Prayagraj, August 08 – Dr. Rajendra Prasad National Law University, Prayagraj (RPNLUP) successfully concluded its Orientation Programme for the incoming batch of 2026-31 with a Valedictory Session held on 8 August 2026 at the Academic Block of the University.
The ceremony commenced with the lighting of the lamp and Saraswati Vandana, followed by the rendition of the Kulgeet, setting a solemn and inspiring tone for the occasion.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Usha Tandon Welcomes Dignitaries
Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Senior Professor (Dr.) Usha Tandon welcomed the dignitaries attending the valedictory programme. The session was graced by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Alok Mathur of the Allahabad High Court Lucknow Bench as the Chief Guest.
The Guests of Honour were Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vinod Diwakar of the Allahabad High Court and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Manish Kumar of the Allahabad High Court Lucknow Bench.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-Chancellor reflected on the orientation programme and its role in introducing the students to the academic and cultural life of RPNLUP. She encouraged the new entrants to understand that acquiring knowledge is a gradual process requiring discipline and perseverance.
She urged students to embrace hard work as the foundation of their academic and professional journey, emphasising that discipline and perseverance ultimately lead to growth.
Justice Vinod Diwakar Urges Students to Dream Big
Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vinod Diwakar expressed his pleasure at being part of the session and encouraged the students to dream big, think beyond habitual patterns and step out of their comfort zones.
Highlighting qualities essential for the legal profession, Justice Diwakar stressed the importance of communication skills, punctuality and dignity. He also underlined the responsibility of professors in inspiring students and cultivating ethical values, while describing respect for time as an important virtue associated with professional integrity.
“Learn the grammar of respect before the grammar of argument.”
His address placed particular emphasis on the importance of combining professional competence with respect, discipline and ethical conduct as students begin their journey in legal education.
Justice Manish Kumar: Do Not Fear Failures
Hon’ble Mr. Justice Manish Kumar addressed the students on the importance of developing resilience and maintaining optimism. He encouraged them not to fear failures, describing failures as lessons rather than ends.
He emphasised that optimism is a hallmark of a resilient lawyer and reminded the students that learning must remain a lifelong pursuit. According to him, this process of learning is enriched by teachers who inculcate a genuine love for knowledge.
Justice Manish Kumar also reminded students of the importance of the role played by a guru, describing a guru as one who helps in dispelling the darkness within a person as well as in the world around them.
Justice Alok Mathur Highlights Importance of Facts and Internships
The Chief Guest, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Alok Mathur, described law college as one of the best parts of life and encouraged the students to cherish their journey of learning.
He observed that the beauty of law lies in its connection with real-life situations, which makes the study and practice of law a continuous process of discovery.
Justice Mathur advised the students to focus on mastering facts, remaining attentive and making the most of internships. He urged them to take internships seriously as formative experiences capable of contributing significantly to their professional development.
“True expertise lies not in knowing the law but in finding it.”
He further encouraged the students to love the legal profession deeply and expressed the hope that he would one day see them occupying positions of responsibility.
Latest Issue of ‘Cognizant’ Released
The Valedictory Session also witnessed the release of the latest issue of ‘Cognizant’, the University’s newsletter. The release reflected the institution’s commitment to academic dialogue and outreach.
Orientation Programme Concludes with Vote of Thanks
The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Sonika, Co-convener of the Programme. It was followed by the National Song, National Anthem and a group photograph. The Valedictory Session brought the Orientation/Induction Programme to a close, leaving the incoming batch inspired to begin its academic journey with discipline, optimism and commitment to the legal profession.
The programme marked the beginning of the students’ legal education at RPNLUP while emphasising the values of perseverance, respect, professional dignity and lifelong learning that will guide them through their academic and professional journey.