Marking the commemoration of Constitution Day 2021, the Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice in collaboration with NALSAR University of Law have launched an admirable endeavor to use online learning to spread constitutional values through 'Online Course on Indian Constitution'. The course will impart a thorough understanding of the Indian Constitution, its history, development and current significance.
An ideal citizen must be aware of his constitutional obligations so he can duly exercise his constitutional rights. In the words of Gandhiji, 'the source of duty is right. If we discharge our duties, rights will not be far to seek.'
I applaud this initiative and in the spirit of the occasion recommend that every student, professional and citizen make use of this valuable opportunity to familiarize themselves with the driving force behind India's vibrant democracy.
The Constitution of India confers upon every citizen certain rights that are otherwise inherent and innate to human life. The Indian Constitution is a living example of this. It encompasses all such liberties a citizen should have for a decent living under Part-III, Fundamental Rights. The Constitution of India is a unique and living document. The future generations must learn about the various constitutional provisions. I welcome the commendable efforts of the Department of Legal Affairs in collaboration with NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad to educate the children in this regard.
Law is an instrument of social change and objective of any State remains to promote and protect the rule of law. The same is only possible by empowering the citizens of this country with the knowledge of their rights and duties and the principles enshrined in the Constitution of India. As a part of initiative in this direction, I am delighted that Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law and Justice in collaboration with National Academy of Legal Studies & Research (NALSAR), University of Law is launching an ‘online course on Constitution’ to create awareness and strengthen the citizens of this country.
The course seeks to familiarise with the text of the Constitution and leading cases, identify the fundamental policy choices incorporated in the Constitution, examine the historical revolution and understand the post independence constitutional journey, through a series of 15 conceptual videos. I appeal to each citizen of this country to register and enrol for participation, in this ‘online course on Constitution’ as a part of
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.
The National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) was established in 1998 by a Statute of the State of Andhra Pradesh. Since its inception, the University has been home to vital conversations on law and justice. These conversations have acknowledged that questions of justice arise in all legal pursuits whether in the world of courts, corporations, education or administration. Using law as an instrument of social change the University has supported crusades for land rights, disability empowerment and against moral policing and hate speech. NALSAR is committed to the creation of an ethical legal culture, which protects and promotes the rule of law. The social justice agenda is no laughing matter but the University believes that the cause of building a rule of law society is a continuous enterprise, which is sustainable if it is undertaken with optimism and good cheer.
With students admitted from all over the country and faculty drawn from home and abroad, NALSAR is counted amongst the top law schools of the country. We are proud of the position but do not see it as defining us. Students and administration revel in laughing at self and other. Humour both black and genial will be found aplenty at NALSAR.
In accord with its liberal outlook, legal education is imparted in an inter-disciplinary manner. Consequently, there is convergence between the disciplines of law, social sciences, humanities, and management studies in both developing and executing the curriculum in the various degree and diploma courses. Teaching we believe becomes monotonous and mediocre unless accompanied with both theoretical and empirical research. A symbiotic relationship between teaching and research has thus been proactively forged in the operation of the academic programs.
The University in all its years of existence has attempted varied strategies to create a vibrant scholastic environment. We continue in honest reflection on what works and what does not as we strive to realize our aims and objectives.
Prof(Dr.) Faizan Mustafa is the Vice-Chancellor of NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad shall anchor the course. Prof. Mustafa is not only the senior most Vice-Chancellor of National Law Universities but is a popular constitutional law teacher who is widely known for his easy to understand teaching style. He was the recipient of both Commonwealth Scholarship as well as Fulbright Fellowship. He was conferred the SAARC’s Best Law Teacher Award in 2014. He was the President and Vice-President of the prestigious Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute (SICI) which was incorporated in Canada in 1968 and is bi-national organization of Canadian and Indian governments.
He served two terms as the President of Consortium of National Law Universities. He is the Founder Vice-Chancellor of National Law University, Orissa. He is known for his institution building abilities and democratic leadership. He is also visiting faculty to several reputed institutions in India and abroad. He was the Founder Director of KIIT Law School, Bhubaneshwar and the Dean, Faculty of Law, Aligarh Muslim University.
He has written eight books and has contributed more than 300 articles. Supreme Court of India has also quoted him in its judgments on right to die and Sabrimala. He regularly writes in the leading newspapers and magazines on the current legal issues.
