Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur Universitys (RTMNU) Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar College of Law organised their 15^th annual ‘Justa Causa’, had recently organised a two-day national law festival. The inaugural ceremony was held at the college auditorium on March 17. Justice Prasanna Varale (Judge, Bombay High Court, Nagpur bench) was the chief guest at the event. While Prof Vijendra Kumar (Vice Chancellor, Maharashtra National Law University) was the guest of honor, SP Kane (Vice Chancellor, Nagpur University) graced the inaugural function. Prof Mahendra Bhandari (Director of Law, SVKM’s)  was the keynote speaker.

Day 1: Inauguration Ceremony

Justice Prasanna Varale, Prof Vijendra Kumar, SP Kane and Dr Shrikant Komawar (Principal, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar College of Law) lighted the inaugural lamp. Dr Shrikant Komawar delivered a welcome speech and felicitated the guests by offering them bunch of flowers. In his welcome speech, Dr Shrikant Komawar discussed Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): Issues and Challenges for the 15^th edition of Justa Causa.

While addressing the students by discussing about innovations and inventions, Justice Varale said, Advancement in technology has resulted in a sea change in innovations, inventions and intellect of a person. The changing trade environment has given rise to global competition, high innovation risks, short product cycle, need for rapid changes in technology, high investments in research and development (R&D), production and marketing and need for highly skilled human resources. To meet these challenges, budding lawyers should equip themselves and update their knowledge of technological advancements.

Prof Vijendra Kumar too made an appeal to the students to argue and fight for justice by stating, Lawyers in future would have a scope to work in the field of IPR and to assist judges in administration of justice. The students must good inculcate the habit of effectively reading and listening and by enhancing their communication skills.

Dr SV Kane in his speech took a brief review of social changes that have taken place over the years by stating, A man is special as he has been blessed with inherent intellect. With the technological inventions, man has become a superman. But there is a need to transform superman into super human being by abiding rules and regulations.

Mrinmayee Kukdey and Chinmayee Nimkhedkar conducted the proceedings of the programme, while Dr Adhara Deshpande gave a vote of thanks. There were two technical sessions held immediately after the inaugural function, which included the topics – Trademarks and Patents as safeguards to the intellectual creations and Copyrights and Patents as a protector for both public and private institutions.

Day 2: Competition and Seminars

As a part of the ongoing 15^th edition of Justa Causa, a national drawing competition on the theme Intellectual Property Rights: Issues and Challenges, National Crossword Competition and National Turncoat Debate Competition was held at the college auditorium of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar College of Law. The national seminar on Intellectual Property Rights: Issues and Challenges was inaugurated in the morning where Puranchandra Meshram (Registrar of Nagpur University) was the chief guest and Neha Raut Thakre was the guest of honour. Dr Pramod Yeole (Pro Vice Chancellor, Nagpur University) was also present at the event.

Puranchandra Meshram and Neha Raut Thakre gave a traditional start to the event by lightning the inaugural lamp and Dr Shrikant Komawar felicitated the guests. While Dr Adhara Deshpande delivered the welcome speech, Puranchandra Meshram and Neha Raut Thakre shared their views on the topic Intellectual Property Rights: Issues and Challenges. Last but not the least, Mrinmayee Kukdey delivered a vote of thanks.

The valedictory function was held at 5 pm, where Pushpa Ganediwala (Principal District and Session Judge) was the chief guest, Prof Dr Naresh Kumar Vats was the guest of honour in the presence of Dr Shrikant Komawar. While NALSAR College, Hydrabad grabbed the first position during the moot court competition and DES College, Pune stood second.

Pictures by: Kartik Thakur