The Legal Aid Clinic at KIIT School of Law recently had the honor of facilitating an engaging Speed Mentoring session for students at LR DAV Public School, focusing on vital legal themes that resonate with today’s youth. This initiative aimed to foster legal awareness among the students, educating them on their rights and empowering them to take proactive measures in safeguarding those rights.
The session was structured around three pivotal topics: Fundamental Rights and Duties, Cyberbullying and Security, and the Protection of Children against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Child Rights. Falguni Mundra, a passionate 4th-year student at KIIT School of Law, set the tone by articulating the session’s objectives, emphasizing the importance of equipping young minds with the knowledge needed to navigate legal issues confidently.
The first segment delved into Part III of the Indian Constitution (Articles 12-35), introducing 9th graders to the realm of Fundamental Rights. Lipsita Bastia, also a 4th-year student, skillfully traced the evolution of the social contract post-British India and the birth of modern laws. She underscored the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens at the dawn of independence, illuminating the significance of Fundamental Rights such as the Right to Equality, Freedom, and Protection against Exploitation. The students learned about the Preamble’s call for unity and justice, the essence of the rule of law, and the crucial distinction between ‘Equality’ and ‘Equity.’ Furthermore, the session highlighted Fundamental Duties, urging students to respect the Constitution and foster communal harmony.
The second segment tackled the pressing issue of Cyberbullying and security, presented by Pipsa Peony, a dedicated 3rd-year student. She shed light on the rampant nature of cyberbullying within popular social media and gaming platforms like Instagram and Snapchat. She provided practical advice on how to navigate the digital world safely, advocating for thoughtful online interactions, safeguarding personal information, and understanding when to seek help. The session emphasized responsible internet usage and shared crucial resources, including the Cybercrime helpline number for Odisha i.e 0674-2913100 (ODISHA)1930.
The final discussion, led by Neetisha Mohanty, an alumna of LR DAV School and a 4th-year student, revolved around the POCSO Act and Child Rights. She began by demystifying the concept of ‘Rights,’ emphasizing that they are inherent to every individual from birth. The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) was introduced, alongside a comprehensive look at various types of child abuse—physical, emotional, and sexual. She empowered the students with strategies to recognize and report abuse, reinforcing the importance of speaking out, asserting boundaries, and following safety measures in both the real world and online.
Throughout the session, dynamic video presentations complemented the discussions, paving the way for an interactive Question and Answer segment where students actively engaged with the mentors. The event culminated with heartfelt gratitude expressed by Sidhant Sarangi, Assistant Professor of the Legal Aid Clinic, who acknowledged the invaluable support from Dr. Achyuta Samanta, the visionary founder of KIIT, and Dr. Rose Varghese, the esteemed Director of KIIT School of Law.
This enriching experience not only sparked curiosity among the students but also instilled in them a sense of empowerment and responsibility, encouraging them to become informed citizens and proactive advocates for their rights.