Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University (RPNLU), Prayagraj, successfully concluded its week-long Student Induction Programme with a grand Valedictory Session on August 6, 2025. The event was graced by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Rajendra Menon, Chairperson of the Armed Forces Tribunal and former Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, as the Chief Guest, and Prof. (Dr.) Anju Vali Tikoo, Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, as the Guest of Honour.
The ceremony began with the auspicious lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the dispelling of ignorance through the light of knowledge. Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Sr. Prof. (Dr.) Usha Tandon, welcomed the dignitaries and the new batch of students with warmth and grace. In her address, she reflected on the evolving landscape of legal education, notably acknowledging the strong presence of women in the incoming batch.
She encouraged students to view law as an instrument of social transformation and emphasized the importance of discipline, awareness, and presence of mind as essential values for a successful legal career. Prof. Tandon also noted with pride the high percentage of girls in the new batch, calling it a “powerful testament to the evolving landscape of legal education,” and expressed confidence that the future of the legal profession lies in the hands of sincere and value-driven youth. As the first woman founding Vice Chancellor of the university, her message carried both institutional vision and personal conviction.
Hon’ble Justice Rajendra Menon, in his impactful keynote address, reflected on the remarkable growth in women’s participation in the legal profession and urged students to be lifelong learners. Recalling his time as a law student—when there were only two women in his class—he expressed pride in the significant strides made in recent decades.
Drawing from his own professional journey, he reminded students that success in law is deeply rooted in commitment, perseverance, and an unwavering dedication to justice. He underscored the importance of reading, understanding case facts, and developing sound judgment. Addressing the students as the future custodians of justice, he encouraged them to embrace a mindset of continuous learning, stating that “learning never ends in the legal profession.“
Prof. (Dr.) Anju Vali Tikoo, Guest of Honour, admired the university’s commitment to nurturing future legal professionals. In her address, she invoked the inspiring life of Dr. Rajendra Prasad and urged students to embody the values of justice, social sensitivity, and humanity. Referring to Sangam City as a confluence of not only rivers but also of aspirations and changemakers, she emphasized RPNLU’s pivotal role in shaping future leaders in law.
Assistant Professor Dr. Neha Dubey presented a detailed overview of the orientation programme, which included:
- Faculty-student interactions
- Library familiarization
- Outreach visits to historical and judicial sites
- Wellness and cognitive enrichment sessions
- Student society orientations (Moot Court, Legal Aid, Debate Committees)
These activities were carefully curated to build student confidence, foster discipline, and provide a holistic understanding of the university’s ethos and academic environment.
The event culminated with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Prof. Deepak Sharma, Head of the Department of Law. He acknowledged the presence and contributions of the distinguished guests and commended the new batch of students for their enthusiasm and promise.
The Valedictory Session was not just a ceremonial closure, but a memorable beginning to a transformative journey in legal education for the new entrants. It reaffirmed RPNLU Prayagraj’s commitment to providing holistic, inclusive, and excellence-driven legal education, inspiring students to walk the path of justice with integrity and purpose.