Centre for Knowledge
& Policy Discussion

Events & Initiatives

Baithak: In-Depth Dialogues

Expert insights in a casual setting.

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Baithak (meaning “meeting”) brings experts and students together for informal, in-depth discussions. These sessions often focus on justice and accountability issues. A recent Baithak on police accountability, for example, examined custodial rights and reforms. Such discussions are grounded in reality: one study found that in India (e.g. Gujarat) as many as 96% of deaths in police custody occurred within 24 hours of arrest . By contextualizing hard data like this, Baithak conversations spur critical thinking about systemic reform. Over cups of tea, students question and learn from advocates and scholars alike, reinforcing Manthan’s ethos of connecting academic debate with real-world challenges.

Manthan Mondays

Staying informed in a flash.

Manthan Mondays are Manthan’s quick-update posts that summarize recent news or legal developments in just a few paragraphs. Designed for busy students, they condense important information into bite-sized briefs. For example, a Snippet might outline the key points of a new Supreme Court judgment or a changing law, with links for further reading. This approach helps everyone “stay informed with the latest … news” in an efficient way . By regularly posting Snippets on Manthan’s social media, the community remains up-to-date on issues relevant to our mission – without needing hours of reading each day.

Quiz: Celebrating India’s Freedom Struggle

Revisiting history through knowledge and competition.

To mark Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary in October 2024, Manthan organized an engaging policy quiz that took students on a journey through India’s freedom movement. The quiz featured rounds on key historical milestones: which leaders spearheaded each movement, the dates of landmark protests, and the broader significance of these events in India’s fight for independence. A special focus was the role of Lal Bahadur Shastri, highlighting lesser-known facts about his contributions. By framing history as an interactive challenge, the event achieved its objective of deepening students’ understanding of India’s past and fostering teamwork.

Global LLM Pathways

Insights on pursuing a Master’s in Law abroad.

In September 2024, Manthan invited Prof. Harsh Mahaseth (NALSAR alumnus and LLM graduate from the National University of Singapore) to share his journey of studying law overseas. The lecture aimed to demystify the process of applying for an LL.M. abroad. Prof. Mahaseth described how he selected the right program, prepared for entrance requirements, and navigated visa and scholarship applications. He walked students through real examples of personal statements and curriculum choices, making clear what distinguishes top universities like NUS. The session was highly interactive: attendees asked about managing cultural transitions and leveraging international degrees in career-building.

Crafting a Career in Public Policy

Guidance from an alumnus on shaping public governance.

In collaboration with the Civil and Criminal Justice Cell (CCJC) and NLIU Alumni Affairs Cell (NAAC), Manthan hosted Ms. Ashima Gulati (NLIU alumna and public policy consultant) for a lecture on building a career in public policy. The event’s objective was to introduce law students to the diverse fields and skills involved in policy-making. Ms. Gulati spoke about her own transition from law to policy consulting and highlighted the nuances of policy development: from research and drafting to stakeholder engagement. She emphasized analytical skills, clear communication, and ethical considerations as core competencies.

Leadership at the Local Level: A Talk with Kamna Singh

Lessons in governance from a district panchayat chairperson.

Manthan’s student members met with Kamna Singh, Chairman of the Zila Panchayat (District Council) in Bhind, MP, to learn about leadership in grassroots administration. As an accomplished leader with a background in business management, Ms. Singh shared the day-to-day responsibilities of her role: overseeing development projects, coordinating with block officers, and ensuring that government schemes reach local communities. She discussed the personal qualities required for success – integrity, empathy, and resilience – and described real-life scenarios.

Inside the Panchayat: Discussion with Pranav Pratap Singh

Exploring governance and education policy in Rewa.

In a session co-hosted by Manthan with Placement Co-ordination Committee, students engaged with Pranav Pratap Singh, Vice President of the Zila Panchayat Rewa and Chairman of its Education Department. Mr. Pratap Singh’s talk shed light on the inner workings of a local government body. He explained how the Panchayat is structured, how decisions are made, and what a typical workday entails. He also spoke candidly about the personal demands of public service.