Supreme Court Judge Justice Surya Kant recently delivered an inspiring message to graduating law students, urging them to embrace uncertainty, explore new directions, and consistently ask themselves one powerful question: “What truly makes me happy?”

Speaking at the convocation of Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University, Visakhapatnam, Justice Kant emphasised that the journey of young lawyers should not be confined to a rigid career path. Instead, it should be viewed as a dynamic process of self-discovery, reinvention, and growth.

“You may have felt pressure to pick one specific path and follow it for life. But the truth is, very few professionals discover their calling overnight. Your passions and interests will evolve—and as they do, your purpose will transform. That is not confusion; it is growth,” he said, reminding students that change is not a setback, but a sign of evolution.

Justice Kant noted that legal education offers endless possibilities: “Some of you may find passion in advocacy, others in corporate practice, teaching, public service, or something entirely unexpected. The law gives you permission to reinvent yourself, to switch lanes, to start afresh. Do not fear uncertainty—embrace it. Celebrate the courage it takes to ask: What truly makes me happy?”

He stressed that the ability to pivot and adapt was not just important for professional survival but also for living a meaningful and fulfilling life.

Drawing from his own journey, Justice Kant shared how uncertain moments shaped his career. After clearing the judicial services written exam, he was just two days away from the interview when a High Court Judge, impressed by his advocacy, advised him to remain in practice rather than join the judicial service. Though filled with doubt, he accepted the advice and never appeared for the interview—a decision that eventually steered his career towards the higher judiciary.

Years later, while serving as a High Court Judge, he chose to pursue a Master’s in Law, despite the daunting challenge of balancing academic pursuits with judicial responsibilities. Reflecting on those decisions, he said, “It was precisely moments of hesitation and self-doubt that pushed me forward. Growth lies in confronting uncertainty, not in avoiding it.”

Justice Kant underlined that the true privilege of legal education is not just the ability to change the world but also to change oneself. “Allow yourself to wonder, to wander, and at times to begin again. Trust that happiness will meet you on roads you have not yet mapped. The law offers infinite possibilities—be bold enough to try, fail, pivot, and ultimately succeed on your own terms,” he said.

He encouraged graduates to remain open-minded, resilient, and curious, investing their energy in new opportunities, exploration, and reinvention.

In addition to career advice, Justice Kant reminded young lawyers about the importance of relationships and community in the legal profession. “Too often, lawyers postpone family, friendships, and self-care, thinking work must always come first. But true fulfilment lies not in isolation, but in the company of loved ones, in quiet support, and in joyful camaraderie,” he said.

He urged the new generation of legal professionals to prioritise both personal and professional well-being, as a life of meaning is built not only in courtrooms, but also in communities of care and connection.