Bangalore, May 29: Rev. Fr. Rayan Teeshan Pinto, OCD, of the Karnataka-Goa Province of the Carmelites, has successfully completed his Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Constitutional and Administrative Law from Christ University, Bangalore, securing a CGPA of 3.53 out of 4.00.

The Convocation Ceremony was held on 29 May 2026 at Christ University, where graduates from various disciplines were conferred their degrees in the presence of university authorities, faculty members, parents, and distinguished guests.

Fr. Rayan pursued the postgraduate programme with a special focus on Constitutional and Administrative Law, an area that deals with the principles of governance, constitutional rights, public administration, and the rule of law. His successful completion of the course reflects his commitment to academic excellence and intellectual formation.

A member of the Karnataka-Goa Province of the Order of Carmelites (OCD), Fr. Rayan’s achievement is a matter of pride for the Province. His academic journey highlights the importance of engaging contemporary social and legal realities through higher education, while remaining rooted in the values of faith and service.

The Province congratulates Fr. Rayan Teeshan Pinto on this significant milestone and wishes him God’s blessings in his future ministry and professional endeavours.

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Following his successful completion of LL.M. in Constitutional and Administrative Law from Christ University, Bangalore, we had the opportunity to interact with Rev. Fr. Rayan Teeshan Pinto, OCD. In this short interview, he shares about his passion for legal studies, the challenges and learnings of his academic journey, and his vision for using this knowledge in the service of the Church and society.

What inspired you to pursue an LL.M. in Constitutional and Administrative Law alongside your priestly vocation?

I was inspired to pursue an LL.M. in Constitutional and Administrative Law because I wanted to understand my rights and responsibilities as a citizen and, more importantly, to understand what the framers of our Constitution truly envisioned while drafting it. As a priest, I also felt the need to equip myself with legal knowledge so that I could guide and empower people, especially those who are unaware of their constitutional rights.

During your journey at Christ University, what was the most eye-opening lesson or experience that shaped your understanding of law and society?

One of the most eye-opening lessons I learned was that knowledge itself is a value, and learning is a lifelong process. There came a point during my studies when I realized how little I actually knew. That realization humbled me and motivated me to keep learning. The study of law helped me understand society in a deeper way and showed me how legal principles affect the everyday lives of ordinary people.

Balancing academics, priestly responsibilities, and personal life is not easy. What were some of the biggest struggles you faced during these two years?

One of my biggest struggles was balancing my vocation, profession, and passion. I deeply longed to be fully engaged in priestly ministry, but my academic commitments often limited the time I could dedicate to pastoral work. At the same time, I was passionate about studying law because I wanted to help people become aware of their rights. Managing these different responsibilities was challenging, but it also helped me grow in discipline, patience, and purpose.

Constitutional Law often deals with justice, rights, and human dignity. How do you see these values connecting with the mission of the Church?

When I began studying the Constitution, I gradually realized that many of its values resonate with the mission of Christ. The principles of justice, equality, human dignity, and the protection of the vulnerable remind me of Jesus’ manifesto at Nazareth when He began His public ministry. For me, Christ is the ultimate end, and the Constitution is one of the means through which society can strive to achieve justice, protect rights, and uphold human dignity. Both seek the welfare and flourishing of the human person.

Was there any particular subject, case study, or professor that deeply influenced your thinking during the course?

Yes, one person who deeply influenced me was Dr. Jaidevan Nair, whom we fondly called “JD Sir.” His expertise in Constitutional Law, dedication to teaching, discipline, and sense of humor made a lasting impact on me. More importantly, he ignited in me a genuine thirst for understanding the Constitution. His ability to connect Constitutional Law with various disciplines broadened my perspective and inspired me to think beyond the classroom.

Now that you have completed your LL.M. with distinction, what is your dream or vision for using this knowledge in the service of society and the Church?

My first desire is to create legal awareness among people so that they understand the law and its implications in their daily lives. I am also passionate about legal practice and hope to use my knowledge to advocate for justice. Above all, I want to protect and promote the rights of people, especially those who are marginalized and vulnerable. Through both my priestly ministry and legal training, I hope to contribute to building a more just and humane society.

If you had to describe your LL.M. journey in one sentence or one word, what would it be and why?

My LL.M. journey opened my mind to new ways of understanding society, justice, rights, and governance. It broadened my perspective, challenged my assumptions, and prepared me to serve both the Church and society in a more meaningful way. It truly marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life.