Rathinam Global Deemed to Be University marked a significant milestone in its academic journey with the grand inauguration of its School of Law on Tuesday, reinforcing its vision of establishing a globally oriented centre for legal education in South India.
The landmark occasion brought together distinguished members of the judiciary, senior advocates, legal professionals, academicians, institutional leaders and students, reflecting the University’s commitment to developing future-ready legal professionals grounded in Indian constitutional values and equipped with global perspectives.
Krishnaraj, Registrar, delivered the welcome address, who highlighted the University’s commitment to academic excellence, industry-integrated learning, professional competency and ethical leadership.
Nirmal Kumar, Minister for Energy Resources and Law, Government of Tamil Nadu, graced the occasion as Chief Guest and formally inaugurated the School of Law.
In his inaugural address, Minister Nirmal Kumar reflected on the aspirations of the younger generation and their potential contribution to Tamil Nadu’s future development, public welfare and governance.
He also spoke about the importance of strengthening judicial infrastructure and stated that a combined court complex would be established in Coimbatore within the next four years.
His address underscored the importance of legal awareness, public responsibility and the role of young professionals in contributing to society.
The event was honoured by the presence of distinguished guests, including Nagasubramaniam, Senior Advocate; Justice Baskaran, Former Judge, Madras High Court; Raj, Former Registrar (Vigilance), Madras High Court; Nandakumar, Chairman, Joint Advocates Association Council (JAAC), Tamil Nadu and Puducherry; and Velmurugan, Advocate and Member, Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
The ceremony was also graced by Shima Sendhil, Director and Trustee, Rathinam Group.
Strengthening Justice & Constitutional Values
– Madan A. Sendhil, Chairman, Rathinam University
Madan A. Sendhil, Chairman and Chancellor of Rathinam University and CEO of Rathinam Group, delivered the presidential address, emphasising the transformative role of legal education in strengthening justice, constitutional values and responsible citizenship.
He encouraged the founding batch of law students to develop strong legal knowledge, analytical abilities, professional integrity and a commitment to serving society. He further highlighted the importance of integrating emerging technologies, interdisciplinary learning and global legal perspectives into contemporary legal education.
Globally competitive education
– Manickam, COO, Rathinam Group of Institutions
Manickam, Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer (COO), Rathinam Group of Institutions, felicitated the gathering and reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to providing industry-relevant, experiential and globally competitive education.
Pursue your careers with integrity
– Justice Baskaran, Former Judge of the Madras High Court
Justice Baskaran, Former Judge of the Madras High Court, addressed the gathering on the significance of the legal profession in safeguarding justice, upholding the rule of law and strengthening democratic institutions. He encouraged aspiring legal professionals to pursue their careers with integrity, discipline, professional competence and a strong sense of social responsibility.
Strategic International and Professional Collaborations
A major highlight of the inauguration was the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with international educational institutions and reputed legal and corporate organisations, aimed at strengthening academic collaboration, global exposure and professional learning opportunities.
The collaborations included International Academic Partnerships
– Brickfields Asia College (BAC), Malaysia: To promote international academic collaboration and opportunities for global legal education.
– HELP University, Malaysia: To strengthen international academic engagement, knowledge exchange and collaborative educational initiatives.
Legal and Corporate Professional Partnerships
– Ramani & Shankar: To facilitate professional engagement and exposure to established legal practices.
– KSR & Company Secretaries LLP: To promote learning in corporate law, company secretarial practices, regulatory compliance and corporate governance.
– Surana & Surana International Attorneys: To enhance practical legal exposure, professional interaction and understanding of contemporary legal practice.
These partnerships are intended to bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice through academic exchanges, expert interactions, practical training, legal research and collaborative initiatives.
The Future of Law Discussed
An intellectually engaging panel discussion titled “The Future of Law: Shaping Justice, Empowering Minds and Leading Change” brought together distinguished legal professionals to deliberate on the evolving legal landscape.
The panel featured, Ravichandran, Founder and Managing Partner, KSR & Company Secretaries; Ayyavu, General Secretary, Federation of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Bar Associations, and Member, Tamil Nadu State Bar Council; Raman, Head, Coimbatore Branch, Surana & Surana International Attorneys; Senior Advocate Balakrishnan, President, Coimbatore Bar Association; Senior Advocate Radhakrishnan, President, Debt Recovery Tribunal Advocates Association, Coimbatore; Sadhana Shankar, Legal Professional specialising in Civil Law, Arbitration, Medical Negligence and Title Due Diligence; and Nandakumar, Chairman, Joint Advocates Association Council, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
The discussion explored emerging developments in legal practice, access to justice, professional ethics, changing regulatory environments and the importance of equipping future lawyers with critical thinking, analytical skills and a strong commitment to social justice.
Moot court demonstration
Reflecting the School of Law’s emphasis on practical and experiential education, students presented a moot court demonstration based on a consumer dispute, offering an engaging representation of courtroom proceedings, legal arguments and judicial procedures.
The demonstration highlighted the University’s focus on developing advocacy skills, legal reasoning, communication abilities and professional confidence from the early stages of legal education.
Recognising outstanding student athletes
The occasion also recognised outstanding student athletes for their achievements in state- and national-level sporting competitions, reaffirming the University’s commitment to holistic student development and excellence beyond academics.
A New Vision for Legal Education in South India
With the launch of the School of Law, Rathinam Global Deemed to Be University aims to develop South India’s Global Law School, integrating Indian legal foundations with international perspectives, technological innovation, interdisciplinary education and professional practice.
The School of Law envisions nurturing competent legal practitioners, judicial aspirants, corporate legal professionals, researchers and socially responsible leaders capable of responding to the evolving demands of the legal profession.
Guided by its vision, “Indian Foundations. Global Perspectives. Limitless Possibilities,” the School seeks to create a dynamic environment where academic excellence, ethical values, practical learning and global engagement converge.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dhinakaran, Deputy Registrar.
