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Hon'ble Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva Addresses NLU Delhi Students During The Deeksharambh 2026 Induction Ceremony
The academic year at the , officially commenced with the hosting of "Deeksharambh 2026," a comprehensive student induction programme tailored for the university's incoming postgraduate cohort. Held on , at the University Auditorium, the event served as an introduction to the rigorous academic, ethical, and institutional framework that defines one of India's premier legal education institutions. The day was marked by a series of sessions aimed at integrating students into the university's culture of excellence and legal responsibility.
The formal inauguration was characterized by a sense of solemnity and expectation. Following the National Anthem and the traditional lighting of the lamp, the university leadership set the tone for the upcoming semesters. Prof. (Dr.) G.S. Bajpai, Vice Chancellor of NLU Delhi, delivered the welcome address, in which he urged the new postgraduate scholars to cultivate a deep, inquisitive relationship with the law. His message underscored that legal education is not merely a rote exercise but a commitment to upholding ethical values that remain central to the practice of law in a democratic society.
A Confluence of Legal Expertise
The induction programme featured a notable presence from the judiciary and academic circles, providing students with a bridge between the classroom and the courtroom. Hon'ble Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva, Judge of the , served as the Chief Guest. In his address, Justice Sachdeva articulated the fundamental pillars of the legal profession, emphasizing the non-negotiable nature of justice, discipline, and responsibility. His insights provided the new cohort with a vision of their future roles as custodians of the .
Ms. Shreya Agrawal, Additional Sessions Judge at the , also contributed her practical wisdom, sharing judicial experiences that shed light on the realities of the Indian criminal justice system. Complementing the judicial perspective, the Guest of Honour, Prof. (Dr.) Harpreet Kaur, Vice Chancellor of the , spoke at length on the necessity of academic rigour. She emphasized that the quality of legal output in the future depends heavily on the foundational values instilled during this formative postgraduate phase.
The initial session was rounded off by Prof. (Dr.) Bharti, who presented an overview of the postgraduate programmes, followed by a formal vote of thanks delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Risham Garg.
Building a Holistic Legal Foundation
While the inaugural session focused on the macro-ideals of the legal profession, the remainder of the induction programme delved into the practical mechanics of navigating life at NLU Delhi. The university’s pedagogical philosophy, as evidenced by the structure of the day, recognizes that a successful legal career requires both sharp intellect and emotional resilience.
Several sessions were dedicated to the specific policies and regulations that govern student life. Dr. Prem Chand led a detailed discussion on campus rules and regulations, ensuring that students understood the administrative scaffolding of the university. Crucially, the issue of student safety and professional conduct was addressed by Dr. Kheinkor Lamar, who conducted a comprehensive sensitisation session on anti-ragging measures and the existing regulations formulated by the .
Furthermore, NLU Delhi prioritized the fostering of an inclusive and supportive environment. Prof. (Dr.) Amita Punj spearheaded a session on gender sensitisation and the university’s institutional policy against sexual harassment. This session highlighted the university's proactive stance in creating a space that respects diversity and ensures the safety of every student.
Mental Health and Academic Resilience
In an era where academic pressure is a recognized challenge for law students, NLU Delhi integrated a vital focus on mental health into its induction. Ms. Akanksha Singh and Ms. Sheetal Choudhary facilitated a session dedicated to emotional well-being. By highlighting the importance of emotional resilience in high-pressure academic settings, the university signaled a shift toward a more modern, holistic approach to legal education—one that acknowledges that the health of the lawyer is as critical as their legal knowledge.
The practical component of the induction concluded with an introduction to the research ecosystem at the university. Dr. Priya Rai and Dr. Samar Iqbal Bakhshi introduced the incoming students to the extensive library resources and advanced research tools essential for postgraduate legal inquiry. Finally, the IT Department conducted an ERP training session, familiarizing students with the digital systems that will underpin their academic tracking, examination schedules, and administrative interactions throughout their tenure.
Implications for Future Legal Practitioners
The Deeksharambh 2026 programme is reflective of a larger trend in postgraduate legal education, where the traditional lecture-based format is increasingly being supplemented by institutional mentorship and holistic skill-building. For the students, this means that their education will extend beyond the mere interpretation of and into the cultivation of professional identity.
By inviting figures from the Supreme Court and other judicial bodies to engage directly with incoming students, NLU Delhi is fostering a culture of mentorship that is indispensable for the future of the bar and the bench. The programme demonstrates a clear institutional commitment to preparing its students not just for examinations, but for the complex, often challenging, landscape of the legal profession. As these scholars embark on their postgraduate studies, they do so with a reinforced understanding of the duty, discipline, and emotional maturity required to thrive in the legal sphere. The success of this induction sets a rigorous standard for the cohort, establishing the institutional expectations and academic rigour they must meet in the months and years ahead.
