21/08/2026
Sikkim National Law University (SNLU) organised its student orientation programme, ‘Deeksharambh 2026’, on August 19, 2026, to formally welcome the freshly admitted students of its Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes into the University’s academic community.
The inaugural programme was graced by Hon’ble Chief Justice of the High Court of Sikkim, Justice A. Muhammed Mustaque, as the Chief Guest. Hon’ble Justice Bhaskar Raj Pradhan was the Guest of Honour, while Shri Raju Basnet, Hon’ble Minister for Education and Law, Government of Sikkim, attended as the Special Guest.
Addressing the newly admitted students, Hon'ble Chief Justice Justice A. Muhammed Mustaque emphasised the evolving role of young lawyers in contemporary society. His Lordship observed that the role of young lawyers should be transformational, enabling them to respond effectively to the growing and changing needs of society. His Lordship encouraged the students to look beyond conventional approaches and prepare themselves to become agents of meaningful change through the law.
Hon'ble Justice Bhaskar Raj Pradhan, in his address, urged the students not to restrict themselves to merely studying the text of law. His Lordship emphasised the importance of developing a comprehensive understanding of law, including its background, the legislative intent behind its enactment and its future prospects. His Lordship encouraged the students to understand the law in its broader social and institutional context rather than approaching it merely as a collection of statutory provisions and judicial decisions.
Addressing the students, Education, Law, and Sports & Youth Affairs Minister Shri Raju Basnet reminded them that “a lawyer must know the law, but a good lawyer must know human beings.” Stressing the importance of understanding people and society, Sir urged the students to go beyond the literal words of law and endeavour to discover its true meaning and purpose. Sirs' address highlighted the human dimension of the legal profession and the responsibility of lawyers towards society.
The distinguished addresses collectively encouraged the students to approach legal education not merely as an academic pursuit but as a means of understanding society, addressing its changing needs and contributing towards justice and social transformation.
The University was also honoured by the gracious presence of Mr. Karma Wangchuk Bhutia, Registrar General, High Court of Sikkim, Ms. Jyoti Kharka, Registrar, High Court of Sikkim, Mr. Jiwan Kumar Kharka, Registrar (Judicial Service), High Court of Sikkim, Mr. Suraj Chettri, Legal Remembrancer-cum-Secretary, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Department, Government of Sikkim, Mrs. Subarna Rai, Director, Sikkim Judicial Academy, Ms. Nairitya Sharma, Deputy Director, Sikkim Judicial Academy.
The programme was also attended by the parents and guardians of the newly admitted students, making the occasion particularly significant as the University formally welcomed both the students and their families into the SNLU community.
‘Deeksharambh 2026’ marked an important milestone in the journey of Sikkim National Law University, as the University welcomed its new cohort and reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing competent, socially conscious and ethically grounded legal professionals equipped to meet the emerging challenges of law and society.