Judge people by dignity, not status: Kurian Joseph

Justice Kurian Joseph urges graduates to value dignity over status and promote equality and respect in society.

A total of 2,558 students stepped into a new chapter of their lives as they were awarded degrees at the 97th Graduation Day of Loyola College, Chennai, on Wednesday. Of the 3,120 students who graduated, 562 were conferred their degrees in absentia. Among the graduates, 1,918 were from undergraduate programmes, 586 from postgraduate courses, and 54 were awarded gold medals.

“When you came here (to Loyola College) you were raw, but now you are processed and become a product. Now, give back to society and make a difference,” said Justice Kurian Joseph, former judge, Supreme Court of India, who was the Chief Guest for the event. He told the students: “Never rate a person by their possessions or position; judge them by their dignity as a human being. Never discriminate on the basis of caste, colour, gender, or place of birth.”

He then went on to add that respect for women is a fundamental duty of every citizen. “Women should realise that they are entitled to be treated equally with men. Men should respect and protect their dignity,” he added.

The college also said that 74 post graduate students have cleared NET and SLET examinations. Around 1,170 students are employed, 74 are self employed and 826 graduates are pursuing higher studies.