About HNLU Raipur

Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), established in 2003, is one of India’s premier National Law Universities, renowned for its commitment to social justice, legal education, and community engagement. The University encourages students to actively participate in legal aid, policy research, and indigenous studies, fostering an ethos of justice, empathy, and inclusivity.

Empowering Rural Communities through Legal Literacy and Social Outreach

Raipur, November 6, 2025

The Legal Aid and Social Service Committee (LSSC) and the Centre for Law and Indigenous Studies (CLIS), Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), Raipur, organized a Field Visit and Workshop on Indigenous Justice and Legal Awareness on November 5, 2025, at Borid Village, District Mahasamund, Chhattisgarh.

The event was conducted in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Mahasamund, and Nirmaya Cancer Foundation, Raipur. The initiative aimed to promote legal literacy, social awareness, and access to justice among rural and indigenous communities, while giving students practical exposure to the realities of legal aid and rural governance.

Field Visit: Understanding Ground Realities

A total of 34 student volunteers and five faculty members—Dr. Kaumudhi Challa, Dr. Ayan Hazra, Dr. Archana Shyam Gharote, Mr. Pradeep Barman, and Mr. Deepak Kumar—participated in the field visit. They were accompanied by Ms. Sudeshna from Nirmaya Cancer Foundation, and Advocate Sanjeev Kumar Panda (Deputy Chief Legal and Defence Council System) along with Advocate Dola Mani Patel from DLSA, Mahasamund.

The team departed from the HNLU campus at 8:00 a.m., reaching Borid Village—approximately 83 km from Raipur—by 11:00 a.m. The first phase of the visit involved a door-to-door socio-legal survey, where the team interacted with residents to understand issues concerning education, healthcare, infrastructure, and legal awareness.

Workshop on Indigenous Justice and Legal Awareness

The workshop began at 1:00 p.m. with an introduction by Mr. Prashant (Student Convenor, LSSC) and Ms. Pragati (Vice-Convenor, LSSC). The Sarpanch of Borid Village, Mr. Ajaymangal Singh Dhruw, welcomed the team and expressed gratitude for HNLU’s outreach initiative. He also shared local challenges faced by villagers, particularly women’s hardships, lack of healthcare, and infrastructural needs.

Key Speakers and Highlights

• Dr. Kaumudhi Challa, Faculty Convener of LSSC, emphasized the role of legal aid in empowering marginalized and tribal communities, encouraging students to view law as a tool for social transformation.
• Dr. Ayan Hazra, Head of CLIS, discussed the importance of engaging with indigenous populations to foster awareness about their constitutional and human rights.
• Advocate Sanjeev Kumar Panda and Advocate Dola Mani Patel from DLSA, Mahasamund, explained how citizens can access free legal aid for everyday issues such as traffic violations, petty offenses, and domestic disputes.
• The session addressed alcohol abuse and domestic violence, emphasizing community-driven solutions and legal recourse. Interestingly, the villagers shared that alcohol consumption was prohibited in Borid, and domestic violence was actively discouraged through social norms.

Health Awareness and Women’s Wellbeing

Ms. Sudeshna from Nirmaya Cancer Foundation conducted an awareness session on women’s health, hygiene, and cancer prevention, underscoring the need for early screening and awareness.

Interactive Session

Mr. Deepak Kumar, faculty member at HNLU, led a discussion on “Toni Pratha” and its implications on women’s rights and dignity. Educational pamphlets and legal awareness materials were distributed by DLSA, Mahasamund to help villagers understand available welfare schemes and legal remedies.

The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Mr. Pradeep Barman, acknowledging the efforts of faculty members, legal officers, NGO partners, and the warm hospitality of the villagers. Stationery kits were distributed among village children to promote education and literacy.

Survey Findings: Voices from the Ground

The second phase of the survey began at 3:30 p.m., covering 52 households across the village. The survey revealed several pressing issues:

• Poor road and transport infrastructure
• Limited access to clean drinking water
• Lack of internet connectivity affecting access to information
• Absence of a regular doctor and ambulance services
• Educational facilities available only up to fifth grade

These findings underscored the need for consistent legal and social outreach by National Law Universities (NLUs) to bridge the gap between law, governance, and rural empowerment.

HNLU Leadership’s Vision

Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) V. C. Vivekanandan praised the initiative, stating:

“Such field visits acquaint law students with the socio-cultural and economic fabric of tribal communities. They offer practical training about societal realities and help shape students into responsible citizens.”

Registrar Dr. Deepak Kumar Srivastava also commended the organizing teams for their dedication to community engagement and public welfare education.

Conclusion: Law Beyond Classrooms

The Field Visit and Workshop at Borid Village reflected HNLU’s commitment to social responsibility and experiential learning. It served as a reminder that legal education extends beyond classrooms — reaching into villages, empowering citizens, and ensuring that justice and awareness penetrate the grassroots.

Through such initiatives, HNLU Raipur continues to strengthen the bridge between academia and society, reinforcing its role as a university with a conscience.