Bengaluru St Joseph’s College of Law hosts national conference on higher education, democratic rights; Over 60 research papers presented on educational equity
Bengaluru: St Joseph’s College of Law (SJCL), Bengaluru, organised a national undergraduate conference on “Reimagining the Right to Higher Education and Democratic Participation in a Changing World” on Friday, October 9, bringing together legal scholars, academicians and undergraduate researchers from across the country.
Held in hybrid mode, the conference focused on educational equity, constitutional rights and youth participation in governance.
The event began with a keynote address by legal scholar Dr Aparna Chandra, following the opening remarks. Director Rev Dr Daniel Fernandes SJ presided over the inaugural session alongside college principal Dr Pauline Priya S, vice-principal Shobha R and finance officer Fr Harry Terry SJ.
More than 60 research papers were presented across five technical tracks, with participation from universities and law colleges nationwide.
The technical sessions examined issues including student autonomy, affirmative action, digital inclusion under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the ethical regulation of artificial intelligence in higher education.
The discussions provided a platform for undergraduate researchers to explore the relationship between access to education, constitutional protections and democratic participation in a changing social and technological environment.
The conference concluded with a valedictory ceremony during which guest chairs were felicitated and Best Paper Awards were presented to outstanding student presenters.
Faculty coordinators Dr Rajrupa Sinha Roy, Dr Amit Anand, Dr Insha Quyoom and Lincy Joykutty oversaw the proceedings along with student coordinators.
The conference aimed to encourage academic engagement with contemporary legal and policy questions surrounding higher education and democratic rights.
