Jabalpur, September 3, 2026: Hon’ble Justice Vivek Rusia, Acting Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court and Chancellor of Dharmashastra National Law University (DNLU), Jabalpur, delivered a special address to the undergraduate and postgraduate students of the University on September 3, 2026.
Addressing the students, Justice Vivek Rusia spoke about the opportunities offered by the legal profession and emphasised that sincerity and dedication can lead to recognition, growth and a sense of purpose. He encouraged students to make the most of the courses and opportunities offered by the University and to build a strong foundation for their future careers.
“The legal profession, if pursued with sincerity and dedication, will give them everything — recognition, growth, and purpose.”
Justice Rusia Appreciates DNLU’s Mediation Course
Justice Rusia appreciated Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur for introducing a three-month Mediation Course in collaboration with the Madhya Pradesh State Legal Services Authority (MPSLA).
He highlighted that such initiatives equip students with practical skills that extend beyond conventional classroom learning and help prepare them for the evolving demands of the legal profession.
Justice Rusia also encouraged students to move beyond common misconceptions about law being centred around theatrical courtroom battles. Instead, he drew attention to the disciplines that define good lawyering, including careful reading of primary sources, clear writing, candour before the court, respect for procedure and genuinely listening to clients and judges.
Mediation an Emerging Career Path for Law Students
The Acting Chief Justice urged students not to view mediation merely as an ancillary skill but as a serious and emerging career path in its own right. He observed that mediation also tests a lawyer’s professional character as it requires patience, empathy and impartiality.
He further encouraged students to undertake research that is focused and meaningful rather than broad and diffuse.
Law, when practised as a calling rather than merely a livelihood, offers a far richer and more fulfilling life.
Justice Anand Pathak Calls Lawyers ‘Social Engineers’
Hon’ble Shri Justice Anand Pathak, Judge, High Court of Madhya Pradesh, congratulated the newly admitted students and described lawyers as “social engineers” who bridge different groups in society.
He also described lawyers as healers who must have a deep sensitivity towards the cause of justice.
Justice Deepak Khot Stresses Practical Legal Learning
Hon’ble Shri Justice Deepak Khot, Judge, High Court of Madhya Pradesh, urged students to focus on learning the practical aspects of law alongside theoretical knowledge.
He emphasised that an understanding of practical aspects would help students prepare themselves more effectively for real-world legal challenges.
Justice Amit Lahoti Highlights Dynamic Nature of Law
Hon’ble Shri Justice Amit Lahoti, Judge, High Court of Madhya Pradesh, highlighted the dynamic nature of law and stressed the importance of remaining aware of current affairs in order to become well-rounded legal professionals.
Vice Chancellor Welcomes Dignitaries and Students
Prof. (Dr.) Manoj Kumar Sinha, Vice Chancellor, Dharmashastra National Law University, welcomed the dignitaries and students to the programme.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Sinha underscored the pivotal role of the Acting Chief Justice in the University’s development and emphasised the significance of dignitaries interacting directly with students at a formative stage of their legal education.
He also spoke about the University’s continued commitment to nurturing well-rounded legal professionals equipped to serve both the profession and society at large.
Vote of Thanks and Presence at the Programme
Dr. Praveen Tripathi, Registrar, delivered the vote of thanks and expressed gratitude to the dignitaries for taking time to address the students and share insights drawn from their experience on the Bench.
Shri Harsh Behrawat, Registrar (Admin), High Court of Madhya Pradesh, also marked his presence at the programme.
Ms. Pragati Jha, student, compered the programme.