Student Orientation cum Induction Programme for Batch of 2030

On 25th August 2025, the University School of Law and Legal Studies (USLLS), Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, welcomed the new student batches of the Integrated B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), Integrated B.B.A. LL.B. (Hons.), and LL.M. programmes. The ceremony marked the start of an exciting academic and professional journey for the freshers. The Internship and Placement Cell managed the event successfully.

Opening Note

The programme began with hosts Ms. Sophia Chaswal and Mr. Shresth Yadav warmly welcoming the Hon’ble Dean, Prof. (Dr.) Queeny Pradhan, prominent alumni, faculty members, and the incoming students. A sense of anticipation filled the auditorium as the new batch learned about the vision, mission, and legacy of USLLS. A highlight of the ceremony was the alumni recognition session, where successful alumni shared their experiences and served as role models, showcasing various opportunities in the legal profession. In her welcome address, Prof. (Dr.) Queeny Pradhan encouraged students to view law as a vocation rooted in accountability, justice, and social responsibility. She emphasized that law school is a time to develop curiosity, critical thinking, confidence, and discipline while actively engaging in academic and co-curricular activities.

Special-Guest Interaction

Next was the alumni interaction session, where former students candidly reflected on their journeys from USLLS classrooms to various professional paths. Mr. Tanmaya Sinha, Associate Vice President Legal at Paytm and a distinguished alumnus, spoke about making the most of the law school experience by stepping outside one’s comfort zone, participating in debates, getting involved in activities, and pursuing valuable internships. He acknowledged the significant impact of artificial intelligence and new technologies on the legal field but stressed that integrity, mentorship, and lifelong learning are essential for success. He also discussed how in-house counsel can serve as strategic business partners, not just cost centers, and outlined various career options for law graduates. Regarding further education, he advised students to carefully consider financial aspects before pursuing an LL.M. abroad while recognizing the benefits of global exposure in expanding networks and perspectives. He concluded by encouraging students to take advantage of their time in Delhi, to remain curious, and to balance ambition with personal well-being.

Next up, Mrs. Padma Priya, an Advocate in Delhi with over 14 years of experience as an Associate at AZB & Partners and a proud member of USLLS’s first batch, addressed the gathering warmly and nostalgically. She recalled her orientation day on 13th August 2001 and drew parallels between her journey and that of the freshers. Speaking from two decades of experience, she highlighted that while students come from diverse backgrounds and goals, law is a universal discipline that connects to all passions. Reflecting on the challenges faced by the inaugural batch preparing for moots without seniors or available resources, she encouraged students to view insecurities as strengths and turn them into tools for growth. Sharing stories of resilience, peer support, and her preference for litigation, she assured students that law is a versatile and empowering field that lets them stay connected to their true interests while building meaningful careers. Both alumni reminded students to focus on the quality of internships rather than the quantity, dispelling myths about the profession, and reinforcing that consistent effort, humility, and integrity are the real markers of success.

Faculty Interaction

The faculty introduction followed, with esteemed professors including Prof. Kanwal D.P. Singh, Prof. Deepshikha Aggarwal, Prof. Shivani Goswami, Prof. Lisa P. Lukose, Prof. Anuj Kumar Vaksha, Prof. Upma Gautam, Prof. Ravinder Kumar, Prof. Rakesh Kumar, Prof. Kavita Solanki, Prof. Gurujit Singh, Prof. Neelu Mehra, Prof. Anuradha Jha, Prof. Vandana Singh, Dr. Zubair Ahmed Khan, Dr. Rakesh Kumar Handa, and Dr. Vani Prakash formally welcomed as academic mentors and guides for the new students. The alumni and faculty engaged students in discussions about higher education, including LL.M. options in India and abroad. They highlighted the trade-offs between international exposure and experiential learning in the country. They reassured students that law school is not just about academic work but also about networking, interning, and actively participating in extracurricular activities. They encouraged freshers to see these five years as a productive time, stressing that true achievement comes from consistency, honesty, and passion.

Conclusion

The orientation ended with an overview of USLLS’s vibrant ecosystem, introducing students to its rich academic and extracurricular culture. Initiatives such as the Annual Cultural Fest Anugoonj, the Annual Sports Meet, the Law Fest, and various specialized societies including the Moot Court Society, ADR Cell, Legal Aid Centre, Criminal Justice Research Centre, IPR Cell, IELRC, LEIC, and the Internship and Placement Cell were presented as platforms for holistic development. The Orientation Programme not only welcomed the new batch of students into the USLLS community but also instilled in them a sense of pride, responsibility, and enthusiasm for the journey ahead. Through inspiring addresses by faculty and alumni, as well as an introduction to academic and extracurricular opportunities, the event successfully set the stage for the growth and success of the freshers in the coming years.