Bengaluru, 21st October 2023: RV University’s School of Law hosted the Y20 India talk on ‘Shared Future: Youth in Democracy and Governance – Role of Legal Professionals’ at its campus where more than 200 students from various institutions participated in the event.

This event brought together legal experts, dignitaries, and young minds, setting off critical discussions on the role of the legal fraternity in shaping the future of democracy and governance. The Y20 India Talk featured a panel of distinguished guest speakers who brought valuable insights on how they are representing the global South countries and perspectives in order to bring change for the future issues that might arise.

The event was graced by The Chief Guest, Hon Mr. Justice G. Narendar, Senior-most Judge, The High Court of Karnataka, and the Guest of Honour, Mr. Justice M.I. Arun, Judge, The High Court of Karnataka. Dr. Aruna Shyam, Senior Advocate, The High Court of Karnataka was also present at this event.

While sharing his extensive experience and profound insights, Mr. Justice G. Narendar said, “While it is commonly said that the youth represents the future, I hold a different perspective. I firmly believe that the youth is not just the future but they are the here and now. Throughout history, young people have been instrumental in instigating meaningful change. The concept of a shared future underscores the understanding that the fates of societies worldwide are deeply intertwined. This interconnectedness among nations and communities necessitates a collaborative and inclusive approach to ensure sustainable development.”

“The pivotal role of the judiciary in upholding democracy and governance also emphasizes the need for active involvement of legal professionals, as custodians of justice, to ensure the supremacy of law, influence government policy, and spread legal awareness among other members of society. Referring to the role of lawyers in nation building, I urge the participants to become good advocates and maintain integrity,” he added.

Urging the youth of the country to be familiar with the Indian Constitution, Mr. Justice M.I. Arun, Judge, said, “In democracy, the sovereignty lies with the citizens of the country collectively. Governance of the state is done through law which is an instrument of social change and they share a symbiotic bond. Our youth must be aware of the Constitution, which is currently not the case. Today’s sense of law among youngsters is heavily influenced by entertainment media. Having innate knowledge of the law and a keen sense of what truly is right and wrong is essential before starting one’s journey at a law school, which is the cornerstone of the law profession. Legal education gives courage to stand up for what is right.”

Speaking on the occasion, Professor (Dr.) Y.S.R. Murthy, Vice-Chancellor, R V University, made his points on several issues facing societies across the world. He quoted . Philip Alston, United Nations Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, by saying, “In Mr. Alston’s words, ‘Climate change threatens to undo the last 50 years of progress in development, global health, and poverty reduction’.

“Alston rightly highlights the disproportionate burden borne by the world’s disadvantaged, who contribute only a fraction of global emissions yet endure the brunt of climate change, often without the means to protect themselves. Meanwhile, the more privileged can afford to mitigate the effects of climate change, safeguarding themselves from hunger, conflict, and overheating. As legal professionals, it is our responsibility to address critical issues like climate justice, gender equality, custodial justice, and other pressing challenges to foster a fair and equitable future for all.”

The Y20 India Talk served as a platform for captivating discussions on the significance of youth engagement in democratic processes and governance, with a special emphasis on the pivotal role of legal professionals. The event encouraged critical thinking, exchange of ideas, and exploration of innovative approaches to address contemporary challenges.

RV University previously collaborated with the Grassroots Research and Advocacy Movement (GRAAM) where the event for the Delivering Democracy Working Group was organized by the prestigious Civil 20 (C20) under G20. This significant event brought together leading representatives of the academia and opinion leaders in the fields of democracy and governance. It provided a historic opportunity for these experts to share their views and insights.

In facilitating such meaningful dialogues, RV University’s School of Law recognizes that the future of democracy and governance lies in the hands of the country’s youth and legal professionals.