Bharati Vidyapeeth’s New Law College, Kolhapur, presents Pradnya Bharati — National Level Paper Presentation Competition 2026

COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS

COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS

COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS

⮚ Open to students of Class XII, UG, PG, M.Phil. & PhD scholars nationwide

⮚ Individual or Team of two participants

⮚ Research Paper Presentation

⮚ Allowed presentation languages: Marathi, Hindi, or English.

⮚ Free Registration — No Registration Fee for presenting the paper

⮚ Publication of selected papers in ISSN Peer-Reviewed Journal

⮚ Cash Prizes

⮚ Best Research Paper & Best Presenter Awards

ABOUT THE INSTITUTE – BHARATI VIDYAPEETH PUNE

Dr. Patangrao Kadam established Bharati Vidyapeeth in Pune in 1964. During the last 61 years Bharati Vidyapeeth has made astonishing strides in the field of education, particularly, higher and professional education. Today Bharati Vidyapeeth conducts more than 156 educational units of various kinds’ right from pre-primary schools to postgraduate institutions and a full-fledged professional university (BVDU).

Today, Bharati Vidyapeeth has its major campuses in New Delhi, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Solapur, Kolhapur, Sangli, Karad, Satara, and Panchgani and at quite a few other places. Bharati Vidyapeeth is probably the only organization from Maharashtra having its campus in the capital city of India. It is not in the urban areas alone that Bharati Vidyapeeth has started its institutions. Its schools and colleges have dotted rural areas and even the remotest tribal and coastal areas of Maharashtra.

Bharati Vidyapeeth runs more than 78 schools and 60 institutions of higher education, including those of professional education. Among these are colleges of Medicine, Dentistry, Ayurved, Homeopathy, Nursing, Pharmacy, Law, Biotechnology, Engineering, Management, Hotel Management & Catering Technology, Environmental Science, Agriculture, Physical Education and more. With a view to promote research activities and to create a research culture on its campuses, Bharati Vidyapeeth has established five specialized research institutes in the areas of Health – related Sciences, Biotechnology, Information Technology, Applied Chemistry and Social Sciences. Bharati Vidyapeeth has established law colleges in Pune, Kolhapur, Sangli, Karad and New Delhi.

ABOUT THE COLLEGE

ABOUT THE COLLEGE

Bharati Vidyapeeth’s New Law College Kolhapur is established in 1982 and is permanently affiliated to the Shivaji University Kolhapur. It is a constituting unit of the Bharati Vidyapeeth Pune founded by the Hon. Dr. Patangrao Kadam Saheb. MottoThe Motto of Bharati Vidyapeeth is “Social Transformation Through Dynamic Education”.

The college is approved by the Bar Council of India and reaccredited with B+ grade by the NAAC in 2024. The college is recognized under section 2(f) and 12 (b) of the UGC Act. College offers Three years’ law course, Five years’ law course and Diploma course in Taxation Laws and Labour Laws.

The college has produced quality advocates, judges and responsible citizens who are contributing in social and national development. The college is actively engaged arranging socio-legal activities that have helped in social transformation through legal education. The principal and teaching staff play a crucial role in the teaching, learning, and evaluation process as per the norms of Shivaji University.

ABOUT THE COMPETITION

1. Title of the competition:

“Pradnya Bharati National Level Paper Presentation Competition

Bharatiya Dnyana Parampara: IKS”

The competition aims to provide a national academic platform for students and research scholars to explore, present and critically examine the richness of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) and their contemporary relevance to law, society, governance, economics, history, political thought and other interdisciplinary fields.

2. Organising Club

An IQAC initiative Shaastrarth Mandal (Jurist Club), BVNLCK

3. Background and Rationale

Bharat possesses a vast and diverse intellectual heritage encompassing jurisprudence, philosophy, ethics, medicine, mathematics, astronomy, economics, political thought, social organisation, linguistics, education, environmental thought and cultural traditions.

The Indian Knowledge Systems framework provides an opportunity to study this knowledge heritage systematically and examine its relevance in contemporary academic disciplines.

For law students and researchers, Bharatiya Dnyana Parampara (IKS) provides important areas of inquiry such as Dharma, Nyaaya, mimaamsa, Rajadharma, Dandaniti, Arthashastra, Smriti, dispute resolution, justice, duties, social order, ethics and governance.

The competition therefore seeks to encourage young scholars to connect traditional Indian knowledge with contemporary academic, legal and interdisciplinary discourse through research-based paper presentations.

4. Objectives

The competition shall have the following objectives:

1. To promote awareness and academic study of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS).

2. To encourage students to research Bharatiya Dnyana Parampara.

3. To explore the relationship between IKS and the Indian legal system.

4. To promote interdisciplinary research involving law, history, economics, sociology, political science and related disciplines.

5. To encourage critical and evidence-based academic engagement with Indian traditional knowledge.

6. To develop research, writing and paper-presentation skills among students and research scholars.

7. To provide a national academic platform for young researchers.

8. To connect traditional Indian knowledge with contemporary constitutional, legal, social and institutional questions.

9. To create a repository of quality research papers relating to IKS and allied disciplines.

5. Eligibility

The competition shall be open at the national level to:

• Open to all regular 12th class/UG/PG/M.Phil./Ph.D. students from a recognised University/College/Institute

Category I — Higher Secondary

Class XII students

Category II — Undergraduate

Students pursuing any recognised UG programme, including B.A., B.Com., B.Sc., B.A.LL.B., LL.B. and other undergraduate programmes.

Category III — Postgraduate

Students pursuing any recognised PG programme, including LL.M., M.A., M.Com., M.Sc. and other postgraduate programmes.

Category IV — Research Scholars

M.Phil./Ph.D. research scholars engaged in academic research.

Participants from recognised educational institutions across Bharat may participate, subject to the competition rules.

Team Composition

• Individual Participation OR • Team of Two Students

6. Suggested Broad Themes

Participants may select any topics connected with Indian Knowledge Systems/Bharatiya Dnyana Parampara.

The following themes are illustrative and not exhaustive:

A. IKS and Law

• Dharma and the Concept of Justice

• Nyaya and Indian Jurisprudence

• Dharma, Law and Social Order

• Rajadharma and Constitutional Governance

• Dandaniti and Contemporary Criminal Justice

• Arthashastra and Governance

• Narada Smriti and Dispute Resolution

• Brihaspati Smriti and Jurisprudence

• Manusmriti: Legal and Social Perspectives

• Customary Law in Indian Tradition

• Ancient Indian Judicial Institutions

• Panchayat and Traditional Dispute Resolution

• Mediation and Indian Knowledge Traditions

• Duties and Rights in Indian Legal Thought

• Ethics and Legal Profession in Bharatiya Tradition

• Environmental Jurisprudence in Indian Knowledge Traditions

• Uniform Civil Code and IKS perspectives

• IKS and Constitutional Values

• Relevance of Dharma in Contemporary Legal Discourse

• BRICS declaration and Bharat’s International policy

B. IKS and Family Law

• Family and Marriage in Bharatiya Tradition

• Concept of Vivaha in Indian Traditions

• Joint Family System: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives

• Duties and Responsibilities within the Family

• Stridhan and Property Rights

• Adoption in Ancient Indian Traditions

• Family, Kinship and Social Organisation

• Contemporary Family Law through an IKS Perspective

C. IKS and Economics

• Kautilya’s Arthashaastra and Economic Governance

• Wealth Creation in Indian Economic Thought

• Taxation in Ancient India

• Trade and Commerce in Indian Tradition

• Sustainable Economy and Indian Knowledge Systems

• Ethical Economics and Bharatiya Thought

• Agricultural Economy in Ancient India

• Economic Justice and Indian Philosophical Traditions

D. IKS and Sociology

• Indian Social Institutions

• Varna and Jati: Historical and Sociological Perspectives

• Family and Community in Indian Society

• Social Duties and Responsibilities

• Indian Perspectives on Social Harmony

• Women and Society in Indian Knowledge Traditions

• Community-Based Institutions in Bharat

• Social Justice in Bharatiya Thought

E. IKS and History

• Bharatiya Gurukul system

• Takshashila and Nalanda as Knowledge Centres

• Historical Development of Indian Jurisprudence

• Ancient Indian Administrative Systems

• Knowledge Transmission in Ancient India

• Indian Intellectual Traditions and Colonial Historiography

F. IKS and Political Science

• Rajadharma and Political Governance

• Saptanga Theory of State

• Kautilya’s Theory of State

• Indian Political Thought

• Concept of Good Governance in Bharatiya Tradition

• Diplomacy and Foreign Policy in Arthashastra

• Public Administration in Ancient India

• Leadership and Ethics in Indian Political Thought

G. Interdisciplinary IKS

Participants may also submit papers combining IKS with:

Law + Sociology | Law + Economics | Law + History | Law + Political Science | Law + Philosophy | Law + Management | Law + Education | Law + Environmental Studies | Law + Technology | Law + Literature | Law + Psychology | Law + Governance etc.

Note: Any paper aligning with the themes or objectives of the conference may also be considered for presentation.

7. Research Orientation

Papers should preferably demonstrate:

• Originality of thought;

• Appropriate research methodology;

• Primary and/or secondary sources;

• Critical analysis;

• Proper citation;

• Contemporary relevance;

• Clear connection with IKS/Bharatiya Dnyana Parampara.

Participants are encouraged to avoid merely descriptive papers and develop analytical and research-oriented arguments.

8. Abstract Submission

Participants shall initially be required to submit an abstract of approximately:

200 words, 4 keywords

9. Paper Submission

• Participants shall submit their original research paper through the prescribed online submission mechanism.

• The paper should be based on original research work which has not been published yet.

The paper should contain:

1. Title of the Paper

2. Name of the Author(s)

3. Name of Institution

4. Course/Programme

5. Category

6. Email ID

7. Contact Number

8. Abstract

9. Keywords

10. Main Research Paper should include

    Introduction, concept, Research Gap, Objectives, Methodology, Major arguments/findings, conclusion & suggestions.

Suggested Paper Length:

1300 words, including bibliography/references/footnotes.

Structural & Formatting Requirements

• File Format: Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx).

• Page Layout: Standard A4 size, 1-inch (2.54 cm) margins on all sides.

• Font Style: English: Times New Roman throughout the document.

  For Marathi/Hindi: Unicode

• Font Size & Spacing:

  Main Text: 12 pt, Justified, 1.5-line spacing.

  Paper Title: 16 pt, Bold, centred.

  Headings (Level 1): 14 pt, Bold, Left-aligned.

  Sub-headings (Level 2): 12 pt, Bold, Left-aligned.

• Plagiarism Limit: The similarity index must be below 10%.

  Proper citation should be provided.

• References & Citations.

  Citation Style: Journal of Indian Law Institute/Bluebook Law Review should be used. Wherever available, please include the DOI links for cited journal articles if any.

10. Paper Presentation

Selected participants shall present their papers before the designated panel of judges/evaluators.

Suggested Presentation Format

• Presentation time: 5 minutes

• Question & Answer: 2 minutes

The Organising Committee shall communicate the final presentation schedule.

Important Dates:

Last Date to submit soft copy of Abstract: 7th October, 2026 (extended to 15th Oct. 2026)

Acceptance of abstract: 10th October, 2026 (extended to 18th Oct. 2026)

Last date for submission of full paper and Publication Fee: 21st October, 2026

Paper Presentation: 26th October, 2026

Participants shall submit the soft copy of the abstract and research paper to the following:

bvnlckiqac2026.27@gmail.com

11. Evaluation Criteria

Papers/presentations may be evaluated on the following parameters:

Sr. No.	Criterion	Suggested Weightage
1	Relevance to IKS/Bharatiya Dnyana Parampara	20
2	Originality, Research Contribution & Interdisciplinary/Contemporary Relevance	25
3	Research Methodology & Academic Integrity, Referencing	20
4	Depth of Analysis & Quality of Presentation	25
5	Response to Questions	10
	Total	100

The Organising Committee may modify the weightage where necessary.

12. Publication Fee

No Registration Fee Only for participation. However, a publication fee for each participant will be applicable for publication of Research paper in an ISSN.

Category	Fee
Class XII to Undergraduate Students	₹ 550/-
Postgraduate Students	₹ 650/-
Ph.D./Research Scholars	₹ 750/-

The fee shall cover paper-processing charges and proposed publication-related expenses.

13. Certificates and Awards

Certificate of Presentation will be awarded to participants whose papers are accepted and presented before the panel.

Award for paper presenters

✓ Winner – Certificate with Cash Prize of Rs.3000/-

✓ Runner-up – Certificate with Cash Prize of Rs. 1500/-

✓ Best Research Paper – Certificate with Cash Prize of Rs.1000/-

✓ Best Speaker / Presenter – Certificate with Cash Prize of Rs.1000/-

The details provided during the registration process will be used for all purposes including issuing of Certificates. No request for change will be entertained later.

14. Publication of Selected Papers

Selected papers meeting the prescribed academic, editorial and plagiarism requirements shall be considered for publication.

ISSN Publication

Selected papers may be published in an ISSN-bearing peer-reviewed academic journal/proceedings, with a good Impact Factor, subject to editorial review and acceptance.

Important publication condition: Publication shall be subject to editorial scrutiny, peer review process where applicable, plagiarism screening, formatting compliance and acceptance by the designated editorial committee/publisher. Submission or payment of the fee shall not automatically guarantee publication of a paper. Publication is also subject to receiving the copyright Declaration form as may be prescribed.

15. Plagiarism and Academic Integrity

All submitted papers must be original.

The following shall not be accepted:

• Plagiarised content;

• Previously published papers submitted without disclosure;

• Papers containing fabricated data or references;

• Copyright-infringing material;

• Papers submitted simultaneously to another publication without appropriate disclosure.

The Organising Committee reserves the right to reject a paper at any stage where academic misconduct is detected.

16. Expected Outcomes

The proposed event is expected to:

• Encourage IKS-based research among young scholars;

• Develop research and presentation skills;

• Promote interdisciplinary academic dialogue;

• Generate research papers on contemporary applications of Bharatiya Dnyana Parampara;

• Create opportunities for academic publication;

• Establish a national-level academic network;

• Strengthen research culture at the College;

• Contribute to the academic objectives of Indian Knowledge Systems.

17. Programme Schedule – 26th October 2026 (Online)

Time	Programme
09:30—10:00 AM	Registration/Joining
10:00—10:15 AM	Inaugural Session
10:15—10:30 AM	Introduction to IKS and Competition
10:30 AM onwards	Paper Presentations — Session I
1.00—1:30 PM	Break
01:30—04:00 PM	Paper Presentations — Session II
04:00 PM	Vote of Thanks

Concluding ceremony and Declaration of the result — 27th Oct. 2026 at 12.30 pm

The final schedule may be modified according to the number of selected papers.

18. Organising Structure

Patron:

Principal Dr. Mahendra S. Khairnar

Bharati Vidyapeeth’s New Law College, Kolhapur

Organising Committee

• IQAC Coordinator

• Shaastrarth Mandal Coordinator and its executive committee

Editorial Committee

A separate editorial committee may be constituted for scrutiny, editing and publication of selected papers.

Evaluation/Judging Panel

Subject experts from Law, IKS, History, Political Science, Economics, Sociology, Philosophy and allied disciplines may be invited.

Important Dates:

Last Date to submit soft copy of Abstract: 7th October, 2026

Acceptance of abstract: 10th October, 2026

Last date for submission of full paper and Publication Fee: 21st October, 2026

Paper Presentation: 26th October, 2026

Participants shall submit the soft copy of the abstract and research paper to the following: bvnlckiqac2026.27@gmail.com

Payment Gateway

Pay the fees for publication of a research paper in a peer-reviewed ISSN journal

The publication fee for each participant is: Category Fee Class XII to Undergraduate Students ₹550/- Postgraduate Students ₹650/- Ph.D./Research Scholars ₹750/- ✔ Publication fee is non-refundable.

Scan the QR code or use UPI ID Payment of Fees UPI ID: anupharekrishna.an@oksbi

Registration

Registration is Free for all participants

Link for Registration: https://forms.gle/2sw4iRpFDLf4MjMj7

Faculty Coordinators

1. Dr. Bhakti Bhosale, IQAC Coordinator, 9822107452

2. Dr. Anup Naravane, Coordinator of the Competition, 9049439385

Website- https://nlckolhapur.bharatividyapeeth.edu

Email- bvnlckiqac2026.27@gmail.com