Prof. (Dr.) Vijay Pratap Tiwari

Vice-Chancellor (I/c.)

Dear Students, Faculty, Staff and Members of the MNLU Nagpur Family,

It is with a deep sense of responsibility, humility and gratitude that I assume the functions of Vice-Chancellor of Maharashtra National Law University, Nagpur.

As I begin this journey, my foremost message to our students is simple: human life is exceedingly rare and precious. It must therefore be lived with purpose - for our own growth, for our families and friends, for society, for the nation and for the larger world.

A university is not merely a place where degrees are earned. It is a place where minds are sharpened, character is formed, friendships are forged and the foundations of a meaningful life are laid. I therefore urge every student to develop good habits, cultivate character, remain curious and become a compassionate human being while striving for excellence in the chosen profession.

Excellence in one's calling is not merely an ambition; it is a responsibility. When knowledge is joined with integrity, discipline, diligence and compassion, success acquires a deeper meaning - success that elevates not merely the individual, but also the society we are privileged to serve.

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar emphasised that education must go beyond the acquisition of knowledge and contribute to the development of character, founded on qualities such as wisdom, modesty, compassion, learning and friendship. For a law university, this message has special significance: the law is ultimately not only about knowing rules, but about understanding justice, respecting human dignity and accepting responsibility towards society.

Swami Vivekananda similarly reminded us:
"They alone live who live for others; the rest are more dead than alive."
And, in words of enduring simplicity:
"Be good and do good."

Our University, Your Opportunities

At MNLU Nagpur, we will endeavour to provide our students with a stimulating academic environment and meaningful opportunities for learning, research and professional development.

Our students can look forward to access to a strong library and both online and offline academic resources, together with opportunities for mooting, internships, legal aid, alternative dispute resolution, sports, cultural and literary activities, debates, quizzes and technology-enabled learning.

Equally important, our students have the opportunity to participate directly in the life and functioning of the University through various student-centric committees and bodies. Academic, cultural, literary and debating activities, gender sensitisation, internships, legal aid, information technology, library, moot court, sports and ADR are among the areas in which students can contribute.

I particularly encourage students to make full use of these opportunities. Participation is not merely an extracurricular activity; it is an important part of education. It develops leadership, teamwork, responsibility, confidence and the ability to take decisions-qualities that every successful professional and responsible citizen needs.

At the same time, I expect every member of our University community to uphold discipline, integrity, mutual respect and responsibility. Freedom must go hand in hand with responsibility, and excellence with character.

Let us build MNLU Nagpur into an academic community rooted in intellectual rigour, academic excellence, human values and a shared commitment to justice. Let us remain open to the best ideas from India and the world, while retaining confidence in our own values and traditions.

I invite every member of the MNLU Nagpur fraternity to walk this path together.

Let us make MNLU Nagpur a place where excellence is pursued, character is cultivated, leadership is nurtured, justice is understood and every student leaves not merely with a degree, but with a sense of purpose and a commitment to serve.

Best wishes.