By Arshid Mehraj
New Delhi- National capital buzzed with energy at the inaugural days of the Yukti Law Workshop, a first-of-its-kind program bringing together law students from across India for a hands-on dive into the country’s legal system. Among the 130 students, four from Jammu and Kashmir quickly became the focus of attention.
Syed Arsalan Abid, a corporate lawyer from Kashmir now practising in Delhi, paused to speak with them.
“Opportunities like this open doors you cannot imagine,” he said, watching the students exchange notes.
The workshop, spearheaded by the General Counsels’ Association of India, is the brainchild of Dr. Sanjeev Gemawat and Dr. Akhil Prasad. It blends classroom learning with direct exposure to courts, corporate offices, and legislative institutions. Students attend sessions led by judges, senior advocates, and top General Counsels from leading corporations. They visit the Supreme Court, regional courts, Parliament, and corporates, experiencing the workings of India’s legal ecosystem firsthand.
Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs, Harsh Malhotra, inaugurated the event, urging the students to see law as a pillar of corporate governance and institutional trust. “Young lawyers will shape India’s growth,” he said, emphasizing transparency and accountability.
Union Minister of State for Law and Justice, Arjun Ram Meghwal, also joined the students during the workshop. He reminded them of their responsibility to uphold constitutional values and ensure public faith in legal institutions.
Both ministers lauded the vision of GCAI founders, describing the platform as transformative for the next generation of legal professionals.
For the four Kashmiri students, the experience is nothing short of eye-opening.
“Meeting senior advocates and seeing how courts operate has made me rethink what legal practice can be,” said one participant. Another added, “Interacting with peers from all over India shows me how much talent exists outside our usual circles.”
Their days are packed with lectures, corporate exposure visits, and courtroom observations. Each session reinforces practical skills and professional clarity.
The students have absorbed lessons in litigation, corporate compliance, and legislative processes while forging connections with mentors and peers.
Dr. Gemawat highlighted the inclusive design of the workshop. “We aim to provide equal opportunity to students from all regions. The presence of Kashmiri students strengthens the national integration we hope this programme fosters,” he said.
As the workshop moves toward its conclusion on January 30, the four students bring a renewed sense of purpose, professional insight, and confidence to represent Kashmir on a national platform.
“This workshop proves that talent knows no boundaries,” Abid observed. “These students are the future of Indian law.”
