Law College Dehradun organized a National Seminar entitled ‘The Indian Constitution and Future of India’ on 2nd of February, 2019. The Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker of the event was Hon’ble Mr. Justice Markandey Katju, former Judge of Supreme Court of India. Hon’ble Chancellor of the University Shri Jitender Joshi was the Guest of Honour along with Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) N. K. Joshi, Director Student Affairs & IT Services Dr. Abhishek Joshi, Registrar Mr. Ajai Singh and Dr. Mukesh Bora, Head – Department of Communication. Hon’ble Chancellor welcomed the guest with a memento and the program was inaugurated with the lighting of the auspicious lamp by the dignitaries followed by the recital of University Kulgeet.
Principal & Dean Prof. (Dr.) Rajesh Bahuguna delivered the Inaugural Address wherein he welcomed the guests and participants and also gave an extensive background of the Keynote Speaker of the day. Justice Markandey Katju was born on 20 September, 1946 in Lucknow, United Province, British India in a Kashmiri Pandit family. His family consisted mainly of lawyers who took keen interest in politics and current affairs of India. Justice Markandey Katju is the former Chairman, Press Council of India. Prior to his appointment as Chairman, Press Council of India, he served as a Judge at the Supreme Court of India. Before being elevated as Judge to the Supreme Court, he had served as the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, Madras High Court and as acting Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court. Dr. Bahuguna in his address also stated that Lordship is known for giving statements wherever required for the benefit of the public without fear and expectations for publicity.
An Essay Competition was also conducted as part of the National Seminar. It saw a wide participation from all over the nation. Mr. Divyanshu Chaudhary of National Law School, Delhi won the First Prize while Mr. Mohit Panchal of National Law School, Ranchi and Anna Anupriya of Law College Dehradun won the Second and Third Prize respectively. The winners of the competition were accoladed with cash prizes and certificates.
The Seminar began with Hon’ble Mr. Justice Markandey Katju, presenting and discussing his views on the ‘Constitution of India’. Justice Katju, who is known for his radical opinion, stated that our Constitution is a modern one based on Western countries and modern values. He stated that this was implemented in a feudal society with an aim to uplift them. Transition period of Feudal to modern society usually leads to a lot of turbulence and said that India is yet to undergo such a phase in the coming years. Speaking on the future of India, he said that India is a nation full of human power and natural resources and it is the responsibility of the Government to create jobs.
The Seminar was followed by an Interactive Session by Justice Katju addressing the queries posed by the participants, teachers and journalists. Questions were related to various topics like social justice, reservation, religion, democracy, judiciary, role of media, uniform civil code, alternate dispute resolution, conduct of judges, mob-lynching, etc.
This event proved to be an excellent opportunity for students, professionals, academicians and entrepreneurs to understand the future of India with the present constitution. The National Seminar saw an overwhelming response with over 400 participants from National Law College – Delhi, National Law College – Ranchi, Students of Mass Communication – Uttaranchal University, Faculty Members of Law College Dehradun and Press Media (Electronic Media & Newspaper Media). Further the session was telecasted live via Facebook for the followers of Justice Katju.
The event owed a special acknowledgement to the students of Mass Communication who made an extensive video coverage of the event and the team TRD for this grand endeavor.
