The Law School, University of Jammu organizes legal literacy camp to empower rural community in RS Pura

• Experts stress awareness as key to justice delivery; Lakrishna Foundation lauded for sustained social support

RS PURA: In a significant step towards strengthening grassroots legal awareness and access to justice, The Law School, University of Jammu, in collaboration with Lakrishna Foundation, Miran Sahib organized a comprehensive Legal Aid and Legal Literacy Camp at village Gagian in RS Pura today.

The programme witnessed active participation from legal experts, academicians, and social activists, creating a vibrant platform for dialogue, awareness, and community engagement. The initiative aimed at bridging the gap between legal institutions and rural populations, ensuring that vital legal knowledge reaches those who need it the most.

Prominent among those who graced the occasion included Prof. Seema Rohmetra, Director, The Law School, University of Jammu; Dr. Monica Narang, Coordinator, Legal Aid & Legal Literacy Committee; Advocate Meenakshi Slathia, Deputy Advocate General, High Court of J&K and Ladakh; Advocate Sugandh Gandotra, Fellow, NLU Delhi; Dr. Swati Sharma, Social Activist; and Advocate Aman Suresh Sharma.The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Dr. Nitan Sharma, Assistant Professor, The Law School, who ensured smooth coordination and active engagement throughout the event.

The camp featured insightful deliberations by legal experts and resource persons who elaborated on critical legal and social issues affecting rural communities. Key topics covered during the sessions included consumer protection laws, legal safeguards for women, rights and welfare of senior citizens, child rights, prevention of drug abuse, and legal aid provisions for defence personnel. The experts emphasized that lack of awareness often deprives individuals of their rightful protections and benefits under the law.

A major highlight of the camp was the interactive session and open Q&A, where villagers freely shared their concerns and sought guidance on various legal matters. The legal experts provided on-the-spot advice, helping attendees better understand procedures related to filing complaints, accessing legal aid, and safeguarding their rights. Additionally, free legal aid and consultation services were extended to the participants, ensuring immediate assistance for those facing legal challenges. A household survey was also conducted to assess the ground realities and identify prevalent issues requiring institutional intervention.

Such initiatives play a crucial role in empowering marginalized and rural populations by making legal systems more accessible and understandable. By directly engaging with communities, these camps help demystify complex legal frameworks and build trust between citizens and legal institutions. The programme also contributes to preventive justice—educating individuals about their rights and responsibilities reduces the likelihood of exploitation, abuse, and legal disputes. Awareness regarding drug abuse, women’s rights, and child protection is particularly vital in shaping a safer and more informed society.

Speakers unanimously stressed the need for regular and sustained outreach programs in rural and semi-urban areas. They highlighted those one-time interventions, though impactful, must be complemented by continuous engagement to ensure lasting change. Legal literacy, they noted, is not merely about information dissemination but about enabling citizens to actively participate in democratic and judicial processes. Strengthening such awareness at the grassroots level ultimately leads to a more equitable and just society.

The role of Lakrishna Foundation proprietor Adv Devraj Sharma was widely appreciated by speakers and participants alike. Known for its consistent support and sponsorship of religious, social, and community-centric initiatives, the Foundation has emerged as a key contributor to societal development. Its commitment to organizing and backing programs that address real community needs—ranging from legal awareness to social welfare—was hailed as exemplary. Stakeholders emphasized that such organizations play a pivotal role in complementing institutional efforts and ensuring that impactful initiatives reach the grassroots. The event concluded with a collective call for continued collaboration between academic institutions, social organizations, and the community to build a more informed, aware, and empowered society.