RVU takes major strides in community engagement School of Law students to practice “Learning by Doing”

National, 6th February 2024: RV University’s Centre for Legal Aid and Community Engagement has forged over 40 substantive collaborations with prominent community-based organisations, started the student Rotaract Club and also the National Service Scheme (NSS) unit on the campus.

Under Unnat Bharat Abhiyan, RVU is adopting some villages near the campus. All these initiatives are being taken to enable students to work with communities, understand grassroot realities, and apply the law to find solutions. It has also initiated action under the Viksit Bharat launched by the Prime Minister of India recently.

These initiatives are being spearheaded by Ms. Yukti Kumar, Assistant Professor in the School of Law. She has tied up with reputed community-based organizations like the District Legal Services Authority, Bengaluru Urban, Navjyoti India Foundation, Sood Charity Foundation, ProBono India, Legal Aid Trust, Tamahar Trust, Policy Forum for Social Justice, Committee for Legal Aid to Poor, Youth for Seva, Association for the Mentally Challenged, Housing and Land Rights Network, Youth United in Voluntary Action, to name a few. These collaborations aim at solidifying LACE’s reputation as a hub for practical legal education and community welfare pedagogy.

The Rotaract Club of RV University organized the first blood donation camp recently and collected 334 units of blood and donated them to the Indian Red Cross Society, Bengaluru. The students also organised a clothes donation drive and handed over clothes to the Goonj Foundation.

The Centre for Legal Aid and Community Engagement (LACE) at RV University has demonstrated an impressive dedication to social justice and community-led pedagogy, positioning it as a catalyst for constructive social change. LACE which means tie-up and secure the relationships with the communities is a dedicated student cum community-based clinic that operates under the School of Law at RV University. It was established to provide free legal services to the underprivileged and marginalized sections of society.

Commenting on the collaborations, Prof. (Dr.) Y.S.R. Murthy, Vice-Chancellor, RV University, said, “RVU’s work rests on four important pillars which include teaching, research, capacity building and community engagement. RV University is proud of LACE’s innovative approach to fusing community needs with law education. Their well-thought-out alliances and student-led projects are creating a positive change. LACE’s influence goes well beyond textbooks, as seen in its enriching workshops and legal counseling camps. We will soon begin with the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan initiative in collaboration with five villages as well. LACE upholds our basic values under the direction of committed faculty and students. Together, we see a time when legal education fosters social consciousness and gives students the tools they need to build just societies.”

Some of LACE’s impactful initiatives are:

Distinguished Collaborations: LACE has initiated a series of impactful collaborations, hosting luminaries such as Prof. Ajay Pandey from O.P. Jindal Global University and Mr. Kalpesh Gupta, Founder of Probono India, reinforcing its dedication to an effective system of social justice and public service.

Enriching Workshops: Workshops organized by LACE in collaboration with U&I Trust and Durga India have significantly enriched the academic landscape, providing valuable insights in clinical legal education and the social sector.

Practical Learning: Active participation of law students at RV University’s School of Law within LACE ensuring hands-on practical learning experiences, aligned with the Bar Council of India’s mandate to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world legal practices.

District-Level Impact: LACE’s collaboration with the District Legal Service Authority, Bengaluru Urban, expanding its impact, enabling the organization of legal aid and awareness camps on and off-campus, including permanent camps in targeted villages.

Rotaract Club’s Flourish: Under LACE’s leadership, The Rotaract Club at RV University has thrived, engaging 280 student leaders and volunteers in community initiatives, including cloth donation drives and blood donation camps.

National Service Scheme Unit: LACE is set to inaugurate the National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit in February 2024, funded by the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Sports, signaling a significant step towards community welfare.

Unnat Bharat Abhiyan: Expanding its ambit of activities, LACE is poised to adopt five villages under the Unnat Bharat Abhiyan initiative, fostering socio-legal discourse and conducting training programs, showcasing its commitment to comprehensive community engagement.

Swachh Campus Abhiyan: On National Cleanliness Day, LACE collaborated with DLSA Bengaluru, organizing a successful drive led by 127 student volunteers. Graced by Mr. Varadaraj B., Senior Civil Judge, the initiative was initiated by Prof. Y.S.R. Murthy and coordinated by Ms. Yukti Kumar.

The Centre for Legal Aid and Community Engagement at RV University stands as a beacon of excellence, demonstrating how legal education can be a catalyst for positive societal change. LACE’s interdisciplinary approach, commitment to community-based teaching, and numerous achievements underscore its pivotal role in shaping socially responsible legal professionals.