Prominent public legal aid body, the Madhya Pradesh State Legal Service Authority (MPSLSA) organized a ‘Skill Enhancement Program’ for Community Mediators on 28 October 2023 to mark the visit of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Judge Supreme Court of India to the Madhya Pradesh High Court. Students from Samatva, NMIMS School of Law (SOL) Indore’s Legal Aid Society, participated in the event and enthralled the attendees with a performance of a Nukkad Naatak, a street play.

The street play by ‘Samatva’ was an energetic performance and addressed critical issues such as alcohol de-addiction, divorce, gender bias, women empowerment, family dispute mediation and the role of Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) in the society. The performance mesmerized the high-profile dignitaries and received appreciation from them for their message of starting a conversation on sensitive issues.

Meanwhile, the program held for Community Mediators was aimed at enhancing their proficiency in conflict resolution and mediation, majorly in cases of family disputes. As part of the program, a skill development workshop was organized where legal experts guided Community Mediation Volunteers of the MPSLSA on mediation principles, communication techniques, legal aspects of family disputes and women’s rights. The program emphasized the importance of empathy, active listening, and neutrality in mediation.

The program was presided over by Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjay Kaul as the Chief Guest. Dignitaries from the Madhya Pradesh High Court and the MPSLSA also graced the occasion. The prominent guests attending the event included Hon’ble Mr. Justice Vivek Agarwal, Judge, MP High Court (Jabalpur) and Chairman, High Court Legal Services Committee, Jabalpur; Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sheel Nagu, Judge MP High Court (Jabalpur) and Executive Chairman, MP State Legal Services Authority (MPSLSA); Hon’ble Mr. Justice Rohit Arya, Judge, MP High Court (Gwalior) and Chairman, High Court Legal Services Committee, Gwalior; Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari, Administrative Judge, MP High Court (Indore) and Chairman, High Court Legal Services Committee, Indore; Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sujoy Paul, Judge, MP High Court (Jabalpur); Hon’ble Mr. Justice Achal Kumar Paliwal, Judge, MP High Court (Jabalpur); Hon’ble Mr. Justice Anil Verma, Judge, MP High Court (Indore); Hon’ble Mr. Justice Pranay Verma, Judge, MP High Court (Indore); Hon’ble Mr. Justice Subodh Abhyankar, Judge, MP High Court (Indore); Mr. Rajiv Karmahe, Member Secretary, MP State Legal Services Authority (MPSLSA); Mr. Bhagwati Prasad Sharma, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Indore; Mr. Asif Ahmed Abbasi, Secretary, District Legal Service Authority (DLSA); Mr. Sarvesh Chaturvedi, District Legal Aid Officer, Jabalpur and Mr. Mithilesh Deheria, District Legal Aid Officer, Indore.

Commenting on the success of the street play and thanking MPSLSA, Dr. Ashutosh Hajela, NMIMS SOL Indore, said, “Samatva has always been at the forefront of legal advocacy and infusing empowerment in the society. It was a moment of honour for NMIMS SOL Indore and its students to get the opportunity to attend such a prestigious event. It served as a platform for the students to interact and learn from nationally renowned legal luminaries and judicial officials and enhance their knowledge. The program provided students with a chance to advocate legal literacy through creative means like street plays. NMIMS SOL Indore expresses its deep gratitude to MPSLSA for providing us with the opportunity to be a part of such a significant event and looks forward to more such opportunities.”