VIDHI SAMMAN 2024: OakBridge Publishing Honors Legal Pioneers at Vidhi Utsav’s Inaugural Awards Ceremony
New Delhi : The VIDHI SAMMAN Awards, marking a new chapter in the Indian legal community’s recognition of excellence, made a memorable debut at the conclusion of Vidhi Utsav 2024 on March 17. Held at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi, this event, organized by OakBridge Publishing, celebrated the profound contributions of esteemed legal figures, including the Late Mr. Fali Nariman, Mr. KK Venugopal, Former Chief Justice MN Venkatachaliah, and Mr. K. Parasaran.
Justice Rajiv Shakdher graced Vidhi Utsav as the chief guest, while the late Mr. Fali Nariman was posthumously honored with the Sarvoch Vidhi Samman. Retired Judge of the Supreme Court of India, Mr. KK Patnaik, presented this esteemed recognition. Accepting the award on Mr. Nariman’s behalf was Lalit Bhasin, symbolizing his enduring legacy in the legal community.
Justice Rajiv Shakdher, Judge, Delhi High Court, expressed his fascination with an event that amalgamates law and literature, an intriguing intersection. Reflecting on Nani Palkhivala’s advice to aspiring lawyers to read everything but law, he highlighted the significance of broader knowledge, including history. Palkhivala’s mastery, despite stammering, exemplifies the transformative power of interdisciplinary learning, a legacy few can emulate. His courtroom prowess, notably during the Kesavananda Bharati case, remains unparalleled.
The awards were part of Vidhi Utsav 2024, an event that over two days brought together a vibrant community of legal professionals, scholars, and students. Through discussions, workshops, and keynote addresses, the festival aimed to spur innovation and collaboration within the legal sector. The inclusion of the VIDHI SAMMAN Awards in this year’s festival underscored OakBridge Publishing’s commitment to honoring individuals who have made a lasting impact on the practice and understanding of law in India.
Speaking on the occasion, Vikesh Dhyani, Co-founder, Director and Publisher at OakBridge, said, “The VIDHI SAMMAN Awards transcend the traditional accolades in the legal field; they embody the acknowledgment of the indomitable spirit, the visionary insights, and the significant impacts our honorees have had on both the jurisprudence and the societal fabric of India. This award is a beacon of excellence, inspiring current and future generations of legal professionals to aspire to the highest standards of practice and ethics. By celebrating these pioneering figures, we not only pay tribute to their legacy but also underscore the critical role of legal innovation and thought leadership in shaping our society.”
Among the participants was Mr. Sridhar Potaraju, Sr Advocate, known for his role in the Ram Janmbhoomi case. The event featured a host of notable sessions, such as “Opportunities in Disruption” by Rameesh Kailasam, CEO of Indiatech.org, and an examination of the Indian Constitution’s complexities with Jaipat Jain.
Shreesh Chandra, Co-founder, Director, OakBridge Publishing mentioned that “VIDHI UTSAV brings eminent jurists, law firm partners, general counsels and law schools to celebrate law, legal literature and legal luminaries with engaging, enriching and entertaining sessions. It’s a uniquely curated event that will set new benchmarks and will educate lawyers and law students about role of quality legal literature in advancing the rule of law and enabling access to justice.”
The introduction of the VIDHI SAMMAN Awards highlighted the event, establishing a new tradition of recognizing legal excellence at Vidhi Utsav. This initiative by OakBridge Publishing has been widely appreciated for bringing to the fore the contributions of legal professionals to Indian law and society.