Address by Prof. (Dr.) Sarfaraz Ahmed Khan,  First Batch LL.M. Alumnus and Current Faculty, WBNUJS, On the Occasion of NUJS Foundation Day (Silver Jubilee), 3rd August 2025

 

1.     Respected Hon’ble Mr. Anindya Mitra, Former Advocate General, Government of West Bengal;

2.     Hon’ble Prof. (Dr.) N. K. Chakrabarti, our beloved Vice-Chancellor;

3.     Mr. D. Kanangna, Former Accounts Officer, WBNUJS and Former Registrar, MNLU Mumbai;

4.     Prof. (Dr.) Anirban Mazumdar, one of the founding faculty members of this University;

5.     Mr. Avinash Desai, Senior Advocate, High Court of Telangana, and a distinguished alumnus we are all proud of;

6.     Mr. Raja Chakraborty, our Registrar,

7.     Esteemed guests, fellow alumni, colleagues, students, and friends—

 

A very good afternoon to all of you.

 

It is a moment of immense pride and deep personal emotion for me to speak before you today—not only as a Professor at this esteemed institution but also as a proud member of the very first batch of LL.M. students at NUJS. It has been my honour to spend a quarter of a century growing with and contributing to this remarkable NUJS family.

 

Looking back, it feels like yesterday when we entered this institution with dreams in our hearts and questions in our minds. We were part of an ambitious experiment—a bold vision that would eventually transform the legal landscape of this country. We were pioneers. And NUJS, even in its infancy, radiated excellence. There was a spark, a promise that we sensed and nurtured together.

 

And how could it have been otherwise? The foundation of NUJS was laid by none other than the father of modern legal education in India—Prof. (Dr.) N. R. Madhava Menon, a Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee. He executed the vision of the then Chief Minister of West Bengal, Shri Jyoti Basu, one of India’s most respected political leaders. He took this mission far beyond what even Shri Jyoti Basu might have envisioned. With such visionaries at the helm, NUJS was destined to be a leading law school—and today, we proudly stand among the top institutions in the country.

 

Now, as we celebrate 25 glorious years, I can say with complete conviction: whatever I am today, I owe it to NUJS. This university has not only enriched my knowledge but also given me purpose, direction, and the confidence to dream and lead. And I believe the same is true for all our alumni.

 

As a faculty member, I see that same energy and potential in our students today. They are bold, questioning, and determined to raise the bar. I feel deeply privileged to contribute to shaping their journey.

 

The kind of academic freedom and innovation we practice at NUJS is truly unparalleled. Allow me to share a few examples that I personally experienced:

 

1. In July 2001, when President Pervez Musharraf was scheduled to meet Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Prof. Menon encouraged our ADR faculty, Ms. Soma Roy Chowdhury, to conduct a mock mediation between the two leaders. I played the role of Musharraf, and my friend Jacob P. Alex played Vajpayee. Amazingly, the outcome of our mock mediation almost mirrored the real Agra Summit that followed. This was 2001—years before mediation became as mainstream as it is today. That was Menon Sir’s visionary pedagogy in action.

 

2. In March 2011, within just three days of the landmark Aruna Shanbaug judgment, we hosted a panel discussion on the case. I had the honour of speaking alongside the late Shri Protik Prakash Banerjee, who later became a judge of the Calcutta High Court. It was a lively and timely academic exchange.

 

3. Just yesterday, on August 2nd, 2025, the NUJS ILSA Chapter organized a panel discussion titled "US Strike on Iran: Voices from International Law." At a time when academic discourse on global conflicts is often avoided, especially in light of clampdowns on pro-Palestine demonstrations, our students demonstrated courage and scholarly integrity.

These examples show how freedom of thought and innovation in teaching are not just ideals but lived realities at NUJS.

 

In these 25 years, our university has grown into a global brand. Our alumni are everywhere—judges, senior advocates, bureaucrats, academics, entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, international civil servants—spreading the NUJS spirit across continents. A spirit that is fearless, ethical, and committed to excellence.

 

But more than all the accolades, NUJS is a family. A place where bonds are formed, values are instilled, and dreams are shaped.

 

Let us take this Silver Jubilee not just as a celebration of the past, but as a commitment to the future. Let us aim higher, think bigger, and continue to serve the cause of justice and society.

 

To our current students: You are part of a legacy built with love, hard work, and a pursuit of justice. Carry it forward with pride and purpose.

 

To my fellow alumni: Let’s stay connected. Let’s give back—through mentorship, collaboration, and our continued excellence.

 

To my colleagues and mentors: Thank you for keeping this torch burning. Let me end by recalling the words of Justice V. R. Krishna Iyer, who once observed in Bar Council of Maharashtra vs. M. V. Dabholkar:

“Law is not a trade, not briefs, not merchandise—but a way of life.”

 

NUJS has taught us to live this way of life—and for that, we remain forever grateful.

Happy Foundation Day. Long live NUJS. Thank you.

 

Tribute to Prof. (Dr.) N. R. Madhava Menon on His Birth Anniversary

BY

Prof. (Dr.) Sarfaraz Ahmed Khan

(Speech delivered on 4^th May, 2025 at Room 301, WBNUJS)

 

Respected Prof. (Dr.) N. L. Mitra, Prof. (Dr.) N. K. Chakrabarti — our esteemed Vice-Chancellor, under whose initiative this memorial event was first conceived — Prof. (Dr.) Shashikala Gurpur, Prof. (Dr.) Anirban Mazumdar, founding faculty member of WBNUJS, my distinguished colleagues, dear research scholars, students, and all present here — a very good morning to you all.

 

It is an honour and an emotional moment for me to speak on the birth anniversary of Prof. (Dr.) N. R. Madhava Menon — a legal luminary, an institution-builder, and above all, a teacher in the truest sense of the word.

 

Widely regarded as the father of modern legal education in India, Prof. Menon revolutionized the way we think about law and its teaching. He envisioned a system where law wasn’t just studied, but lived — where students were trained not only to understand legal principles, but also to use them to serve society.

 

This vision took shape in 1987, when he founded the National Law School of India University (NLSIU) in Bangalore — the country’s first national law university. Later, he went on to become the founding Vice-Chancellor of the West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS), continuing his mission to modernize legal education through an integrated, rigorous, and practice-oriented curriculum.

 

Prof. Menon’s contributions went far beyond academia. He served the nation as a member of the Commission on Centre-State Relations and played a pivotal role in the development of the National Judicial Academy. His work was recognized with the Padma Shri in 2003, and later, in 2021, he was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award — a fitting tribute to a life of extraordinary service.

 

But beyond the accolades, committees, and institutions, I want to speak about the man behind all of this — the teacher, the mentor.

I had the rare privilege of being one of his students, and I carry with me countless memories and lessons that continue to guide my journey. One incident stands out — not because of its scale, but because it so clearly reflected who he was.

 

Years ago, I had an important scholarship interview in Delhi. I had contacted Prof. Menon requesting a recommendation letter — as he had been my referee for nearly all of my academic and professional pursuits. He enquired about the timing of the interview, which was scheduled for 4 PM. Without hesitation, he asked me to come to his office at 1 PM to collect the letter and suggested that I go directly to the interview from there.

 

When I reached his office, I was told he wasn’t in. As I was enquiring, his secretary suddenly approached me and asked, “Are you Mr. Khan?” I nodded, and he handed me a sealed envelope, saying, “Prof. Menon left this recommendation letter for you. He came in with a fever just to sign it and left immediately after.”

 

That moment left a deep mark on me. Here was a man of national stature, engaged in critical constitutional work — yet he made it a point to ensure his student would not go to an interview without his promised support. Even while unwell, he kept his word.

 

It is nearly impossible to find such a breed of law teacher today — one who walks those extra miles, quietly, without expectation, just to ensure his students are never let down. That incident was not just a gesture of kindness; it was a lesson in integrity, mentorship, and responsibility. A lesson that continues to guide me as a teacher and must guide all of us in academia: that our duty to our students is sacred.

 

There are many such stories — stories that live not just in memory, but in the spirit of legal education in this country. Every law school that embraces clinical education, every student who enters the court with both skill and conscience, carries forward his legacy.

 

Prof. Menon taught us that legal education is not just about producing lawyers — it’s about nurturing citizens who understand justice, who serve the nation, and who lead with integrity.

On this day, let us remember not just what he built, but how he built it — with compassion, vision, and unwavering dedication to his students.

 

Thank you, sir, for being the teacher we all aspire to be.

Thank you all.

 

Celebrating Swami Vivekananda’s Legacy: A Lecture Delivered on January 12, 2025, at Raiganj, West Bengal.

 

Good evening everyone,

Respected dignitaries, members of the Akhil Bhuvan Vidyarthi Pratisthan (ABVP), and all present here, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to ABVP and especially to Mr. Arindam Pramanik, Advocate and Secretary of the organization, for inviting me to address this august gathering on the occasion of Swami Vivekananda’s birth anniversary.

Today, we come together to honor one of India’s most remarkable spiritual leaders, Swami Vivekananda, whose life and teachings continue to illuminate the path for millions around the world. Born on January 12, 1863, as Narendranath Dutta in Kolkata, Swami Vivekananda was not just a philosopher and monk but a visionary who inspired a spiritual renaissance in India. His mission was rooted in serving humanity and spreading the timeless values of truth, compassion, and selflessness. He believed in the divine potential within every individual and emphasized the importance of serving humanity as the essence of religion.

A Visionary Leader and Universal Thinker

Swami Vivekananda’s address at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago in 1893, beginning with the iconic words “Sisters and Brothers of America,” exemplified his universal outlook. He bridged divides between nations, cultures, and beliefs, championing the idea of universal brotherhood. Swamiji believed in the inherent greatness of every individual, irrespective of caste, creed, or gender, and encouraged all to “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.” These words remain a timeless call to action, urging us to overcome challenges and strive for excellence.

A Torchbearer for Youth and Education

Swami Vivekananda’s vision for youth was particularly profound. He regarded young people as the torchbearers of change and development. He inspired them to cultivate inner strength, embrace responsibility, and uphold moral values. He once said, “Strength is life, weakness is death,” urging individuals to harness their inner power for the greater good of society.

Education, according to Swamiji, was the cornerstone of a strong nation. He envisioned an education system that went beyond academics to focus on character building. He remarked, “We want that education by which character is formed, strength of mind is increased, the intellect is expanded, and by which one can stand on one’s own feet.” His emphasis on holistic education resonates deeply in our pursuit of nation-building today.

An Advocate for Women’s Empowerment

Swami Vivekananda’s progressive thoughts on women’s empowerment remain highly relevant. He envisioned a society where women were treated as equals and given opportunities to excel. He famously said, “There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved.” These words continue to inspire our ongoing fight for gender equality and women’s rights.

Nationalism and Unity in Diversity

Swamiji’s views on nationalism and unity are invaluable for today’s India. He encouraged pride in our identity, proclaiming, “Feel proud that you are an Indian, and boldly proclaim, I am an Indian; every Indian is my brother.” His ideals of treating all Indians as brothers and sisters offer a mantra to address the divisive politics that threaten our societal harmony.

On religious unity, he envisioned a synthesis of Hinduism and Islam as a guiding force for India’s progress, stating, “For our motherland, a junction of the two great systems, Hinduism and Islam—Vedanta brain and Islam body—is the only hope.” His belief in “Unity in Diversity” as India’s strength is a powerful reminder of the values we must uphold.

Religious Tolerance and Secularism

Swami Vivekananda’s teachings on secularism and religious tolerance remain profoundly relevant. He observed, “We believe not only in universal toleration but we accept all religions as true.” He likened the diversity of religions to streams flowing into the same sea, emphasizing that all paths ultimately lead to the same divine truth.

He issued a stern warning against communalism and fanaticism, stating, “Sectarianism, bigotry, and its horrible descendant, fanaticism, have long possessed this beautiful earth. But their time has come; I fervently hope that the bell that tolled this morning in honor of this convention may be the death-knell of all fanaticism.” These words serve as a beacon of hope as we confront the challenges of communalism and intolerance in our society today.

A Call to Action

Swami Vivekananda’s untimely passing on July 4, 1902, at the age of 39, left behind a legacy that continues to inspire millions. As we commemorate his birth anniversary, we must pledge to embody his values in our lives. Let us work towards a society rooted in integrity, compassion, and harmony, embracing diversity while cherishing our unique identities.

In conclusion, Swamiji’s teachings remind us of the immense potential within each of us to create a positive impact. Let us heed his words: “Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life—think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, and every part of your body be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success.”

Let us resolve to imbibe his wisdom and teachings, striving to build an India that cherishes diversity, protects its minorities, and sees all its citizens as brothers and sisters.

May we honor Swami Vivekananda’s legacy by living lives of purpose and service.

Thank you.