On 11th March 2020, the Legal Aid Committee of the Tamil Nadu National Law University organised an event to launch legal awareness short films titled “Understanding Your Rights-Law” (UYR) as part of the Tamil Nadu Innovation Initiatives (TANII). The short films provide awareness relating to Cybercrimes, Prevention of Sexual Harassment, Maintenance and Welfare of Senior Citizens, Right to Information Act and Rights of Arrested Person.
The event began with the Tamil Thaai vazhthu. Ms. T. Santhi, District Revenue Officer (DRO) and Additional District Magistrate Tiruchirapalli, was the Chief Guest; and Prof. (Dr.) V.S. Elizabeth, Vice-Chancellor TNNLU; Ms. K.R. Leela, Senior Civil Judge & Registrar TNNLU; as well as the present and former LAC members; faculty along with students of the University attended the event.
After lighting the lamp, the Chief Guest addressed the gathering on the importance of creating legal awareness amongst people and she congratulated the LAC and University for making creative efforts in this direction with the help of legal awareness short films. Followed by it, there was an official launch of the short films, and the first copy of the same was presented to the Chief Guest. Then, there was screening of the Short films to the gathering, which received enthusiastic appreciation. Also, as a token of gratitude, a Letter of Appreciation was presented to the former faculty in charge of LAC, Ms Gowri, Ms Deepa Manickam and Dr. S.K.Balashanmugam acknowledging their efforts in the making of the films. Similarly, one former member of the Committee, Akalya Ravichandran was felicitated during the event. The directors of the short films were thanked in their absence (as they were working on film projects with deadlines) and a minute of silence was observed to express our respect to Late Mr. Robert Asirvathan
(one of the short film directors).
Thereafter, the Vice chancellor, in her address to the gathering, congratulated the former and present faculty and students involved in making of the short films. She then stressed upon the importance of every citizen knowing their rights and laws of the land. She also urged the members of the legal fraternity to work towards making people aware of their rights and the rule of law. She recommended extensive use of the short films in all the future legal
awareness events and activities of the various committees of the University. While appreciating the short films, she called for efforts from everyone to make the University Zero tolerant towards sexual harassment. Followed by this, Mr. Jeya Prasadh, the current student convenor of LAC, presented a vote of thanks. The event concluded with the National Anthem.
*Report was by Krishna and Manimaran, II year B.A. LLB (H) of the University
