The society for the academic year 2024-2025 was constituted on 14.08.2024, welcoming many enthusiastic new members.

Inauguration 2024-2025

On the 19th and 20th of September, the society initiated its first step into the year 2024-25, by conducting an orientation program for all four departments: BA LLB, BBA LLB, B.Com LLB and BCA LLB, in the auditorium of the School of Excellence in Law.

This event was a significant step in creating awareness among the students about the importance of debate and discourse, participatory learning and most importantly, the role of ISUD in propelling all of this.

The event included a special lecture from the founding president, Mr. Aswin Suren, ever so eloquently and with impact, shared with the students his ideas and thought process in establishing the society, its goals and the future it holds. He encouraged students to participate in debates and discussions, multilingual conversations, which will help them tremendously not only in law, but also in life.

The day began with a warm welcome address, delivered by Ms. Aruna Sree, Secretary-General of ISUD, followed by a brief orientation on the society, its functions and the workings of debates by Mr. Moulitharun, President of ISUD. Mock debates and demos were conducted to show the students a practical approach to debate and Ms. Swaathi, Deputy Secretary of ISUD, helped the audience get first-hand experience of debating by initiating a participatory mock session, which saw a huge success among the students. Finally, the enriching event came to an end with Ms. Dhivyaa, Vice President of ISUD, delivering the vote of thanks.

The true success of the event and by itself the society was the inculcation of the importance of meaningful discourse in the minds of these students and its wish remains to broaden this fraternity with more like-minded youngsters.

Panel Discussion - The Idea of Gender Justice in India

We began the year with a milestone event—a powerful discussion on gender justice featuring Hon’ble Mr. Justice N. Anand Venkatesh, Hon’ble Justice Ms. P.T. Asha, Retired Justice Mr. Prabha Sridevan, and Senior Advocate Mr. Sriram Panchu, all moderated skilfully by Dr. Swarna Rajagopalan, founder of Prajnya.

This event was graced by the French Consul General and the Australian Deputy Consul General.

The event addressed systemic challenges, opportunities, and our collective responsibility to promote inclusivity and equity within the judiciary. Beyond the conventional binaries, it acknowledged the progress but also the struggles of third genders within the legal profession as well as the society, urging us to broaden our understanding of justice itself.

Architects of the Constitution- in collaboration with The Equals Project

On the eve of republic day, 2024 in collaboration with a like-minded organisation, The Equals Project, we celebrated the milestone of 75 years of India’s Constitution with a thought-provoking event. It opened with a screening of Shyam Benegal’s iconic Samvidhaan- a captivating series depicting the discussions and dreams of the Constituent Assembly. This followed by a riveting panel discussions featuring eminent guests: Veteran journalist Ms. Geeta Doctor, Senior Advocate Mr. Raju Ramachandran, retired diplomat Ambassador Latha Reddy, and Advocate Mr. Manuraj Shanmugasundaram. The conversation was skilfully moderated by Ms. Shruti Vishwanathan.

The panel was thoughtfully curated to bring together dignitaries with their own unique connections to the Constituent Assembly—whether through personal history, professional engagement, or a profound love for the Constitution. They delved into a spirited exchange of ideas, passionately defending and thoughtfully questioning various constitutional principles. The discussion was truly gratifying, leaving us with much to reflect upon.

Fresher’s debate Competition- in School of Excellence in Law, TNDALU

To provide our youngest legal minds a first-hand experience in debate, we conducted the Fresher’s Debate Competition on the 14th and 15th of February at the School of Excellence in Law.

This well-established initiative by our university aims to encourage students, at the very beginning of their legal journey, to think critically and challenge themselves on diverse topics. It offers freshers a platform to showcase their intellect, eloquence, and confidence, all grounded in the pure joy of learning and sharing knowledge.

The final round, on the topic “Rarest of the Rare Doctrine: Should it be redefined or abolished?” was adjudged by Sr. Adv. Mr. S R Rajagopal, Sr. Adv. Mr.R. Parthasarathy, and Adv. Mr. Manuraj Shanmugasundaram. This competition stood as a testament to the power of young minds questioning, learning, and shaping the future of law.

Launch of ISUD’s Website

On the very day, ISUD achieved a significant milestone with the launch of its website, unveiled by these esteemed legal luminaries. Yet another milestone symbolizing growth and accessibility.

Heritage Walk on the Constitutional Significance of Chennai- collaboration with The Equals Project

Inspired by our earlier discussions, we embarked on a memorable Constitution Trail on the misty morning of March 1st, led by the dynamic Ms. Shruti Vishwanathan. From the historic Ranade Library to the residence of Sir Alladi Krishnaswami Aiyer, the journey was more than just a walk. It was a tribute to the architects of our Constitution and a reminder that Madras didn’t just witness history—it helped draft it.

Outreach Program- Sunnyside Learning

Children are the backbone of our society and this society recognizes their potential. On the warm morning of March 21st, five of our members visited Sunnyside Learning— an exemplary school to engage 25 of their students on the art and importance of debate.

Both organizations aimed to teach young, bright minds the value of peaceful, structured discourse—an essential tool for effective communication and meaningful knowledge sharing. Through a lively mock debate, the students were taught the nuances of friendly and intellectually stimulating dialogue. The session inspired young minds to embrace debate, laying the groundwork for future leaders.

In Conversation with Hon’ble Mr Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy- Valedictory (2024-2025) in the presence of Senior Adv. Mr E. Om Prakash
And on 5th April, 2025 we gathered at the Madras Literary Society to witness yet another milestone of this society, and also to bid farewell to a great year at a greater location.

To revisit the organisation’s tireless effort towards dialogues and discussions throughout the year, and to mark the end of a successful year, the Indian Society for Universal Dialogue (“ISUD”) organised the valedictory ceremony in the presence of Senior Advocate Mr. E. Om Prakash, featuring a thought-provoking conversation with Hon’ble Mr. Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy, in the lines of our flagship India@100 series. The ultimate event of the previous year featured a similar discussion with his lordship, Hon’ble Mr. Justice N. Anand Venkatesh, marking such conversations with luminaries a convention of the organisation’s annual valedictory ceremony.

The stage was set in the monumental Madras Literary Society (“MLS”), where students, advocates, and the general public gathered amid shelves filled with centuries-old books. After a formal welcome address, the conversation with his lordship began, moderated by the organisation’s Secretary-General, Ms. Aruna Sree B. His Lordship shared about the early days, how a medical aspirant ‘accidentally’ entered the legal profession and excelled in it. He provided nuances of the legal profession from the experience he amassed working as an advocate and being elevated to the bench thereafter. The conversation covered many contemporary legal aspects, including Artificial Intelligence and correlated Intellectual Property, Digitalisation of the judiciary, and so on. The conversation sparked motivation in the minds of the avid listeners, alongside instilling key values and virtues.

Following the same, the Founding President, Mr. Aswin Suren, delivered a special address about the organisation’s purpose and objectives. After which, Senior Advocate Mr. E. Om Prakash provided a keynote address, lauding the vision of the organisation. He recognised every effort taken by the organisation over the past year and encouraged the involvement of the students. His words heightened the spirits of the audience and members of the organisation. Thereafter, a formal summary of the organisation's progress in the form of an Annual Report for 2024-25 was presented by the organisation’s Vice President, Ms. Dhivyaa R. It highlighted the events organised in the past year, including:

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• Panel Discussion on “The Idea of Gender Justice in India”

• Panel Discussion on “The Architects of the Indian Constitution” and screening of Shyam Bengal’s iconic “Samvidhaan”

• The Launch of the organisation’s official website

• Heritage Walk on the Constitutional Significance of Mylapore – in collaboration with The Equals Project (“TEP”)

• Outreach Program at Sunnyside Learning

• The Fresher’s Debate Competition – 2024-25

Subsequently, the Valedictory Address was delivered by the organisation’s Faculty Co-ordinator, Dr. Ranjith Oommen Abraham. His words of appreciation and encouragement lit the entire arena. Finally, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy and Sr. Adv. Mr. Om Prakash handed the certificates of recognition to the organisation’s Executive and General Body members. It boosted the morale and sheer will of the members and was followed by a formal vote of thanks and the National Anthem. This event marked the successful completion of 2 years of the organisation, and planted the seed of encouragement to discuss and dialogue further.

Patrons and Funds

We are truly honoured to have them as our patrons and deeply grateful for their continued support, generosity, and belief in our vision.