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RPNLUP Orientation Concludes with Justices Alok Mathur Vinod Diwakar Manish Kumar Guiding New Batch
The valedictory session of the orientation programme for the incoming 2026-31 batch at concluded on , with a powerful address by three judges of the . Justice Alok Mathur of the served as Chief Guest, while Justice Vinod Diwakar and Justice Manish Kumar, also from the High Court, were Guests of Honour. Their collective wisdom focused on discipline, respect, resilience, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge—principles that will shape the next generation of legal professionals.
The event, held at the University’s Academic Block, opened with traditional lamp lighting and Saraswati Vandana, followed by the rendition of the Kulgeet. Vice-Chancellor Senior Professor (Dr.) Usha Tandon welcomed the dignitaries and reflected on the orientation’s role in acclimatizing students to academic and cultural life at RPNLUP. She urged the new entrants to pursue knowledge with discipline and perseverance, emphasizing that growth is a gradual process built on consistent hard work.
A Call for Respect and Discipline
Justice Vinod Diwakar, known for his incisive judgments, encouraged students to expand their horizons. “Dream beyond habitual patterns, think bigger, and step out of your comfort zones,” he said. He highlighted the importance of communication skills, punctuality, and dignity in the legal profession, famously advising: “Learn the grammar of respect before the grammar of argument.” He told students that respect for time is an essential attribute of professional integrity and reminded them of the role professors play in inspiring ethical values.
Embracing Failure and Lifelong Learning
Justice Manish Kumar shifted the focus to resilience. He urged students to view failures as stepping stones rather than setbacks. “Embrace failures as opportunities for learning,” he said, adding that optimism is a crucial trait for any lawyer. He stressed that lifelong learning is an essential quality of legal excellence. Emphasizing the significance of teachers, he observed, “A guru helps dispel the darkness within and in the world,” underlining the mentorship that shapes a lawyer’s character.
The Art of Finding Law
Justice Alok Mathur, delivering the Chief Guest address, described law college as “one of the best phases of life” and encouraged students to value the learning process. He explained that the beauty of law lies in its connection with real-life situations and called it a continuous process of discovery. His practical advice included mastering facts, remaining attentive, and treating internships as formative experiences. He remarked, “True expertise lies not merely in knowing the law but in finding it,” a statement that resonated with aspiring legal minds. He expressed hope that the students would one day occupy positions of responsibility, urging them to dream ambitiously.
The University’s Commitment
During the session, RPNLUP released the latest issue of its newsletter, Cognizant , symbolizing the institution’s commitment to fostering a vibrant academic community. The Vote of Thanks was delivered by Dr. Sonika, Co-convener of the Programme, following which the National Song, National Anthem, and a group photograph concluded the event.
Implications for Legal Education
The orientation programme highlighted a growing trend among Indian law universities to prioritize value-based education alongside doctrinal instruction. The judges’ emphasis on soft skills—communication, punctuality, and respect—reflects a broader recognition that technical legal knowledge alone is insufficient for professional success. By integrating ethical teachings into the induction process, RPNLUP is aligning itself with the National Education Policy’s vision of holistic development.
The consistent theme of resilience and lifelong learning also addresses the challenges of a rapidly evolving legal landscape. As artificial intelligence and globalization reshape legal practice, lawyers must continually adapt—a lesson underscored by Justice Manish Kumar’s advice to treat setbacks as learning opportunities. The judges’ remarks on mentorship reinforce the importance of faculty-student interactions, which are vital for nurturing ethical reasoning and professional integrity.
Impact on Aspiring Lawyers
For the 2026-31 batch, these inaugural lessons carry lasting significance. The judges’ counsel to “master facts” and “treat internships as formative experiences” offers a practical roadmap for early career development. Moreover, the emphasis on respect and dignity lays a foundation for humane advocacy, reducing adversarial toxicity and promoting collaborative problem-solving.
The orientation also served as a reminder of the judiciary’s role in shaping legal education. By engaging directly with students, the judges bridged the gap between the bench and the classroom, demystifying judicial expectations and inspiring future litigators, judges, and legal scholars.
Conclusion
The valedictory session marked the formal beginning of an academic journey for RPNLUP’s newest cohort. As the students leave the orientation halls and enter classrooms, they carry with them not just the memory of judicial guidance, but a blueprint for professional excellence. The university’s proactive approach to fostering discipline, optimism, and lifelong learning will undoubtedly shape competent and ethical lawyers who are equipped to navigate the complexities of the legal profession with grace and determination.
This orientation was not merely an introduction to the law—it was a call to embody the very essence of justice. The words of Justices Diwakar, Kumar, and Mathur will echo in the careers of these new students, urging them to rise above mediocrity and serve the cause of justice with unwavering commitment.
