The 4th International Symposium on Law and Peace, held on November 22 & 23, 2024, at MIT World Peace University (MIT-WPU), was a pivotal event that highlighted the integral relationship between peace, human rights, and legal frameworks. This symposium served as a forum for legal professionals, scholars, and advocates to engage in meaningful discussions about the pressing issues affecting society today.

Inaugural Ceremony

The event commenced with an inspiring inaugural ceremony led by Revd. Prof. Dr. Vishwanath D. Karad[Founder President,MIT-WPU]. He was joined by Dr. Rahul V. Karad [Executive President, MIT-WPU].

The Chief Guest, Justice G.A. Sanap from the Bombay High Court, along with Adv. Sangram D. Desai, Chairman of the Bar Council of Maharashtra & Goa, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour. Their presence underscored the significance of the symposium in addressing critical legal and societal issues.

Session Highlights

Plenary Session 1 : Changing Dimensions of Legal Education

The first session focused on the evolving landscape of legal education in response to globalization and technological advancements. Dr. Anjali Sane[Professor & Dean, School of Economics & Commerce, MIT-WPU] opened the session with a welcoming note that set a positive tone for discussions. Distinguished speakers for the session included Adv. Dr. Shrikant Malegaonkar[Advocate, Bombay High Court] and Adv. Ranit Basu[Partner in Bridgehead Law partners], who emphasized the importance of integrating contemporary subjects and technology into legal education to prepare future professionals for emerging challenges.

The session was moderated by Dr. Vikrant Sopan Yadav[Associate Professor, MIT-WPU], who facilitated an engaging dialogue among participants. The session was concluded by Dr. Parimal Sudhakar[Associate Professor, MIT-WPU],by expressing gratitude to all participants for their significant contributions.

Plenary Session 2 : Human Rights & Peace

Dr. Vishal Ghule enthusiastically welcomed attendees to the second session, which featured a crucial discussion on the intrinsic connection between human rights and peacebuilding. Moderated by Rushil Chandra, Assistant Professor at MIT-WPU, this session brought together distinguished experts including Dr. Ujjwala Bendale[Dean of the Faculty of Law at Bharati Vidyapeeth], Adv. Sumeer Sodhi[Advocate on Record at the Supreme Court of India], Adv. Rachana Reddy Bollu[Senior Advocate], and Adv. Prateek V. Rajopadhye[Managing Partner, Tavish Law Office]. The speakers examined how violations of human rights can lead to conflict, emphasizing that justice, equality, and dignity are essential for achieving sustainable peace. Their insights aligned with international principles regarding the interplay between human rights and peacebuilding efforts.

The session concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Dhanashree Tharkude[Associate Professor and Associate Dean,MIT-WPU], who expressed her gratitude to all speakers and participants for their invaluable contributions to the discussions.

Day 2 : Continued Discussions

The second day of the symposium continued to foster insightful discussions among eminent legal professionals and scholars.

Plenary Session 3 : Gender Justice and Peacebuilding

The session commenced with a world peace prayer followed by a welcoming address from Dr. Mrudula Kulkarni. The session was skillfully moderated by Prof. Smriti Tanvani[Assistant Professor, MIT-WPU].

The session underscored the vital intersection of law and gender equity in promoting inclusive societies. Key speakers included Adv. Deepak Kumar Thakur[Partner at Luthra and Luthra Offices], Adv. Ashwani Dubey[Advocate on Record at the Supreme Court of India], Prof. Sonia Nagarale[Associate Professor in the Department of Law and Senior Law Officer, SPPU] and Adv. Harshvardhan Bhende[Founder and Principal Advocate,Regulus Advocates & Consultants]. They discussed the importance of integrating gender justice within legal frameworks as essential for achieving sustainable peace.

The speakers highlighted that increased participation of women in decision-making processes significantly reduces the likelihood of conflict and emphasized the necessity for laws that protect marginalized genders from discrimination and violence. The session concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Shalini Tonpe, expressing appreciation for the valuable insights shared by all participants.

Plenary Session 4 : Legal Reforms in the 21st Century

The session commenced with a welcoming address from Prof. Aayush Mayank Mishra and was effectively moderated by Prof. Nuvita Kalra. During this session, speakers including Dr. Kranti Deshmukh[Associate Professor and Principal,MMM’s Shankarrao Chavan Law College,Pune]; Adv. Abhishek Mittal[Assistant Vice President and Legal Counsel,YES Bank Ltd.], Adv. Dhiraj Mhetre[Partner,Khaitan Legal Associates, Mumbai], and Adv. Ameya Ranade[Founding Partner, Tavish Law Office], explored how legal reforms are transforming justice systems worldwide.

They discussed the urgent need to adapt legal frameworks to address ongoing inequalities and highlighted the role of progressive reforms in advancing human rights, gender equality, and climate justice. The session concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Ganesh Kakantikar.

Valedictory Ceremony

The symposium concluded with a dignified valedictory ceremony honoring distinguished figures including Justice Navin Sinha[Former Judge, Supreme Court of India ] and Adv. Dr. Lalit Bhasin[Former President, Bar Association of India & Managing Partner - Bhasin & Company], Adv. Ashwani Dubey[Advocate on Record, Supreme Court of India] for their contributions to law and society. Dr. Sanjay Kamtekar provided closing remarks that encapsulated the essence of the discussions held during the symposium.

Conclusion

The 4th International Symposium on Law and Peace was a testament to MIT-WPU's commitment to fostering dialogue on critical issues affecting global peace through legal scholarship. The event successfully brought together diverse perspectives on how law can serve as a catalyst for promoting human rights and building peaceful societies. The insights shared by participants will undoubtedly contribute to ongoing efforts in creating just societies where dignity, equality, and justice prevail.

This symposium not only reinforced existing knowledge but also inspired new ideas for addressing complex societal challenges through collaborative legal frameworks and advocacy efforts aimed at enhancing peace globally.