The Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur, has reason to celebrate as its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha, was conferred with the Prof. Upendra Baxi Award at the prestigious Capital Foundation Awards 2025 ceremony. The event, held on 16th November 2025 at the Constitution Club of India in New Delhi, was especially significant as it paid tribute to the 110th Birth Anniversary of Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer, a stalwart of India’s judiciary and a visionary of legal reform.
The ceremony witnessed an inspiring convergence of legal scholars, jurists, and educators from across the country. Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, graced the event as the Chief Guest, while Hon’ble Mr. Justice A.K. Patnaik, Chairman of the Capital Foundation, was present as the Guest of Honour, adding gravitas to the occasion.
The award bestowed upon Prof. Sinha recognizes his outstanding contributions to legal education and research over more than three decades. Before taking charge at DNLU, Prof. Sinha served as the Director of the Indian Law Institute, and held a distinguished academic position at the West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS). He is widely admired for his commitment to legal scholarship and has been particularly influential in advancing mediation as a cornerstone of India’s justice delivery system.
The event was meticulously organized by Dr. Charu Mathur and Dr. Vinod Sethi on behalf of the Capital Foundation Society, a renowned non-profit and non-governmental organization. For over 30 years, the Foundation has been a central forum for policy discussions, hosting more than 300 high-profile events involving distinguished figures, including the President of India and other notable leaders across public life, law, and academia.
The ceremony not only honored Prof. Sinha’s contributions but also celebrated the legacy of Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer, whose ideals of justice, reform, and equity continue to inspire generations. The gathering offered a meaningful platform for legal luminaries, judges, academicians, and policymakers to engage and reflect on the nation’s legal landscape.
With this recognition, the DNLU fraternity stands united in pride, celebrating Prof. Sinha’s remarkable journey and his visionary leadership. His relentless dedication to excellence continues to elevate the university’s reputation and contributes to its growing stature as a center for transformative legal thought and action.
Congratulations, Prof. Sinha — your DNLU family proudly celebrates this milestone!