24th March 2025 – BITS Law School, under the aegis of BITS Pilani, an Institution of Eminence, celebrated its Foundation Day at its 63-acre Centre of Excellence, Mumbai Campus. The two-day event brought together legal professionals, academics, and media figures, including Hon’ble Justice Hima Kohli, Mr. Anubhav Sinha, Ms. Jayna Kothari, and others, to discuss key socio-legal issues.
The celebration commenced with an inaugural address by the Dean, followed by a lecture by Hon’ble Justice Hima Kohli, Former Judge of the Supreme Court of India, who spoke on the evolving role of women in the legal profession. She emphasised the importance of early court exposure, perseverance in litigation, and the increasing opportunities for women in law. She noted, “Women are now joining the judiciary at the first levels, not just at the higher judicial level, and in many states, they make up more than 50% of the judicial service. The legal profession today offers a broader spectrum of opportunities, but success in this field requires resilience, adaptability, and the right guidance. Aspiring practitioners must gain a well-rounded experience before choosing a specialisation, remain open to learning, embrace challenges, and build a strong foundation to thrive in this profession.”
Day 1 concluded with an ʻInaugural Lecture on Pillars of Democracy’ by Dr. M.R. Madhavan, President and Co-Founder, PRS Legislative Research, New Delhi. The session featured insightful discussions, encouraging dialogue on strengthening democratic principles and addressing contemporary challenges. Reflecting on the role of legal professionals and citizens in a democracy, Dr. Madhavan stated, “Parliament is where laws are made, but its true strength lies in accountability. The power of democracy does not rest with institutions alone, it depends on citizens who engage, question, and demand better. As future legal professionals, your role is not just to interpret laws but to ensure they serve the people, uphold justice, and strengthen democratic values. Governance is only as strong as the scrutiny it faces.”
On the second day, the event featured the 2nd Rule of Law Lecture by Ms. Jayna Kothari, Senior Advocate and Executive Director, Centre for Law & Policy Research, where she explored the evolving intersections of law, policy, and social justice in India. Followed by Law & Entertainment: A Fireside Chat Series, featuring a panel discussion on the Portrayal of Gender and Caste-Based Discrimination with award-winning director Anubhav Sinha (Article 15, Thappad, Mulk, IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack), Ms. Mrunmayee Lagoo (writer of Thappad), and Mr. Gaurav Solanki (co-writer of Article 15). The discussion highlighted the power of storytelling in challenging deep-rooted societal biases and shaping public discourse around justice and equality.
Reflecting on the significance of the event, Prof. (Dr.) Ashish Bhardwaj, Founding Dean, BITS Law School added, “In law, as in life, true progress lies in our ability to question, adapt, and uphold justice with unwavering integrity. As we celebrate this day, let us remember that the pursuit of legal knowledge is not merely an academic endeavour but a profound responsibility to shape a more equitable and inclusive society. At BITSLAW, we are committed to fostering this vision through innovative legal education that prepares our students to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world.”