Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, Vice-Chancellor, celebrated its Foundation Day with great academic fervour and ceremonial grace. The key highlights of the event included the Foundation Day Lecture delivered by Prof. (Dr.) V. Vijayakumar, former Director, NLU Bhopal; the signing of a significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between HPNLU and Himachal Pradesh University (HPU); and the Certificate of Merit Distribution Ceremony recognising outstanding academic achievers from LL.M. and B.A./B.B.A. LL.B. programmes.
The Foundation Day Lecture was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) V. Vijayakumar, who addressed the gathering on the topic “Judicial Accountability — Constitutional Scheme and Practices.” He elaborated on the doctrinal underpinnings of judicial accountability, the doctrine of prospective overruling, and cited several landmark judgments of the Supreme Court of India to illustrate the evolving judicial discourse in India.
On this occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally signed between HPNLU and Himachal Pradesh University (HPU) to foster academic collaboration and research. The MoU was signed by Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, Vice Chancellor, HPNLU, and Prof. (Dr.) Mahavir Singh, Vice Chancellor, HPU, who also graced the event as Guest of Honour. In his address, Prof. Mahavir Singh highlighted the increasing relevance of legal frameworks in nanotechnology, cautioning that materials at the nano scale can become toxic. He also emphasised the need for interdisciplinary and collaborative research, particularly citing the applications of graphene and the role of law in regulating emerging technologies.
Prof. (Dr.) S.C. Raina, Founding Vice Chancellor of HPNLU, Shimla, was the Special Guest of the event. He shared the historical context and vision behind the establishment of the University, reminiscing about its foundational years and initial challenges. In recognition of academic excellence, Certificates of Merit were awarded to meritorious students in three categories: Overall Toppers, Semester-wise Toppers, and Subject-wise Toppers. The Overall Toppers included:
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LL.M. Batch 2023—24: Rugma S
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LL.M. Batch 2024—25: Sudarshan Landge
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B.A. LL.B. (Batch 2019—24): Ankita Singh
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B.B.A. LL.B. (Batch 2019—24): Ankita Sharma
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B.A. LL.B. (Batch 2020—25): Kanishka Goel
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B.B.A. LL.B. (Batch 2020—25): Shreya Singh
The ceremony concluded with a formal Vote of Thanks delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Alok Kumar, Registrar, HPNLU, Shimla, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to the esteemed guests, faculty members, students, and administrative staff for their contributions in making the Foundation Day a success.
Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, celebrated a week full of academic brilliance, cultural activities, and collaborative ventures, marking the University’s Foundation Day. The festivities, which spanned from September 22 to September 27, were a perfect blend of intellectual discussions, hands-on experiences, and vibrant cultural expressions, all contributing to the strengthening of HPNLU’s legacy in legal education and community engagement.
On September 22, the Centre for Human Rights and Disability Studies organized a movie screening focusing on human rights issues faced by people with disabilities. The screening sparked insightful discussions among the attendees, shedding light on critical social issues that often go unnoticed. Later in the day, the Alternative Dispute Resolution Cell demonstrated mediation techniques, providing participants with a practical understanding of resolving conflicts through dialogue and negotiation.
The following day, on September 23, the Youth Red Cross organized a unique Tambola game under the theme “Play for a Cause.” The event was not just a fun activity but also served as a platform for raising awareness and contributing to social causes. In the same spirit of engagement, a debate competition on human rights took place on September 24, offering participants an opportunity to delve into pressing legal and social issues. The event was aimed at fostering discourse on the evolving challenges in the realm of human rights law.
Also on September 24, a series of literary events called ‘Flash in 5’ were held, offering students a chance to express their creativity through short, impactful performances. The following day, the ‘Wall of Words’ event continued the literary journey, providing further opportunities for self-expression and reflection on important social issues.
On September 25, HPNLU hosted its Intra-University Commercial Contract Drafting Competition, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge in the practical field of commercial law. The event attracted great participation, offering insights into the complexities of drafting legal documents in a commercial context. The same day, a blood donation camp was organized, contributing to a noble cause by encouraging members of the university community to donate blood and support those in need.
As the week continued, the Student Enrichment Cell organized ‘Lexcelerate,’ a dynamic event designed to engage students with contemporary legal challenges. Students had the chance to participate in legal discussions and simulations, further enhancing their understanding of various legal frameworks. The day also saw a demonstration of a moot court competition, giving students a practical glimpse of the art of courtroom advocacy.
The week culminated in a grand celebration on September 26 and 27, featuring a series of cultural programs. Students showcased their talents through a play performance, cultural exhibitions, and a GI Tag Fashion Ramp Walk, which highlighted traditional and modern Indian culture. These events, organized by various student cells and the DSW Office, were a vibrant display of the university’s diverse student body and their artistic expressions.
The Foundation Week at HPNLU Shimla was a resounding success, exemplifying the university’s commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and cultural enrichment. From discussions on human rights to hands-on legal training, from creative performances to social responsibility initiatives, the event brought the entire university together, celebrating its core values of intellectual growth, collaboration, and holistic development.
Description of Photos:
Photo 1 Prof Priti Saxena, Vice Chancellor, HPNLUfelicitating Prof Mahavir Singh, Vice Chancellor, HPU with Prof Alok Kumar, Registrar, HPNLU at the Foundation Day celebration at HPNLU. Shimla
Photo 2 Prof Mahavir Singh, Vice Chancellor, HPU and Prof Priti Saxena, Vice Chancellor, HPNLU signing MoU between the universities
Photo 3 Prof V. Vijay Kumar, former Director, NLU Bhopal as the Chief Guest who delivered the first foundation day lecture, being felicitated by Prof Priti Saxena, Vice Chancellor, HPNLU, at Foundation Day Celebrations
Photo 4 L to R- Prof Mahavir Singh VC, HPU, Prof Priti Saxena, VC, HPNLU, Prof S.C. Raina, Founder VC, HPNLU, Prof V. Vijaykumar, Former Director NLIU Bhopal at foundation day celebration at HPNLU, Shimla
Photo 5 Students being awarded certificate of merit at the function held at HPNLU on Foundation Day Celebration
Photo 6 Winners of various Sports events at Drona 5.0, intra university sports fest being awarded at foundation day celebration at HPNLU, Shimla
Photo 7 Prof Priti Saxena, VC, HPNLU, Prof S.C. Raina, Founder VC, HPNLU, Prof V. Vijaykumar, Former Director NLIU Bhopal, faculty members and Student awardees at foundation day celebration at HPNLU, Shimla
