Symbiosis Law School (SLS), Pune, a constituent of Symbiosis International (Deemed University), organized the 10th International Annual Research Conference on Rule of Law in Context: Climate Change and Sustainable Development-Indian and Global Perspectives’ (SYMROLIC 2022) on 25th and 26th March, 2022. The event was conducted in association with SLS NOIDA, SLS Hyderabad and SLS Nagpur on the virtual platform, Zoom.
The objective of this interdisciplinary conference is to provide interface between law, climate change and life. Prof. (Dr.) Shashikala Gurpur Fulbright Scholar, Jean Monnet Chair Professor (EUC-LAMP), Director, Symbiosis Law School, Pune, Dean, Faculty of Law, SI(DU), extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries and audience. She called SYMROLIC 2022 an “intellectual festival to inculcate a culture of research”, and also traced the journey of SYMROLIC from a national level conference to an interdisciplinary international conference. She took pride in the fact that more than half of the selected papers for the conference are in- house, even after being put through a blind selection process. The rich legacy of the conference has encouraged several quality research publications and dissertations in eight legal areas. Stressing upon quality research being the hallmark of the twenty first century, Dr. Gurpur mentioned several areas of research where institute is involved including neuro psychological evolution. At the last, she remarked upon the recently granted Jean Monnet chair and called it a trajectory towards development in the next few years to come.
Dr. Bindu Ronald, Co-Head SCALSAR, SLS-P introduced the publications to be released during the conference. She provided a brief overview of LexEt, the biannual newsletter of SLS Pune, covering all significant events and achievements. She also introduced the Abstract Compilation of SYMROLIC, which has been an ode to law, technology, research and innovation. She introduced the book, “Understanding Art Law in India” (Bloomsbury Publication) authored by Mr. Rodney Ryder and Mr. Vatsal Mehrotra, 3rd Year BA LLB (Hons) SLS Pune which is an insight on the personality, economic issues and creativity of artists in India. The three documents were released by Mr. Manjeev Singh Puri, Former Indian Ambassador and Secretary to the Government of India and Chief Guest for the conference.He stated that these initiatives represent the intellect of today’s youth and add to the legacy of a young India.
Dr. S.B. Mujumdar, Chancellor, SI(DU) traced the journey of SIU from its genesis in 1971 and took pride in the quality education that promotes international understanding and globalisation. The university currently has sixty-five units under its ambit and celebrated its golden jubilee in the 2020-21 academic session. He also expressed his pride in the inauguration of Symbiosis Aarogya Dham (SUHRC) which was graced by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. In the spirit of research and development, he also remarked, “The purpose of SIU is to translate “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” into a reality, and all units of the university work in synergy to inculcate international education into the curriculum.” Lastly, he expressed his delight over the conduction of this event and gave his best regards to all participants.
Mr. Manjeev Singh Puri, Former Indian Ambassador and Secretary to the Government of India, delivered the Chief Guest’s address. Mr. Puri congratulated SLS Pune on the milestones achieved through the conference and appreciated the institution for being a perfect example of a new India. Mr. Puri also congratulated Dr. Shashikala Gurpur on her Glasgow Address and the Jean Monnet Chair Professor while also elaborating upon the importance of international collaborations in the present age. He said, “The EU could act as an exemplary model for India to emulate and reach greater heights considering the way we are going” . He also hoped for India to become one of the world’s greatest countries in five years with significant economic development.
Dr. Puri also wished for the world to have a better understanding of India and its importance in terms of solidarity and universal brotherhood. Citing the on-going Russia- Ukraine conflict, he urged India to play an active role in negotiations and become a greater contributor in terms of economic value and international peace and order. Addressing Dr. Shashikala Gurpur, Mr. Puri suggested the recognition of a dynamic India in terms of climate change and international achievements. He encouraged the audience to become representatives of the country in a new world order with contemporary economic and political interests.
The inaugural ceremony culminated with the vote of thanks, delivered by Dr. Aparajita Mohanty, Associate Professor and Deputy Director (Academics) SLS-P. She thanked all dignitaries for their inspiring words of wisdom and expressed her gratitude to all stakeholders of the event.
After the inaugural ceremony the Plenary Session was conducted and the theme was introduced by Dr. Shashikala Gurpur. Dr. Kirsten H. Engel, Charles E. Ares Professor of Law, James E. Rogers College of Law University of Arizona, and the Guest of Honour delivered her address on the topic, Climate Change, and Sustainable Development- Recent developments in Climate Change Regulation in the United States with focus on the climate change and its consideration in the legal framework. Justice Mohan Pieris, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in New York, USA, and Guest of Honour spoke on the topic of the Role of the UN in combating Climate Change . Mr. Pieris remarked that the IPCC had warned of the consequences of climate change. Mr. Manjeev Singh Puri, Former Indian Ambassador and Secretary to the Government of India, and the Chief Guest proceeded to discuss on the topic, India, and Climate Change Negotiations . Mr. Puri remarked that “India as a country, has had a national and civilizational ethos, which is pro-environment and goes in our DNA.”
After the plenary session, six tracks were conducted. Each day included three parallel tracks. In total 54 papers were presented along with 4 international papers. SYMROLIC 2022 embraced 18 intellectual resource persons for different tracks & Workshop which included 5 international and 13 national ones.
Track 1 was on the topic - Law and Human Behaviour (Focal Area - Legal System & Stakeholder Behaviour with Respect to Law and Human Behaviour, Environmental Protection). This track included panelists Dr. Y.S.R. Murthy, Vice Chancellor, RV University, Dr. Parul Rishi, Professor, Indian Institute of Forest Management and Dr. Gurudas Nulkar, Head- Symbiosis Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability. The track included eight research paper presentations. The Paper “Law and Human Behavior (Focal Area – Legal System & Stakeholder Behaviour with Respect to Law and Human Behaviour, Environmental Protection)” authored by Varsha Bhagat-Ganguly (Professor, Institute of Law, Nirma University) and Karen Pineiro (Research Associate, MARAG) was adjudged as the best paper in Track 1.
Track 2 was on the topic International Law, Policy and Governance (Focal Area - Climate Change, International Migration, Global Inequalities). The panelists included Dr. Daniella Irrera, Associate, Professor of Political Science and International Relations, University of Catania, Italy; Dr. S. G. Sreejith, Professor and Executive Dean, Jindal Global Law School, O.P. Jindal Global University; and Dang Cong Cuong, Tran Thi Dieu Ha, Lecturer, Hue University, Vietnam. Dr. Przemslaw Tacik, Assistant Professor at the Institute of European Studies of the Jagiellonian University of Krakow, Poland. The Paper “International Law, Policy and Governance (Focal Area - Climate Change, International Migration, Global Inequalities)” authored by Ms. Sunaina Sharma (Student SLSP), Prof. Lasya Vyakaranam (Assistant Professor SLSP) was declared as the best paper in Track 2. This track included eleven papers.
Track 3 was on the topic: EU Climate Justice Law, Governance, Management and Policy (focal area- Climate Change, Cascading to Community, Corporate Compliances). The panelists included Dr. Atanas Georgiev, Dean, Faculty of Economics & Business Administration, Sofia University; Dr. T R Subramanya, Dean, School of Legal Studies CMR University. The track also included paper presentations on the broad theme of the track. The Paper “EU Climate Justice Law, Governance, Management and Policy (focal area- Climate Change, Cascading to Community, Corporate Compliances)” authored by Roshni Shinde, Student SLSP, Prof. Shubham Shandilya (Faculty SLS P) was announced as the best paper in Track 3. This track included six papers.
On Day 2 of the conference i.e. 26 th March 2022 commenced with the workshop on the topic- “Indian Philosophy in Research Methodology”. The resource persons included Mr. Pranav Kumar Vasishta, Researcher on Dharmaśāstras and Indian Constitution at Purnapramati, A centre for Integrated Learning, Bengaluru. The workshop was followed by track 4, 5 and 6.
Track 4 was on the topic: Public Law, Society and Governance with focus on Role of State, Business, Trade, Commerce, Management and Law . It included panelists Dr. Indrajit Dube ,Professor, Rajiv Gandhi School of Intellectual Property Law, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur; and Adv. Hussian Nalwala , Co-founder and Partner CNS Juris. After the panellist’s observations the papers were presented on the broad theme of this track. The Paper “Business, Trade, Commerce, Management and Law (focal area – Business, Global Climate change and Sustainable development, E-Commerce)” authored by Somya Dwivedi Student SLSP was announced as the best paper in Track 4. This track included thirteen papers.
Track 5 was held on the topic of Innovation, Science, Technology and Law (focal area- AI, Data Science, Law Tech, 21st Teach Skills, Green Technology, Alternative Energy). The track included panelists Dr. Manveen Singh, Associate Prof. Jindal Global Law School, Dr. Pavan Duggal and Adv. Supreme Court of India, Founder & Chairman of International Commission on Cyber Security Law, Prof. Ankur Sharma, Asst. Prof., SLS, NOIDA followed by the paper presentations. The Paper “Innovation, Science, Technology and Law (focal area- AI, Data Science, Law Tech, 21st Teach Skills, Green Technology, Alternative Energy) ” authored by Fatima Lunawadawala, Student SLSP was announced as the best paper in Track 5. This track included five papers.
Track 6 was held on the topic of Public Law, Society and Governance with focus on Role of State, Constitutionalism, Governance and Environment. The panelists included Advocate Sanjay Upadhyay, Supreme Court Advocate, Founder and managing partner of the India’s first environmental law firm, Enviro Legal Defence Firm, Prof. Yugank Goyal, Associate Professor of Public Policy at FLAME University and Prof. Henrico Radley, Associate Professor, University of Western Cape, South Africa. The Paper “Public Law, Society and Governance (focal area- Role of State, Constitutionalism, Governance and Environment)” authored by Arpan Simer Swarup, Kriti Bhatia Student SLSP was announced as the best paper in Track 6. This track included eleven papers.
The conference ended with the Valedictory function with announcement of best research paper in each track.