Ajeenkya DY Patil University (ADYPU), Pune, through its School of Law and School of Liberal Arts, had the distinguished honour of hosting the Book Launch and Special Interactive Session of Why the Constitution Matters by Hon. Justice D. Y. Chandrachud, the 50th Chief Justice of India. The event was organised under the guidance of Dr. Sunny Thomas, Dean, and coordinated by Assistant Professor Kedar Kulkarni.
The ceremony commenced with the Lighting of the Lamp and a graceful Kathak salutation to Goddess Saraswati, symbolising knowledge and wisdom. This was followed by the felicitation of Hon. Justice Chandrachud by Dr. Rakesh Kumar Jain, Hon. Vice Chancellor, ADYPU, as a mark of respect and appreciation. The book was formally released amidst an atmosphere of intellectual celebration and reverence for constitutional values.
In his address, Justice Chandrachud reflected on the essence of his book, emphasising that the Constitution remains a living document that safeguards liberty, dignity, equality, and democratic participation. He emphasized the importance of constitutional morality, the right to dissent, and the Constitution’s role in guiding social and institutional change.
The event featured an engaging Fireside Chat with Dr. Sunny Thomas, Prof. Kedar Kulkarni, Prof. Kedar Naik, and student representative Amruta Yadav. The discussion explored themes such as the judicial journey, landmark judgments, legal education, women’s empowerment, and the evolving role of law in society.
This was followed by an interactive Question-and-Answer session with students, legal professionals, and faculty members, focusing on judicial reforms, ethical responsibilities, career pathways in law, and the future of legal education in the digital era. Justice Chandrachud highlighted that the legal profession is a public trust grounded in service, integrity, and lifelong learning.
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Prof. Kedar Kulkarni, followed by the National Anthem. The visit proved to be a momentous and inspiring occasion, leaving a lasting impact on the academic community and reaffirming the Constitution as the cornerstone of a just and democratic society.
