Prayagraj, October 8, 2025 — Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj (RPNLU Prayagraj), in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (UPSLSA) and the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), successfully concluded a three-day Para Legal Volunteers’ (PLV) Basic Training Programme for B.A. LL.B. (Hons.) students of the 2025 batch.
Held from October 6 to 8, 2025, the training programme aimed to equip students with essential knowledge about India’s legal aid system and nurture socially responsible legal professionals dedicated to advancing access to justice.
Inaugural Session: Vice Chancellor Highlights the Power of Legal Aid
The inaugural ceremony was graced by Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Sr. Prof. (Dr.) Usha Tandon, who highlighted the transformative role of legal aid in democratizing justice. Dr. Tandon encouraged students to view community engagement as an integral part of their legal education, emphasizing that initiatives like the PLV training connect theoretical learning with real-world legal challenges.
She remarked that “programmes like the PLV training bridge academic learning with lived legal realities and cultivate empathy-driven leadership in law.”
Interactive Learning: From Legal Aid to Mediation and Prison Reform
Throughout the three-day event, students participated in lectures, workshops, and interactive discussions covering:
- Victim compensation schemes
- Child protection laws
- Prison reform and rehabilitation
- Mediation and alternative dispute resolution
- Constitutional mandates under Article 39-A
The experiential learning approach enabled participants to engage directly with legal institutions and understand the practical dimensions of justice delivery.
Simulation Exercises: Learning by Doing
A key highlight of the programme was a simulation-based dispute resolution exercise, where students took on roles such as complainants, defendants, mediators, and judges. These mock sessions enhanced their understanding of procedural ethics, negotiation techniques, and the human side of justice.
Discussions on missing children, prisoner rehabilitation, and welfare schemes for crime victims deepened students’ empathy toward marginalized communities and emphasized the importance of compassionate legal practice.
Field Visits: Learning Beyond the Classroom
To complement the classroom sessions, students visited Naini Central Jail, District Jail, and the District Court, Prayagraj. These educational visits provided valuable exposure to judicial and correctional institutions, helping students understand institutional dynamics, judicial procedures, and the importance of reformative justice in society.
Valedictory Session: Law as a Living Discipline
The valedictory session closed on a reflective note with the theme “Law changes with perspectives.” Students were encouraged to approach legal aid with creativity, patience, and balance, drawing parallels between legal reasoning and cinematic storytelling.
Esteemed Guests and Experts
The training programme featured insights from a distinguished panel of legal experts and public officials who shared their experiences and perspectives on various dimensions of legal aid and justice delivery. Among the eminent speakers were Sh. Surjan Singh, Officer on Special Duty, Uttar Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (UPSLSA), and Sh. Dinesh Gautam, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Prayagraj, who provided valuable guidance on the operational aspects of legal aid institutions. Smt. Ritandhra Mishra, Mediator, DLSA, and Sushri Shikha Chaudhery, Principal Magistrate, Juvenile Justice Board, highlighted the importance of mediation and juvenile justice in ensuring fair and compassionate legal processes. Shri. Sarvajit Singh, District Probation Officer, Prayagraj, and Smt. Mahima Maurya, Senior Advocate, Allahabad High Court, emphasized the role of legal professionals in promoting rehabilitation and reform. Smt. Nancy Shukla, Naib Tehsildaar, and Sh. Lavlesh Tripathi, Superintendent, Central and District Jail, Naini, offered insights into administrative and correctional challenges, while Sh. Vikas Gupta, Chief, and Sh. Gaurav Singh, Deputy Chief, Legal Aid Defence Counsel (LADC), discussed defence mechanisms and the significance of free legal representation in upholding the right to justice for all.
Vote of Thanks and Closing Remarks
Dr. Deepak Sharma, Convener of the Legal Aid Society and Head of the Department of Law, delivered the vote of thanks. He commended the initiative as a landmark achievement in RPNLU’s mission to integrate academic excellence with social responsibility.
He noted that such training programmes play a pivotal role in building the next generation of lawyers who are not only legally proficient but also ethically grounded and socially conscious.
Continuing RPNLU’s Commitment to Justice
The successful completion of the Para Legal Volunteers’ Basic Training Programme reaffirms RPNLU Prayagraj’s commitment to nurturing compassionate, justice-oriented lawyers who embody the constitutional values of equality, service, and justice for all.