BY TC News Desk
Agartala, 6th February 2025: Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Wednesday highlighted the state government’s commitment to excellence in legal education during the groundbreaking ceremony of the permanent campus of National Law University (NLU) Tripura. The event marks a significant milestone in the state’s journey toward strengthening legal education and research.
Expressing his gratitude, the Chief Minister said, “First of all, I would like to thank all of you present here. I am truly honored to witness this occasion. The foundation stone for this prestigious institution was laid by Her Excellency, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, on October 12, 2022. Today marks a historic milestone in legal education in Tripura with the groundbreaking of the permanent campus of NLU Tripura.”
He emphasized the role of NLU in shaping the future of legal professionals, stating, “The establishment of this university reflects our commitment to excellence in legal education, research, and policymaking. As I oversee both the Education and Law departments, I feel fortunate that both can contribute to making this university a center of learning.”
Highlighting the state’s support, Dr. Saha assured, “The government of Tripura is fully committed to providing all necessary support for the development of NLU. We are providing land, logistical support, and financial assistance. In the future, we will continue to extend administrative and policy support as well. Infrastructure development is a key priority to ensure students and faculty have access to world-class academic and research facilities.”
The Chief Minister called for the university to aim beyond just legal education. “NLU should not only focus on law but also promote research and interdisciplinary learning by integrating law with technology, governance, and business studies. The faculty should collaborate with world-class academicians to enhance student learning,” he stated.
He also highlighted the importance of NLU’s role in the democratic framework, remarking, “A robust legal system is essential for a thriving democracy. Institutions like NLU play a crucial role in strengthening our legal framework. Legal education is not just about learning the law but fostering justice and the rule of law in society.”
Encouraging global engagement, he urged, “NLU should pursue national and international collaborations, ensuring that students and faculty engage with the best legal minds globally. We must aim to make this one of the best law universities, not just in the Northeast but across the country.”
Dr. Saha concluded with a message of commitment and optimism, stating, “Today’s groundbreaking ceremony is not just about constructing a building; it is about laying the foundation for a future driven by knowledge, justice, and service to society. The government is dedicated to making Tripura a hub for legal education and research. I extend my best wishes for the successful completion of this project and the bright future of NLU Tripura.”
Speaking at the event, Chief Justice of the High Court of Tripura, Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh, praised the swift advancement of the National Law University (NLU) Tripura and conveyed optimism about its potential to become a leading legal education institution in India.
During a gathering, Justice Singh expressed his pride, stating, “Today, as I stand here in front of you, I feel a sense of pride that NLU Tripura has kicked off in such a grand fashion and is on the course of making a mark on its own.” He highlighted the importance of both infrastructure and academic environment in the growth of any institution.
Justice Singh commended NLU Tripura for excelling in both aspects, noting, “Today, we can proudly say that Tripura has a full-fledged teaching faculty, and the first and second batches of NLU Tripura are performing exceptionally well.” He acknowledged the efforts of all stakeholders in the university’s development.
He expressed gratitude towards the Chief Minister and senior officials, including Chief Secretary J.K. Sinha, and various department engineers, for their roles in advancing NLU Tripura. Justice Singh expressed confidence that NLU Tripura will soon stand alongside prestigious institutions like NLSIU Bangalore and NLU Delhi.
Justice Singh also acknowledged the trust placed by parents in sending their children to a new university. He emphasized the historical significance for the students of the first two batches and expressed confidence in their future contributions to society and nation-building.
Justice Arindam Lodh, Judge of the High Court of Tripura, expressed his deep association with the National Law University, Tripura (NLU Tripura), as he announced a significant endowment in memory of his father, the late advocate Apanshu Mohan Lodh. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of NLU Tripura’s permanent campus, he highlighted his long-standing connection with the institution and his commitment to fostering legal education.
“I have been associated both directly and indirectly with the National Law University, Tripura, since its inception in 2022. As the judge in charge of judicial education, I have had the pleasure of being in close proximity to the university, which primarily functions out of the premises of the Tripura Judicial Academy,” Justice Lodh stated.
Expressing his pride in witnessing the support of Chief Minister Professor Dr. Manik Saha and Chief Justice of the High Court of Tripura, Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh, for the institution, Justice Lodh made a heartfelt announcement. “On this auspicious occasion, I am pleased to declare that we have decided to connect the legacy of my illustrious father, Advocate Apanshu Mohan Lodh, with the vibrant future of NLU Tripura. An MoU has been signed, and through an endowment of Rs. 8 lakh funded by us, the university shall organize a memorial lecture series in his honor,” he announced.
Justice Lodh emphasized that these public lectures will promote academic excellence and discourse on contemporary legal and societal issues while honoring the memory of his father. “During his time, my father was one of the brightest legal luminaries in the entire Northeast. His legal career spanned nearly six decades, from 1958 to 2004,” he remarked.
