University of Jammu Law School hosts National Conference on SDGs and Human Rights

JAMMU: The Law School, University of Jammu, in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission, New Delhi,  inaugurated the two-day National Conference on “Sustainable Development Goals and Human Rights for an Equitable Future: A Prismatic Perspective”  at the Brigadier Rajinder Singh Auditorium. The conference commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolizing the dispelling of ignorance. 

The keynote addresses established a profound intellectual foundation. The Chief Guest, Shri M.K. Sinha (IPS), ADGP (Hqrs.), J&K, delivered a compelling address that uniquely bridged ancient wisdom with modern innovation. Drawing from Upanishadic philosophy, he invoked the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ to advocate for an ethos of collective need over individual greed. 

He also displayed a forward-looking engagement with technology, expressly appreciating the conference’s inclusion of themes on Artificial Intelligence and blockchain technologies. He posited that such emerging tools, when guided by the ethical compass of India’s ancient intellectual heritage, could provide innovative solutions to the complex challenges faced by younger generations.

Shri Sanjeev Verma (IAS), Chief Electoral Officer, J&K honoured the event as Guest of Honour. He provided a pragmatic assessment of SDG progress in the region, highlighting advances in climate action, clean energy, and sanitation. Shri Verma emphasized, “While significant strides have been made in J&K, a more synergistic collaboration between all stakeholders is imperative to accelerate the achievement of the 2030 Agenda.”

Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, University of Jammu, in her Presidential address, underscored the universality of the SDGs. She argued for continuous scholarly debate, stating, “Sustainable development is the non-negotiable bedrock of our collective future,” and stressed the inseparable balance between rights and corresponding duties.

Prof. Manju Jamwal, Head & Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Jammu, as Special Guest, deconstructed the conference’s core triad: Sustainable Development, Human Rights, and Equity, framing them as interdependent pillars for a just society. Earlier Prof. Seema Rohmetra, Conference Convener and Director, The Law School delivered the welcome address, setting the agenda for interdisciplinary dialogue. A conference souvenir was also released to mark the occasion.

The inaugural session was followed by a dedicated Plenary Session on “SDGs as Instruments of Distributive Justice: Academic and Legal Synergies” featuring incisive contributions from a panel of distinguished experts: Prof. Arvind Jasrotia, Rector Kathua Campus, University of Jammu; Prof. Vandana Sharma, Dean, School of Languages, Central University of Jammu;  Prof. Aman Amrit Cheema, Former Director, UILS, Ludhiana, Panjab Univesity; Prof. Kalpana Rani Jayas,  Dean, GNALSR, NCR-Noida; Prof. Yashpal Sharma, Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences and Ms. Rashmi Choudhary, representative from Narcotocs Control Bureau, Jammu. 

Dr. Monica Narang, Programme Coordinator alongwith Dr. Mrinalini Atrey conducted the proceddings of the event. During the conference appreciation was also extended to the dignitaries, speakers, participants, and the faculty coordinators. Special appreciation was extended to the conference’s knowledge partners: the J&K Anti-Corruption Bureau; J&K Police; JAY KAY Law Reporter; J&K and Ladakh Law Journal; Elite Law Institute; Meridian Law Chambers; Dr. Rabia Bukhari’s Cocoon Artistry Initiative and APK Law Associates.

Among others the event was graced by the presence of several notable personalities, including Dr. Nirupa Rai and Shri Sandesh Gupta, Special Secretary, Election Department, J&K; Shri Subash Gupta, Former Judge & PSC Member; Shri Irshad Ahmed, Deputy Director, Prosecution, ACB, J&K; and Shri Mahmood Ahmed, SSP, ACB.