In a remarkable synergy of academic prowess, St Xavier’s University, Kolkata, collaborated with The West Bengal National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS) to orchestrate a groundbreaking one-day workshop on April 20, 2024. The event, held within the lofty WBNUJS campus, witnessed a convergence of luminaries from the realms of education and legal scholarship. Notably, the distinguished presence of the honourable Vice Chancellor of St Xavier’s University, Kolkata, Rev Dr John Felix Raj, graced the occasion, alongside eminent figures including Prof Dr Nirmal Kanti Chakrabarti, the honourable Vice Chancellor of WBNUJS, and other esteemed speakers.
Rev Dr John Felix Raj set the tone for the day, enlightening the audience on the symbiotic relationship between technology and human intelligence in the contemporary landscape, aptly dubbing it the ‘5th Industrial Revolution’. Emphasising the irreplaceable human touch in education, he highlighted the profound impact of face-to-face interactions within the classroom.
Following this compelling introduction, Prof Dr Nirmal Kanti Chakrabarti, the honourable Vice Chancellor, WBNUJS, echoed Dr Raj’s sentiments, advocating for innovation as the cornerstone of educational evolution. His insights delved into the expansive realm of legal education, urging a paradigm shift towards inventive pedagogical methodologies.
The discourse continued with former Vice Chancellor, National Law Institute University, Bhopal, Prof Dr V Vijayakumar’s thought-provoking address, where he navigated the nuanced terrain of technology's role in education. With cautionary tales of information overload and misinformation, he underscored the imperative of judicious technology integration.
The honourable Vice Chancellor of the National University of Study and Research in Law (NUSRL), Prof Dr Ashok R Patil steered the conversation towards the practical realm, unraveling strategies to infuse technology into the teaching of Consumer Protection Law. His illuminating session showcased student-generated reels and underscored the pivotal role of technology in fostering research acumen.
In the latter half of the workshop, Prof Dr Nirmal Kanti Chakrabarti returned with an invigorating discourse on innovative pedagogy, urging educators to transcend conventional boundaries and foster critical thinking among students.
An interactive session, moderated by Dr V Vijaykumar, delved into the philosophical and practical facets of teaching methodologies, providing a rich tapestry of insights.
Kanchan Yadav encapsulated the essence of the workshop, synthesising the diverse array of ideas explored throughout the day.
Dr Sanjit Kumar Chakraborty, Associate Professor of Law, WBNUJS and Convenor of the workshop, in his closing remarks, extended gratitude to all participants, marking the culmination of an enriching and transformative workshop.
Prepared meticulously by Dr Bidisha Kantha and Prashna Samadder, faculty of Xavier Law School, and expertly emceed by Dr Anuradha Roy Chowdhury, Assistant Professor of WBNUJS, the workshop paid homage to the collaborative spirit driving innovation in legal education.