A momentous event unfolded on 20 December 2023, as legal luminaries, dignitaries, and guests gathered to celebrate the outstanding 50-year journey of legal education promoted by V. M. Salgaocar College of Law (VMSCL).
The occasion was graced by Chief Guest, Justice B. V. Nagarathna (Sitting Judge Supreme Court of India), Guest of Honour Justice Mahesh Sonak, President of VMSCL Management, Dattaraj Salgaocar, VMSCL Principal Dr. Shaber Ali G. and other distinguished figures, highlighted the institution’s commitment to excellence and equality.
Justice B. V. Nagarathna, in her insightful address, stressed the critical role of law colleges in administering legal education. She congratulated the institution’s commitment to practising the idea of equality, with over 70% of students being women. Commenting on the overall legal profession, she candidly acknowledged the societal and professional challenges women face.
Nagarathna further delved into the concept of transformative constitutionalism, advocating for equality, justice, liberty, and fraternity in society. She asserted that the Constitution goes beyond being a legal document, encompassing social, economic, political, and historical dimensions. She also highlighted the judiciary’s indispensable role in imparting justice for the effective functioning of society. Recognising the importance of family support, she claimed, “Behind every successful woman is a family.”
Reflecting on the institution’s growth, Dattaraj Salgaocar led the emphasis on ethics, responsibility, and commitment shown by VMSCL. The holistic and practical knowledge imparted has contributed to the excellence of students, a collective achievement celebrated by students, alumni, faculty, and management.
Justice Mahesh S Sonak acknowledged Justice Nagarathna’s success as a significant milestone in judiciary history, marking the beginning of women getting justice at the Supreme Court. Stressing on challenges and societal struggles, he referenced women, such as Belva Lockwood and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Distinguished dignitaries, legal luminaries, and esteemed guests gathered at the institution on 20 December 2023 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Celebration of VMSCL were Justice B P Deshpande, Justice Valmiki Sa Menezes, Justice, Prof. Dr. Venkata Rao, Deepti Salgaocar, and senior advocates Saresh Lotlikar, Sudhir Usgaokar, Nitin Sardessai, and Coelho Pereira, and Academicians Dr. Kim Couto, Dr. MRK Prasad, Dr Manoj Kamat, Prof. Anil Dinge, Prof. Bhaskar Nayak, Dr. K. S. Rao, Dr. B. S. Patil, Dr. Sandhya Ram added prestige to the occasion.
