The week-long induction program for the new batch of 2026 at Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur, began today with a keynote session titled “Jurists Speak.” This marked the formal start of “Day Zero” of the new student orientation program .
Addressing the freshers, HNLU Vice Chancellor Prof. V. C. Vivekanandan called upon the students to embrace diversity, make gender sensitivity a part of life and imbibe human values rather than just academic excellence.
He said, “The Rule of Law is not just a collection of legal provisions, but a value that every person must embrace first in their lives.” Motivating students, he said, “Learn to live the Rule of Law before practicing it.” He emphasized that the measure of success is not just professional achievements or winning major cases, but bringing positive change to society through justice.
The Chief Guest of the programme, Distinguished Jurist Professor , HNLU , NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad and Founding Vice Chancellor, National Law University, Delhi, Prof. (Dr.) Ranbir Singh, while sharing his life experiences, said that legal education has given countless young people from ordinary families the opportunity to achieve extraordinary accomplishments.
He said that in earlier times, people used to come towards legal education by chance, whereas today with the advent of National Law Universities, it has become a conscious option and the first choice of career for the youth.
Prof. Ranbir Singh, while appreciating the remarkable progress of HNLU under the leadership of the present Vice Chancellor, urged the new students to have clear goals and make their university years a journey of self-development and professional excellence.
The programme concluded with an interesting interactive session between the students and the guest speakers.
On this occasion, Registrar in-charge Dr. Deepak Kumar Srivastava delivered the welcome address, while Dean of Student Welfare Dr. Avinash Samal presented the vote of thanks.
Record participation of girl students
This year, 55 percent of HNLU’s undergraduate (UG) programs were female, while 54 percent of its postgraduate (PG) programs were female. This is the highest female participation in the university’s history.
Additionally, seven students with disabilities have been admitted to undergraduate and five to postgraduate programs. This year’s batch represents students from 21 states across India, further strengthening HNLU’s truly national identity.
Launch of new features
During the Induction Week , the fully modernized dining halls of the boys and girls hostels and the newly constructed board room for the first year students were also inaugurated.
These facilities were jointly inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Ranbir Singh and Vice Chancellor Prof. V.C. Vivekanandan. They aim to enhance the student living and learning experience and further strengthen the university’s academic infrastructure.
Various programs will be held throughout the week
The week-long Induction Programme 2026 will feature a number of formal and informal events for students. These include a joint musical evening for parents and students , health and wellness sessions, sports activities, alumni interactions, and a special colloquium on gender sensitization and inclusive campus culture .
The aim of all these activities is to familiarise new students with the university environment and ensure a successful start to their academic and personal lives.
