HPNLU Shimla Organised Its 9th Foundation Day Culminating Foundation Week Event

HPNLU Shimla Celebrates Foundation Day With Academic Excellence And Strategic Collaborations

Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, Vice-Chancellor, celebrated its Foundation Day. The events included the Foundation Day Lecture delivered by Prof. (Dr.) V. Vijayakumar, former Director, NLU Bhopal; the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between HPNLU and Himachal Pradesh University (HPU); and the Certificate of Merit Distribution Ceremony recognising 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 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:

• LL.M. Batch 2023–24: Rugma S
• LL.M. Batch 2024–25: Sudarshan Landge
• B.A. LL.B. (Batch 2019–24): Ankita Singh
• B.B.A. LL.B. (Batch 2019–24): Ankita Sharma
• B.A. LL.B. (Batch 2020–25): Kanishka Goel
• 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 gratitude to the guests, faculty members, students, and administrative staff for their contributions. 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 blend of intellectual discussions, hands-on experiences, and cultural expressions.

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 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 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,' an 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.

Cultural Extravaganza on Foundation Day

A Vibrant cultural extravaganza on 28th September 2025 was organised which featured over fifty student participants. Organized under the guidance by Dr. Sarita, Chairperson of the Student Enrichment Cell, the event saw collaborative efforts from the Cultural Wing, the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property Rights, and the Debate, Drama, and Literature Society. The day unfolded with performances, including the Ganesh Vandana, dance, music, theatre, and a segment on GI Tag awareness.The competitions were judged by a panel of experts, including Dr. Ruchi Sapahia, Dr. Navditya Tanwar, Dr. Esha Sharma, and Ms. Akshita Dhiman for the dance events, and Dr. Mrityunjay Kumar and Dr. Ayush Raj for the singing competitions. The winners of the dance categories included PC-4 (Annie Bali), PC-6 (Swati Sharma), and TC-6 (Manya, Vrinda, Suhani, Maanya, Ana, Dhairya) in the Solo, Duet, and Group Dance Competitions, respectively. The Solo and Group Singing Competitions were won by Nayayika and Deepali & Group, respectively, whose performances left a lasting impact on the audience.

The day concluded with performances of Bhangra and Nati, followed by a theatre play "अँधा युग." The Prize Distribution Ceremony recognised and honoured the exceptional contributions of all the winners, applauding their creativity.

Cultural Odyssey 2.0 was part of  Foundation Week celebrations, The event a Geographical Indications (GI) Fashion Walk, saw student participants showcasing GI-tagged apparel and accessories from 21 different states of India, highlighting the nation's cultural diversity. This initiative emphasized the importance of intellectual property in safeguarding traditional crafts and preserving cultural identities.

The event was organized by the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property Rights, HPNLU, with guidance from Dr. Santosh Kumar Sharma, Dr. Chandrika, and Dr. Arun Klair. With over 50 student participants, the walk was a representation of India's diverse heritage, from handloom textiles to traditional jewelry, bringing attention to the role of GI tags in protecting indigenous products.