Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi has launched Kartavyam — a groundbreaking and first-of-its-kind Constitution Lecture Series, commemorating 75 years of the Constitution of India and ushering in a renewed national conversation on Duty Jurisprudence. This initiative aims to realign legal and social thought with the principles of responsibility, rooted deeply in Indian philosophical and constitutional ethos.
Kartavyam seeks to pioneer a transformative legal discourse, shifting focus from a rights-centric model to a duty-oriented framework. It revisits the ideals of the Constitution and the vision of the Constituent Assembly, drawing on the core Bharatiya philosophy where kartavya (duty) is seen as intrinsic, natural, and foundational to societal harmony.
The lecture series will span from April 4, 2025, to January 2026, encompassing over 30 distinguished scholars, judges, and advocates, and will feature collaborative sessions with 20 Central and State Universities, National Law Universities, and statutory bodies like NHRC and NCW. The initiative is powered by Knowledge Collective as its Knowledge Partner and expects over 5000 participants across offline and online platforms.
Visionary Leadership and Launch Highlights
Prof Yogesh Singh, Vice-Chancellor, University of Delhi, serves as the Patron-in-Chief, with Prof (Dr.) Alka Chawla, Professor-in-Charge, Campus Law Centre, Patron, described Kartavyam as a transformative call that every participant will remember as a milestone in India’s constitutional journey.
Dr Seema Singh, Programme Director, is the force behind this visionary initiative. Her mission is to instil a global mindset rooted in duty-based transformation and to establish a Kartavyam School of Thought in academic discourse worldwide.
The Inaugural Discourse
The inaugural discourse, held on April 22, 2025, was honoured by the presence of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. The Vice President described Kartavyam as a call to purposeful action that empowers participatory democracy. He urged the youth to lead with integrity and discipline, shaping a developed India through responsible citizenship and meaningful discourse. He emphasised that the health of a democracy is measured by its quality of discourse and congratulated Campus Law Centre for organising such a unique discourse on ‘Kartavya’.
Opening Conclave — A Historic Beginning
The opening conclave was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Justice P S Narsimha, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, and R Venkataramani, Attorney General of India.
In their addresses, both emphasised the inseparability of rights and duties, drawing upon Indian traditions, constitutional values, and the wisdom of great thinkers like Dr Ambedkar and Dr Radhakrishnan. Justice Narsimha described Kartavyam as a sadhana, linking rights and duties to sun and sunlight—inseparable and life-giving. Shri Venkataramani called for a reimagining of legislation through a duty-oriented lens, even suggesting a revolutionary Human Duties Act.
Scholarly Perspectives: Towards a Duty-Conscious Society
Dr Alka Chawla highlighted how Kartavyam stands for duty, dharma, and righteous action, encouraging a shift from Western rights-based thinking to Indian collectivist ideals.
Dr Seema Singh spoke about the Sanskrit root “ऋ”, symbolising cosmic order and responsibility, noting how rights emerge only through fulfilled duties.
Dr Anju Vali Tikoo, Dean, emphasised that only through fraternity and collectivism can a society truly flourish.
Prof. Prakash Singh, Director, South Campus, DU, emphasised the role of kartavya in decolonising the Indian education system and cultivating a duty-conscious citizenry.
Opportunities for Students and Academicians
As part of the series, Kartavyam invites research paper submissions from students, scholars, advocates, and researchers. The top 100 entries will receive:
25 internships with Supreme Court advocates
50 internships with the High Court of Delhi advocates
25 internships at National Commissions
Certificates of Appreciation for exemplary contributions
Kartavyam will be telecast in hybrid mode, with sessions available on the official Delhi University website (kartavyam.du.ac.in) and Kartavyam’s YouTube channel. This initiative is poised to be India’s largest legal discourse on constitutional duties, shaping the next generation of responsible citizens and legal thinkers.
