More students should opt for higher education in Law as there is a great demand for lawyers in the country, Minister for Energy Resources and Law C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar said in Tiruchi.

Addressing the third convocation ceremony of the Government Law College on Sunday, the Minister said: “Every day, the need for lawyers is diverse and urgent. Lawyers make their own space in society as their profession gives them a unique identity and protection. I advise lawyers to build their practice close to their native places, in order to become true representatives of their local community.”

The ceremony saw over 1,000 graduates receiving their degrees from Mr. Nirmal Kumar and Justice C. Saravanan, judge, Madras High Court.

In his address, Justice Saravanan encouraged outgoing students to be consistent in order to be successful. Reiterating that there was no retirement for lawyers, he urged students to stay true to the ethics of the profession.

Among the Bachelor of Laws graduands were transgender women R. Sowmiya Shasu (batch of 2021) and V. Joshka Jasmine (2024).

“I graduated as an engineer in 2014, and then underwent gender transformation. After that, I wanted to help the transgender community, and chose to take up Law. I hope that as a lawyer, I can promote the cause of reservation in employment and education for transgender persons who are struggling for their rights,” Ms. Joshka told The Hindu.

Ms. Sowmiya, who has practised as an advocate in the Nilgiris and completed her LLM degree, is aiming at a career in the Madras High Court. “I am fortunate to have had supportive friends and classmates when I was studying in Tiruchi. I hope to serve those in need, irrespective of their gender, with my legal qualifications,” she said.

The convocation ceremony of the Government Law College was held for graduands across various academic years, with some going back as far as 1997.

Published - July 26, 2026 07:18 pm IST