Clear goal setting, hard work, and discipline are essential for success in life: CJI Justice Surya Kant

Rohtak, February 14, 2026: Clear goal setting, hard work, discipline, and a strong will to achieve are essential for success in life. On this path, integrity, values, and ethics, along with a sense of dedication to society and the nation, are crucial. These sentiments were expressed by Justice Surya Kant, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India and an alumnus of MDU's Law Department, as the chief guest at the university's Golden Jubilee and Alumni Felicitation Ceremony.

Recalling his time at the university, Justice Surya Kant said that he never faced discrimination on the university campus due to his rural background. The values of talent, hard work, and intellectual ability he learned there became a strong foundation for his life journey and judicial thinking.

CJI Justice Surya Kant urged students to be vigilant about moral values, the spirit of the Constitution, and the principles of justice.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Rajbir Singh, delivering the welcome address, said that the university has achieved remarkable achievements in the fields of education, research, sports, culture, and social concerns over the past five decades. He said that the university prioritizes multidisciplinary education, skill development, innovation, and research in accordance with the National Education Policy. He described the alumni as living symbols of the university's glorious tradition, stating that their achievements are a source of inspiration for current students.

During the ceremony, MDU honored the CJI with a memento and a robe. Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, was also felicitated.

At the ceremony, Justice Surya Kant, a former student of the university and Chief Justice of India, was honored with the Distinguished Alumnus Award. The citation chronicled Justice Surya Kant's inspiring life journey, chronicling his judicial journey from his appointment as Haryana's youngest Advocate General in July 2000 to his rise to the highest judicial position in the country.

During this, distinguished alumni were honored for their outstanding contributions to various fields, including the judiciary, legal profession, sports, literature, folk culture, administration, medicine, education, and corporate leadership. Registrar Dr. Krishnakant expressed his gratitude. The program was conducted by Prof. Shalini Singh and Prof. Ashish Dahiya. Deputy Commissioner Sachin Gupta, Dean Academic Affairs Professor S.C. Malik, former Vice Chancellor (MDU) Engineer H.S. Chahal, eminent academicians Dr. Sita Ram Vyas and Ravindra Saxena, along with distinguished individuals, faculty members, research scholars, students, distinguished alumni, and city dignitaries were present.

High Court judges Justice Sanjay Vashisht, Justice Rajesh Bhardwaj, Justice Harkesh Manuja, Justice Virendra Agarwal, Justice Kuldeep Tiwari, Justice Harsimran Sethi, Justice Vikas Suri, Justice Aman, and Justice Gulchand, Chairman of the Bar Council of Punjab and Chandigarh Vijendra Gahlawat, and Vice President of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal Rajpal Yadav were honored for their outstanding contributions to the judiciary. Padma Shri Yogeshwar Dutt, Mahabir Guddu, and Dr. Sant Ram Deswal were honored for their outstanding contributions, along with Dronacharya Awardee Arun Dahiya, Arjuna Awardees Sunil Dabas and Rajkumar Sangwan.

Justice Surya Kant met the teachers of his department (when he was a student of LL.B), notably Prof. Ranbir Singh, Prof. KPS Mahalwar, Prof. P.C.Juneja, Prof. Preet Singh and Prof. Amar Verma.

Chief Justice of India Justice Suryakant inaugurated the newly constructed Golden Jubilee Gate on the MDU campus. He also planted saplings and promoted environmental conservation. Built at a cost of approximately ₹1.25 crore, this Golden Jubilee Gate faces the Jhajjar bypass, making entry and exit to the university more streamlined and convenient. The Dholpur and red stone cladding gives this gate a grand and attractive appearance.