RGNUL Virtual Orientation Programme [28th August to 2nd September 2021]

Prof. G.S. Bajpai, Vice-Chancellor, RGNUL congratulated the students on joining RGNUL and acquainted them with the remarkable features of the University. While welcoming the guests and students to the exceptionally scenic campus, Prof. Bajpai acknowledged the contribution of his predecessors in creating an excellent academic environment for legal education at RGNUL. He assured the new cohorts that RGNUL would continue empowering them with knowledge and skills required for legal services through innovative pedagogy which would adequately compensate for several restraints posed by the pandemic. "The NAAC grade, NIRF position and Swacchta ranking of the University demonstrate achievements of RGNUL," remarked Prof. Bajpai. Referring to students as 'heart of the institute', Prof. Bajpai focussed on the importance of moot and legal aid. Later, he interacted with students and parents.

Justice A.K. Sikri, Chief Guest, congratulated students on embarking their journey of legal education at RGNUL. Reminiscing his association with the university, Mr. Sikri reflected on the role of lawyers in upholding the rule of law and bridging the gap between law and society. "Legal Community,' he observed, "has to safeguard rights of the marginalized." Citing eminent jurist Nani Palkhivala on real education, Mr.Sikri explained that it enlightens understanding and enriches character. Alluding to Michelangelo's masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture, David, Mr. Sikri said that vitality and courage of character aid in "setting/shaping angel inside the rock".

Sh. Mahesh Jethmalani, Member of Parliament and Guest of Honour, in his address, underlined the importance of background reading, in addition to the lectures, for students pursuing degree of law. He deliberated upon the qualities of innovative thinking, patience, morality, diligence and robust passion essential for lawyers. He expanded on the significance of 'initial crawl' and persistent effort to rejuvenate the rotting systems of society. "Lawyers," he said, "are officers of court whose duty is to seek truth and justice." Reinforcing the need to imbibe a code of ethics, he recalled the advice of his father, Mr. Ram Jethmalani, lawyer and Union Minister of Law and Justice, to always give prominence to conscience while practising.

Prof. C. Raj Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat delivered the keynote address. He eulogised the extraordinary attempt and resilience of the new batch that grappled with difficulties induced by the pandemic. Appreciating the steadfastness of RGNUL in providing excellent legal education, he said that students would be moulded into responsible law-abiding citizens in the portals of the University. After recalling the outstanding contribution of lawyers to the nation, Prof. C. Raj Kumar spoke about the role of lawyers in promoting common good. He reminded the students that lawyers should evolve as ethical leaders and reimagine the mechanism of dispute resolution. "Lawyers can be instrumental in transforming the biases and prejudices of society," he added. "To galvanize the social processes, protect democratic culture and elevate consciousness of nation, lawyers must understand and interpret law," Prof. Kumar remarked. In this context, he put forth words of Barack Obama, "The study of law can be disappointing when narrow rules are applied to non-cooperative reality." Projecting law as memory and consciousness of nation, Prof. Kumar reiterated the importance of virtues of honesty, positivity, diligence, gratitude and forgiveness in the life of lawyer and human being. He also elaborated on pendency of cases, ills ailing the legal system and climate change.

Prof. (Dr.) Naresh Kumar Vats, Registrar RGNUL, appreciated the invaluable insights provided by the speakers and the enthusiasm of the students. He thanked the guests, parents and students for attending the virtual orientation programme.

In the ensuing sessions on 31^st August, 1^st and 2^nd September 2021, the students were introduced to course scheme, examination system, ERP, Library access system, committees and research centres of RGNUL, Legal Aid Clinic, Internship, Placement, NCC and Project Work followed by the university. Dr. Archana Chaudhary, Prof. of Economics, Kurukshetra University, delivered a lecture on Gender Sensitization during the program. Students were acquainted with Your Dost forum. They were also taken on virtual library tour.