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ToggleAbout NLU Odisha–NHRC One-Day Conference on Inclusive Higher Education 2026
Higher education is no longer seen only as a privilege—it is increasingly being recognised as a fundamental human right. In this spirit, the Centre for Women and Law (CWL), National Law University Odisha, in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), is organising a powerful One-Day National Conference on:
“Inclusive Higher Education as a Human Right: Addressing Gender, Age, and Intersectional Inequalities in Indian Universities”
This landmark academic event will be held on 31st January 2026 at National Law University Odisha, in Hybrid Mode (Online + Offline).
The conference invites research papers, policy ideas, and lived experiences that challenge exclusion and promote equity, dignity, and access in Indian higher education.
Why This Conference Matters
Indian universities today face deep inequalities shaped by:
- Gender discrimination
- Age-related educational barriers
- Caregiving responsibilities
- Economic and social marginalisation
- Intersectional exclusion of vulnerable groups
This conference aims to reframe higher education as a universal and enforceable human right, not just a social service. Through dialogue between academicians, policymakers, legal professionals, and activists, the event seeks to shape future institutional reforms and inclusive educational models.
Organising & Supporting Institutions
| Role | Institution |
|---|---|
| Organiser | Centre for Women and Law (CWL), NLU Odisha |
| Sponsor | National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India |
| Venue | National Law University Odisha |
| Mode | Hybrid (Online + Offline) |
Key Office Bearers
- Patron: Prof. Ved Kumari, Vice Chancellor, NLUO
- Chairperson: Prof. Rangin Pallav Tripathy, Registrar, NLUO
- Director, CWL: Dr. Priyanka Anand
- Co-Director: Dr. Rashmi Rekha Baug
Core Theme of the Conference
Inclusive Higher Education as a Human Right
The conference aims to place equality, safety, dignity, and accessibility at the center of India’s higher education policies.
Sub-Themes for Paper Submission
| Theme Area | Focus |
|---|---|
| Reframing Higher Education as a Human Right | Education as a universal guarantee |
| Gendered & Age-Based Barriers | Challenges faced by women, elderly learners & marginalized groups |
| Institutionalizing Inclusion | UGC & POSH guideline implementation |
| Comparative Global Perspectives | UK & Global South inclusion models |
| Voices from the Margins | Caregivers, gender-diverse students & lived experiences |
Important Dates (Submission to Seminar)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Last Date for Full Paper Submission | 15 December 2025 |
| Notification of Selected Papers | 05 January 2026 |
| Conference Date | 31 January 2026 |
Paper Submission Guidelines
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | Only .DOCX |
| Length | 4,000–5,000 words (excluding footnotes) |
| Abstract | Max 250 words |
| Citation Style | Bluebook 20th / 21st Edition |
| Font (Text) | Times New Roman, Size 12, 1.5 spacing |
| Font (Footnotes) | Times New Roman, Size 10, 1.0 spacing |
| Plagiarism Limit | Max 10% |
| AI Usage | Strictly Prohibited |
| Co-Authorship | Allowed (Max 2 authors) |
✅ Selected papers will be published in an ISBN-numbered edited book.
Registration Fees
| Category | Online | Offline |
|---|---|---|
| Participation Only | ₹500 | ₹700 |
| Paper Presentation (Per Author) | ₹1,000 | ₹1,200 |
❌ No accommodation will be provided for offline participants.
Who Should Attend?
- Law Students & Researchers
- Education Policy Experts
- Human Rights Professionals
- University Administrators
- Social Justice Scholars
- Gender & Inclusion Activists
This seminar is ideal for anyone working at the intersection of education, law, gender justice, and human rights.
About the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
The NHRC of India is a constitutional body established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. It works to:
- Investigate human rights violations
- Inspect custodial institutions
- Review laws affecting civil liberties
- Promote human rights education & research
Its sponsorship highlights the national importance of inclusive education.
About CWL, NLU Odisha
The Centre for Women and Law (CWL), NLUO works toward:
- Gender justice research
- Legal training & awareness
- Policy advocacy on women’s rights
- Interdisciplinary studies on equality & law
Complete Conference Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | One-Day National Conference |
| Theme | Inclusive Higher Education as a Human Right |
| Date | 31 January 2026 |
| Venue | NLU Odisha |
| Mode | Hybrid |
| Organizer | Centre for Women & Law, NLUO |
| Sponsor | NHRC |
| Submission Deadline | 15 December 2025 |
| Publication | ISBN Edited Book |
How to Submit Your Research Paper
Write Full Paper → Add Abstract (250 words max)
↓
Prepare Cover Letter (Name, Institution, Email, Phone)
↓
Attach Plagiarism Report + AI Turnitin Report
↓
Submit via Google Form
- 🔗 Paper Submission Link: https://forms.gle/mVkNf4mVGWLUd6Mz8
- For Registration: click here
Contact Details
📧 Email: cgs@nluo.ac.in
📍 Venue: National Law University Odisha
👩🎓 Student Contacts:
- Shreya Rath – 22ba091@nluo.ac.in
- Ramendra Singh – 25llm046@nluo.ac.in | 📞 9336374501
