Bengaluru: Chief minister DK Shivakumar said democracy is strengthened when citizens can question govts without fear. Addressing the 34th convocation of the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) here Saturday, the CM said: “A strong democracy is not one where everyone agrees with the govt. A strong democracy is one where every citizen has the freedom to question the govt.”The convocation was also attended by Surya Kant, the Chief Justice of India and Chancellor of NLSIU.He said constitutional principles must guide governance, policymaking and public life rather than remain confined to textbooks or academic pursuits.The CM said the youth would play a decisive role in shaping India’s future over the next five decades. He urged NLSIU graduates to measure their success by the lives they improve.Referring to India’s ambitions of becoming a developed nation by 2047, Shivakumar said: “The greatness of India will be measured not only by how much we grow, but by how fairly we grow.”Highlighting the challenge of judicial pendency, he said crores of cases were pending before Indian courts, with individuals and families waiting for justice. “For us, it may be just another case number, but for some, it’s a question of their life,” he said.He further said he once aspired to be a lawyer. However, politics drew him into public life, and he received a party ticket while still being a student.Actor and multilingual theatre personality Arundhati Nag, higher education minister Basavaraj Rayareddi, judges of the Supreme Court and high courts, NLSIU vice-chancellor Dr Sudhir Krishnaswamy, faculty members and other dignitaries attended the convocation.QUOTE:“We need young people to question, debate, challenge and offer solutions. Never be afraid to ask questions, but also be prepared to find answers. If you stay silent, others will decide for youDK Shivakumar | CM
