracy does not necessarily result in constitutional liberalism. Democracy is all about the accumulation of power, majoritarian power. Liberalism is all about the decentralization of power." Congratulating the graduating students, he said, "The reputation of the students of the O.P. Jindal Global University precedes you. Some of my best interns belong to Jindal Global Law School. The university follows a holistic approach to learning with frequent interdisciplinary exchanges and you have been recipients of a well-rounded education and a truly global experience. I wish you all the best." Delivering the keynote address at the convocation ceremony, Mr. Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Minister of State Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, said, "Our educational goals need to connect with the contemporary needs of the various industries in meeting the needs of our diverse economy by equipping the graduates with necessary skills for local and global social responsibility and future employability. The makers in India will make the Make in India happen, it's the skills and proficiency of the makers which will lead to the success of these programmes." He added, "I would like to whole-heartedly congratulate all graduates of this University today and thank all the teachers and mentors of O.P. Jindal Global University for their service to India and to humanity." Shikha Sharma, MD and CEO, Axis Bank said, "In today's day and age, the lack of clarity between one's professional goals vis-a-vis their internal ones is more glaring than ever. The youth need to realise that internal goals are the ones that eventually define one's character and hence destiny. During one's career journey, you may increasingly find yourself in many uncomfortable and inconvenient situations. To overcome those would require utmost of courage and while surmounting them may seem arduous, one's "inner voice" would never fail you. Train it to use it well." JGU Chancellor Naveen Jindal, called on the graduating students to make conscious efforts to build the India of their dreams. He said, "As 'Jindalites' I encourage and entrust each and every one of you in the Class of 2017 with the responsibility to share a little of your time and your energy to make a difference in society, to empower those who need a helping hand, a little support, a few words of encouragement. Always feel responsible for what's happening around you and do your bit to make a change. Do your bit to make the India of your dreams." He added, "A sense of curiosity and a spirit of adventure should be your constant companions. Do not make the naïve mistake of believing that you have all the answers. Life will challenge you at every step, and despite all what you have learned here, there is an even steeper learning ahead as you go out into the real world." Speaking on the occasion, Professor (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor, highlighted JGU's Efforts towards Promoting High Quality Higher Education in India, "The principles of academic freedom and pursuit of institutional excellence have underpinned JGU's institution building efforts. Our mission since our inception has been to be "A Private University Promoting Public Service". As an institution committed to public service and national progress JGU has been deeply conscious of fulfilling its commitment to public service, and addressing some of the larger challenges in the higher education sector in India," noted Professor Kumar. "We have made significant progress in the past eight years, and I want to assure the students, faculty members, staff, and the larger JGU community that we will continue to invest our efforts in addressing the issues of quality, access, equity, transparency, and accountability in higher education," he added. Professor Kumar also underscored JGU's commitment to promoting the role of women faculty and leadership positions. "JGU's commitment to promoting the role of women in faculty and leadership positions is reflected in the fact that nearly 45 percent of full-time faculty members are women, nearly 40 percent of women faculty members hold leadership positions across our schools, and nearly 42 percent of students are women," he said. The guests of honour and dignitaries also paid floral tributes to Mr. O.P. Jindal, the visionary leader and philanthropist in whose memory JGU has been established on his 87th birth anniversary. The convocation was a grand affair well attended by dignitaries from the industry and academia which included former law minister Shanti Bhushan, Chief Justice of Himachal High Court, Judges from Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Madras and Karnataka High Courts and other senior lawyers. The event was held at the Siri Fort Auditorium in Delhi where degrees, gold medals and awards were conferred upon 401 graduating students. A gathering of over 2000 students, parents and faculty members were present at the event. (ANI)