Gender Justice Cell,
NLIU, Bhopal
Gender Justice Cell at the National Law Institute University, Bhopal is a student run organization, which was established under the able guidance of Prof. Dr. Raka Arya who acted as the backbone of the cell and helped it to break the shackles of discrimination from hundreds of minds. Under her determined, meticulous and enlightening personality the cell has expanded its roots. It is a research based cell committed to advancing gender equality and raising awareness about gender related issues.
Our Patron
Prof (Dr). S. Surya Prakash
Prof (Dr). S. Surya Prakash has been serving as Vice Chancellor of National Law Institute University, Bhopal since 01-June-2023. Prior to this, he served as Vice Chancellor of Damodaram Sanjivayya National Law University, Visakhapatnam and as Founder Vice Chancellor of Maharastra National Law University, Aurangabad (Maharastra) and Professor of Law at NLIU, Bhopal. (M.P).
He has more than 30 years of experience in academics and worked as Lecturer, Principal, DNR College of Law, Bhimavaram, AP, Faculty Member of NUJS, Kolkata and Principal, Law College, Nanded, Maharashtra before joining in NLIU, Bhopal. He obtained his B.L. from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, A.P. and Master of Law from Andhra University, Visakhapatnam, A.P. with first class in the area of Labour and Industrial Law. He was also awarded the University Prize ‘V.N.Deekshitulu Award’ for securing highest marks in the Labour laws. Later he was awarded Ph.D. in law from Berhampur University, Odisha.
He is a prolific writer and wrote on several contemporary issues. His first work on ‘Bonded Labour and Social Justice’ was published by Deep and Deep Publishers, New Delhi (1990) and fore worded by Hon’ble Justice M. Jagannadha Rao, Judge, High Court of A.P. later became Judge, Supreme Court and Chairman, Law commission of India. He is also the author of ‘Turning Point’ The Story of a Law Teacher (2009) the biography of Prof. N.R.Madhava Menon, which also the story of National Law school movement in India. He has edited two books on ‘Critical Issues on International Commercial Arbitration'(2012) and ‘Perspectives on Mediation'(2012). His recent publications include ‘Remember, Martyrs of Indian Freedom Struggle’(2021) fore worded by Sri M.Venkaiah Naidu, Vice-President of India (published on the occasion of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav), ‘Constitution and Composite Culture’ (2023), ‘A Practical Guide to Legal Methods and Legal Research’(2023) with Prof. A. Aruna Sri Lakshmi, all are published by DSNLU, Visakhapatnam, A.P.
He prepared the Manual on Health Laws(2008) and Compendium on Agriculture and allied laws(2013) for the State of Madhya Pradesh. He is the founder editor of “Indian Law Review” Law journal of NLIU, Bhopal. He was invited by the State Department, USA under the auspices of International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP) to study “U.S. Judicial System’ in 2010. The visit provided insights into US Judicial system including Judicial Training at Federal Judicial Center, Washington, Michigan State Judicial Center, Lansing and also the legal education in USA. His areas of interest include Jurisprudence, ADR, International commercial Arbitration, Labour laws, Health Law and Culture and Law.
His unwavering commitment to addressing gender-related issues and fostering a welcoming space for dialogue and action has been absolutely instrumental in our collective endeavors. With his insightful guidance, the Gender Justice Cell has not only expanded its reach but has also developed innovative programs that engage a broader audience, raising awareness and driving meaningful change in the ongoing pursuit of justice and equality. His continued support serves as a powerful source of inspiration, motivating our efforts to create a safer, more just campus community for all individuals, where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute to the conversation around gender equity.
Prof. (Dr) Raka Arya
Faculty In Charge, Gender Justice Cell
“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way” aptly defines our Prof. Dr. Raka Arya who laid the founding stone of Gender Justice Cell. She holds expertise in Feminist Jurisprudence; Law, Women and Human Rights Apart from other subjects. She has been appointed as the member of 22nd Law Commission of India, which add up to her renowned personality.
Prof. Dr. Raka Arya pursued her Graduation from Agra University in 1984; and Law graduation (LL.B.) from the Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh in 1987; Post Graduation (M.A.) from Agra University, Agra; M.Phil (1993) and Ph.D from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi in 1999. She has authored various papers in books and journals on subjects including Human Trafficking; Power and Its Multidimensional Facets; Women Empowerment; Gender and Law; Human Rights; Gender Equality; Rule of Law; Women Education; National Youth Policy and other.
She has been the driving force and supportive pillar behind all our academic endeavors, consistently inspiring us to aim higher and persevere even in the face of challenges. Always being active and compassionate about societal causes, she is the epitome of determination and diligence, embodying a rare combination of empathy and resolve that motivates those around her. Under her guidance, we lately conducted our 4th NLIU National Conference on Gender and Law, 2024, which allowed us to engage with thought leaders, share innovative ideas, and foster meaningful discussions on critical issues affecting our society. Her leadership not only enriches our work but also helps cultivate a sense of community and shared purpose among all participants, making our events truly impactful and memorable.