IBEX NEWS,shimla
The Deekshaarambh 2025 Orientation Programme for the newly admitted students of B.A.LL.B./B.B.A.LL.B. (Hons.) Batch 2025–2030 and LL.M. (One-Year Programme) Batch 2025–2026 was held on August 2, 2025, at Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, HPNLU. The inaugural ceremony was graced by distinguished dignitaries: Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sandeep Sharma, Judge, High Court of Himachal Pradesh (President of the Programme); Prof. (Dr.) V.C. Vivekanandan, Vice-Chancellor, Hidayatullah National Law University, Raipur (Chief Guest); and Advocate Akshay Pathak, Principal Associate, Khaitan & Co. (Guest of Honour), whose presence inspired and guided the newly inducted students as they embark on their academic journey in law.
From L to R Prof V.C. Vivekanandan, Vice Chancellor, HNLU, Raipur, Mr. Akshay Pathak, Advocate, Prof Priti Saxena, Vice Chancellor, HPNLU, Shimla, Hon’ble Justice Sandeep Sharma, Judge, H.P. High Court, Prof. S.S. Jaswal, Registrar, HPNLU, Shimla at the Deekshaarambh Orientation Programme 2025 for newly inducted Under Graduate and Post Graduate Courses students at HPNLU, Shimla Campus
Justice Sandeep Sharma, Judge, H.P. High Court, Prof Priti Saxena, Vice Chancellor, HPNLU, Shimla, Prof V.C. Vivekanandan, Vice Chancellor, HNLU, Raipurinaugurating, the Faculty Common Room
Newly inducted Under Graduate and Post Graduate Courses students at Deekshaarambh Orientation Programme 2025 at HPNLU campus.
Parents of wards attending the Deekshaarambh Orientation Programme 2025 at HPNLU campus.
As part of the day’s formal proceedings, the Faculty Common Room was also inaugurated by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sandeep Sharma, in the distinguished presence of Prof. (Dr.) V.C. Vivekanandan, Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, and Prof. (Dr.) S.S. Jaswal. The newly inaugurated facility is envisioned as a collaborative and interactive space for academic dialogue, faculty engagement, and institutional development.
In her Welcome Address, Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, Vice-Chancellor, HPNLU, extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests and new students. She emphasized that legal education at HPNLU is not just about academic rigour but about creating socially conscious and constitutionally grounded professionals. Prof. Saxena urged the students to “question, collaborate, and take action,” highlighting that the legal profession demands both courage and ethical clarity, with the Constitution of India as the guiding star. She further stated that the University has adopted five nearby villages to promote legal awareness and enable students to engage in meaningful community service and rural outreach, thereby grounding theoretical learning in practical social realities.
Advocate Akshay Pathak, the Guest of Honour, delivered his address, motivating students to adapt to the changing contours of the legal profession while remaining anchored in integrity and ethics.
The Chief Guest, Prof. (Dr.) V.C. Vivekanandan, in his address, highlighted the importance of time management in the life of a law student and beyond. He reminded the students that as legal professionals, they would always be “wearing the learning cap,” constantly navigating between “what is and what ought to be.” He reflected on the difference between power for the people and power over the people, invoking the democratic ethos that law must serve. Prof. (Dr.) Vivekanandan concluded his address by outlining five essential guiding principles—the “Five Do’s”—for every aspiring law student. First, he emphasized that “the devil lies in the details,” urging students to develop a meticulous eye for legal texts and to always engage with the finer nuances of statutes and judgments. Second, he advised them to sharpen their analytical skills, reminding them that the strength of a legal mind lies in the ability to understand, critique, and argue both sides of a case. Third, he underscored the importance of refining legal language and communication, stating that clarity and precision are foundational to effective advocacy. Fourth, he highlighted that teamwork is no longer optional but essential, as the legal profession increasingly operates in collaborative and interdisciplinary environments. Finally, he encouraged students to cultivate creative thinking, noting that innovation is key to solving contemporary legal challenges and delivering meaningful justice.
In his Presidential Address, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sandeep Sharma encouraged students to be consistent in their study habits and to always remain respectful towards their mentors. He underlined that legal education is not a mere career path but a responsibility towards society, urging students to become productive members of the communityby using their knowledge to advance justice, equality, and service.
The Deekshaarambh 2025 programme marks not only the beginning of a new academic chapter but also reaffirms HPNLU’s commitment to excellence in legal education, institutional integrity, and holistic student development in the serene and scholarly environment of Shimla.
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