In order to give thrust and significance to the legal education and increase awareness about the legal services activities in district Udhampur, Justice Tashi Rabstan, Chief Justice (A), High Court of J&K and Ladakh, and Patron-in-Chief, J&K Legal Services Authority today inaugurated a Legal Literacy Clubin one of the oldest schools established in the year 1923 in a far flung area of the District Udhampur namely Govt. Hr. Secondary School, Sudhmahadev, located about 60 kms away from the district headquarter.
On his arrival, Justice Tashi accompanied by M. K. Sharma, Principal Secretary and Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority was accorded warm reception by Haq Nawaz Zargar, PDJ (Chairman DLSA), Udhampur, Amod Ashok Nagpure, SSP, Udhampur, Ajay Kumar Sharma, Secretary, DLSA Udhampur, Vishal Bharti, District Mobile Magistrate, Udhampur, Prem Singh. Addl. Deputy Commissioner, Som Raj, Principal, Govt. Hr. Secondary School, Sudhmahadev, Udhampur, Gurudev Kumar, SDM, Udhampur and other teaching and administrative staff and students of the school. A Ceremonial Guard of Honour was also accorded to the Chief Justice.
After inaugurating the Legal Literacy Club, Justice Tashi while interacted with Menakshi Sharma, Teacher incharge and students who became members of the Club (comprising 32 members from class 9th to 11th) impressed upon them to become ambassadors of Legal Services Institutions in spreading the legal awareness not only among their peer groups but also among the common masses so that the motto of Legal Services Authority “Access to Justice for All” reaches every legal aid seeker.
The inauguration of Legal Literacy Club was followed by an impactful awareness program where a group of students from Govt. Higher Secondary School Sudhmahadev performed a Saraswati Vandana, setting a reverent tone for the event. In his inaugural address, Justice Tashi Rabstan expressed his admiration for the school's educational legacy, spanning over a century, and lauded the Principal and staff for their dedication in preserving this heritage while embracing modern educational advancements.
He underscored the indispensable role of women in the nation's progress, noting with pride the exceptional capabilities of the girl students at the school. Justice Tashi remarked that the potential displayed by the students of the School in general and female students in particular is at par with, if not surpassing, the students from elite institutions elsewhere in the country, reflecting the transformative power of inclusive and quality education.
He also highlighted that empowering young women with legal knowledge is a key driver of social change, as they are likely to influence their families and communities positively. Justice Tashi further emphasized the importance of Legal Literacy Clubs in empowering students with knowledge about their legal rights and responsibilities.
He highlighted that these clubs play a pivotal role in fostering a culture of legal awareness among the younger generation, which is crucial for the development of a just and fair society. "Legal literacy is the foundation of a well-informed citizenry and it is essential for the protection of rights and the promotion of justice," he remarked.
In his welcome address, Som Raj, Principal extended heartfelt thanks to the esteemed dignitaries and emphasized the pressing need for legal literacy in the region, particularly in rural areas where access to legal resources is often limited. He stressed that the establishment of Legal Literacy Club is a significant milestone in the school's efforts to integrate legal education into the broader educational curriculum, ensuring that students are not only academically proficient but also legally informed.
While providing a comprehensive overview of the programme, Haq Nawaz Zargar, PDJ (Chairman, DLSA), Udhampur, articulated the core objectives of the Legal Literacy Club, which include promoting a deeper understanding of legal rights and responsibilities among students, encouraging active participation in legal matters, and creating a ripple effect of legal awareness within the community.
Adding to the depth of the programme, Adv. Balwan Singh, Panel Lawyer, DLSA Udhampur delivered an insightful presentation that underscored the tangible benefits of Legal Literacy Clubs. His presentation illustrated how these clubs can serve as catalysts for social change by empowering students to become proactive in addressing legal issues within their communities.
He cited examples of successful initiatives where Legal Literacy Clubs have played a pivotal role in resolving local disputes and educating the public about critical legal matters. Additionally, a group of students delivered an emotional musical performance that poignantly addressed the grave issue of the dowry system.
The performance, filled with emotional depth, conveyed powerful messages about the devastating impact of this social evil and the urgent need for its eradication. This segment of the program reinforced the event’s overarching theme: the crucial role of legal awareness in combating societal injustices and promoting a more equitable future.
Following the conclusion of the awareness program, a plantation drive was also conducted, during which the dignitaries planted different varieties of trees within the school premises. Taking to media persons, Amit Gupta Member Secretary said that the initiatives like establishment of Legal Literacy Clubs underscore the commitment of the Legal Service Institutions in UT of J&K to empower the younger generation with legal knowledge, fostering a future of informed and responsible citizens promoting legal awareness and strengthening the legal framework for the benefit of all citizens.
The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Meenakshi Sharma, Teacher in-charge, Legal Literacy Club and formal vote of thanks was presented by Ajay Sharma, Secretary, DLSA Udhampur.