It gives me great pleasure to share a few words about SHODH, a student-led academic initiative dedicated to fostering a culture of research, inquiry, and critical thinking within the faculty. At a time when student life is often shaped by the pursuit of internships, competitions, and short-term achievements, SHODH seeks to re-centre academic engagement by encouraging students to read, reflect, question, and write with seriousness of purpose.

One of SHODH’s most meaningful contributions has been the renewed enthusiasm it has generated for research. It has helped revive interest in scholarly work that often gets overshadowed by more visible extracurricular pursuits. By creating structured spaces for academic discussion and research-oriented activities, SHODH has sparked a new wave of intellectual curiosity among students, one that values depth of understanding and sustained engagement with ideas.

SHODH is the first initiative of its kind within the faculty for the students devoted exclusively to research and scholarly pursuits. Its establishment reflects a conscious effort to institutionalise research as an integral part of student life rather than as an optional add-on. This initiative marks the beginning of a broader transformation in academic culture, one that promotes inter-disciplinary research, collaboration, and reflective learning.

The commitment and ownership demonstrated by the faculty & students involved in SHODH are deeply encouraging. Their efforts signal the emergence of a more thoughtful, research-oriented academic environment. I am confident that SHODH will continue to contribute meaningfully to shaping a vibrant legal scholarly culture within the college and inspire students to engage with knowledge not merely as learners, but as emerging scholars.

Prof. (Dr.) Gunjan Gupta

Professor-in-Charge (PIC)
Campus Law Centre,
Faculty of Law, University of Delhi.