“Good company and good discourse are the very sinews of virtue.”

This timeless quote perfectly captures the essence of the Indian Society for Universal Dialogue. At ISUD, we believe that honest, thoughtful dialogue—grounded in knowledge, respect and openness—is the key to building virtue and driving progress.

Inauguration of ISUD 2023-2024

Our story began on September 30th, 2023, with a powerful and inspiring launch in the presence of Hon’ble Justice Mr. M. Sundar of the Madras High Court and Mr. Guru Krishnakumar, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court. They emphasized the critical role of discourse and communication within the legal fraternity, urging us to cultivate these skills in future legal minds.

We were further honoured by the presence of distinguished guests: Mr. David Eggleston, Consul General of Australia; Dr. Patricia Thery-Hart, Director of Alliance Francaise of Madras; Dr. Katharina Gorgen, Regional Director of Goethe-Institute; and Prof. Gopalji Malviya, Head of the Department of Defence Studies, Madras University.

The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Aswin Suren, President of ISUD. being a student visionary who had foreseen the infinite possibilities that the society could leap into with time, He emphasized the society’s mission to transcend traditional legal education by fostering an environment where young legal minds can engage in meaningful discussions on critical national and international issues.

Following this, Dr. Ranjith Oomen Abraham, Registrar of TNDALU, delivered a felicitation address. He highlighted the Vice Chancellor’s vision for the forum to extend beyond academic pursuits, aiming to nurture socially conscious and politically aware legal scholars.

Mr. Guru Krishnakumar, Senior Advocate of the Supreme Court, delivered an insightful address on the art of effective communication, enriched with practical and real life examples.

Hon’ble Justice Mr. M. Sundar of the Madras High Court followed with a special address by appreciating the vision of the society and reflected on how opportunities for meaningful discussion during his time as a law student were limited to academic routines. He expressed his excitement about the evolving legal education landscape, which now offers students diverse platforms for engagement and growth.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Rasika, who expressed gratitude to all the dignitaries, participants, and attendees for making the event a resounding success.

Launch of India@100 Series

On that very day, we launched the INDIA@100 Series—a visionary initiative aimed at reflecting on India’s journey since independence. It sought to examine milestones, confront challenges, and envision a more inclusive future.

The unveiling of its logo by Hon’ble Justice Mr. M. Sundar, Mr. Guru Krishnakumar, Col. Prof. Dr. N.S. Santhosh Kumar, and Dr. Ranjith Oomen Abraham. Faculty Advisor Dr. Ranjith Oomen Abraham explained that the India@100 series would serve as a platform for gaining holistic insights into complex legal and societal challenges.

The Legal History of Madras – Mr. V. Sriram

Shortly thereafter, on October 20th, 2023, in the campus of the School of Excellence in Law, we embarked on a captivating journey through the legal history of Madras, led by the esteemed historian Mr. V. Sriram. Through his rich storytelling, he brought alive the past, woven into the very bricks and walls of Madras. He illustrated how the evolution of law shaped the society, safeguarded rights, and upheld justice—highlighting a legacy of resilience, reform, and progress.

The program began with a warm welcome address by Aswin Suren, President of ISUD, who extended greetings to Mr. V. Sriram and all attendees. He emphasized that the India@100 series not only celebrates the nation's rich history but also serves as a platform to envision a brighter, more inclusive, and sustainable future for the next century.

In the event, Mr. V. Sriram highlighted that the legal history of Madras is far more than a chronological account of events. it is a profound narrative of resilience, reform, and the relentless pursuit of justice. He underscored how the evolution of law in Madras reflects the transformative power of legal systems in shaping societies, protecting rights, and upholding the principles of justice. His insights offered a compelling perspective on the significance of legal history as an inspiring chronicle for future generations.

Following the discussion, Mr. Sriram engaged in an interactive question-and-answer session, responding to queries from the audience with enthusiasm and depth. The session provided an enriching experience for all attendees, leaving them with a deeper appreciation of legal heritage of Madras.

In Conversation with Hon’ble Mr. Justice N Anand Venkatesh

“The society serves as a bridge connecting eminent legal minds with aspiring lawyers, students, and curious individuals—offering a unique platform to learn from the very best.”

Building on that vision, we hosted an event “In Conversation with Hon’ble Mr. Justice N Anand Venkatesh” on April 21st, at the Alliance Francaise of Madras. This was a part of the INDIA@100 Series. The discussion centred towards the “Trends in the Indian Judiciary,” tracing the judiciary’s evolution, confronting contemporary challenges, and mapping the path ahead.

The event began with a welcome address, where Justice N. Anand Venkatesh was warmly invited, along with advocates, law students, and other attendees.

In his special address, Justice N. Anand Venkatesh shared his inspiring journey into the legal profession, captivating the audience with anecdotes and reflections. He also delved into critical issues prevailing within the judiciary, fostering a meaningful dialogue on potential reforms and improvements.

The hon’ble Justice further engaged in an interactive question-and-answer session, responding to the audience’s queries with enthusiasm and candour. His advice to aspiring lawyers was both motivating and insightful, emphasizing the importance of resilience, ethics, and continuous learning in the legal field.

Adding a touch of warmth and humour to the session, Justice N. Anand Venkatesh shared more personal anecdotes, making the event both enriching and entertaining. In a delightful surprise, upon the audience’s request, he concluded by singing a Tamil song, earning applause for his heartfelt performance.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to Justice N. Anand Venkatesh and all attendees for making the discussion a memorable and impactful experience.

This event marked the end of a Fruitful and enriching year-long journey for the society.