Tag: VMSCL

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VMSCL Hosts 4th Justice G.D. Kamat Moot Court Competition

Tanisha Cardozo

Panaji: V. M. Salgaocar College of Law (VMSCL), Miramar, inaugurated the 4th Edition of the Justice G.D. Kamat Memorial National Level Moot Court Competition on February 26, 2026, at its conference hall. Organised in collaboration with the Justice G.D. Kamat Memorial Trust, the competition pays tribute to the legacy of Justice Gurudas D. Kamat, the first Goan Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court.

Set against the backdrop of an evolving Indian judicial system, the competition underscores the importance of moot courts in preparing law students for real courtroom practice. By simulating legal proceedings, such platforms help students develop critical skills including legal research, analytical thinking, articulation and advocacy.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by several distinguished dignitaries, with Dr. V. Candavelou, IAS, Chief Secretary of the Government of Goa, gracing the occasion as Chief Guest. Also present were VMSCL Principal Dr. Shaber Ali, Trustee of the G.D. Kamat Memorial Trust Ramachandra B. Bhatkar, Vice Chairperson Bhaskar Nayak, Faculty In-Charge Dr. Pearl Monteiro, and student coordinator Anushka Patil, among others.

Welcoming the gathering, the Principal of VMSCL highlighted the significance of moot courts in shaping confident, responsible and ethically grounded legal professionals. He commended the efforts of faculty members and student volunteers in successfully organising the event, concluding his address with a reflective note on justice and perseverance.

In his keynote address, Dr. Candavelou described law as a noble yet demanding profession that calls for integrity, dedication and lifelong learning. He encouraged participants to view moot courts not merely as competitions, but as opportunities to build clarity of thought, strengthen research capabilities and gain confidence in advocacy. Drawing parallels between classroom learning and real courtroom practice, he emphasised the role of such platforms in preparing students for professional challenges.

Ramachandra B. Bhatkar shared insights into the life and contributions of Justice G.D. Kamat, highlighting his values, journey and impact on the judiciary. Prof. Bhaskar Nayak elaborated on the vision behind the competition, stressing its role in nurturing analytical thinking, advocacy and research skills among aspiring lawyers.

Dr. Pearl Monteiro, Faculty In-Charge, addressed the participants and underscored the academic significance of mooting. She noted that beyond argumentation, moot courts foster teamwork, structured thinking and respect for constitutional values. She also appreciated the participation of 26 teams from across the country and acknowledged the support of judges, trustees, faculty and volunteers.

A key highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the trophies for the 2026 edition, marking a celebratory moment for both organisers and participants. The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by student coordinator Anushka Patil.

The three-day competition, scheduled from February 26 to 28, 2026, will see teams engage in rigorous rounds of arguments based on a contemporary legal issue focusing on caste and economic-based reservations within the framework of constitutional mandates.

The final round will be held on the concluding day, followed by the valedictory ceremony. The winning team will receive a cash prize of ₹50,000, while the runners-up will be awarded ₹25,000, along with trophies and certificates. Individual awards for Best Speaker, Best Researcher and Best Memorial will also be presented, recognising excellence across various aspects of mooting.

Continuing its legacy, the Justice G.D. Kamat Memorial National Level Moot Court Competition remains a significant platform for law students across India, fostering advocacy skills, legal research and a deeper understanding of the justice system.

EduConnect

Virnora College Hosts Anti-Ragging Awareness Program with Keynote by Prof. Varsha Redkar

Tanisha Cardozo

Sant Sohirobanath Ambiye Government College of Arts and Commerce, located in Virnora, Pernem–Goa, organized a meaningful Anti-Ragging Awareness Program aimed at fostering a safe, inclusive, and respectful campus culture. The session served as a powerful platform to engage students in understanding their role in eliminating ragging and promoting student welfare.

The keynote address was delivered by Asst. Prof. Varsha Redkar from V. M. Salgaocar College of Law, Miramar, who brought a legal perspective to the issue. She emphasized the seriousness of ragging under the law and the long-lasting impact it can have on victims. Her message to the students was not just about awareness, but about responsibility. “Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. If you witness ragging, speak up. Your voice can be the shield someone desperately needs,” she stated passionately, urging students to be vigilant allies rather than passive observers.

The program was effectively coordinated by Ms. Salima Haldankar and Ms. Manju Shetye, whose efforts ensured a smooth and engaging event. The initiative was well-received by students and staff alike, further demonstrating the institution’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a ragging-free environment and cultivating values of respect, empathy, and unity among students.

EduConnect

VMSCL Celebrates 2 Years of “Beyond The Syllabus” with Power-Packed Open Mic

allycaralgoa

Panaji, Goa – July 7, 2025 – V. M. Salgaocar College of Law (VMSCL), Miramar, celebrated the second anniversary of its trailblazing student initiative Beyond the Syllabus with a vibrant Open Mic competition, held at its Panaji campus.

Themed “Your Stage, Your Original Voice,” the evening saw an impressive array of performances by law students who expressed themselves through poetry, stand-up comedy, monologues, and original music. The sole rule? 100% originality—making the event an authentic reflection of the students’ thoughts and creativity.

The competition wasn’t just about applause—it was about impact. A democratic audience voting system via Google Forms determined the winners. Each attendee rated the acts, and the average scores crowned the top three performers.

🎤 Winners List:

  • 🥇 Kaushal Bathia – Scored an impressive 8.46/10
  • 🥈 Saloni Sanjay Haldankar – First Runner-Up
  • 🥉 Akansha Chari – Second Runner-Up

All performers received participation certificates, and the top three were awarded cash prizes. Faculty members including Priscilla Fernandes, Siddesh Tari, and Ramrai Naik felicitated the winners, joined by dignitaries Prof. Bhaskar Nayak, Dr. Sonal Sardessai, and Mr. Sachin Panicker.

The event’s success was driven by a dynamic student committee led by Achal Candolkar, Nidhi Gawade, Arya Nadkarni, Shraddha Yadav, Joshua Desouza, Priya Shirodkar, Devanshi Harmalkar, and Saisha Mandrekar, under the guidance of Principal Prof. Shaber Ali and faculty coordinator Mr. Ramrai Naik.

By encouraging authentic self-expression and community engagement, the event stood as a powerful symbol of VMSCL’s commitment to holistic student development. As the Beyond the Syllabus initiative enters its third year, VMSCL continues to empower students with platforms that value creativity, courage, and originality.