Mr. Cecilio Adorna, Country Representative, India, UNICEF in his Keynote Address, observed that there is a ‘silent emergency’ regarding children in India. He appealed the gathering to work together with heart and hands to ensure that children, especially in the villages are ensured of basic amenities. He appreciated the dedicated efforts of LAF in the field of Juvenile justice.  

Hon’ble Dr. Justice Shivraj V. Patil, Member,NHRC and Patron, LAF announced the upcoming project of the Forum, “Social Harmony Through Mediation (SOHARTHAM)” in his Vision Statement. He said, by this project the Forum proposes to train, equip and motivate members of the panchayats/ municipalities in India to take up and resolve disputes in their localities through mediation and conciliation.

Hon’ble Mr. Justice K.G Balakrishnan, Judge Supreme Court of and Executive Chairman, NALSA distributed the prizes. The first prize winner received mementos, certificates and cash prize of Rs.10000/-, the first runners up received certificates and cash prize of Rs.5000/- while the second runners up received certificate and cash prize of Rs.3000/-. Participation certificate were given to all the participating teams.

Hon’ble Mr. Justice Balakrishnan in his presidential address spoke about his encounters with Juvenile issues on the Bench. He emphasised the important role of lawyers and Judiciary in rendering justice to children. Justice Balakrishnan also said that the Forum by trying to sensitize the people of their responsibility towards children and has taken up a laudable task and congratulated the entire Forum and wished them great success in its future endeavors also.

Mr. Parikshit Singh Shekhawat. and Ms. Swati Dalmia of the winning team namely, Bangalore Institute of Legal Studies made oral presentation and thanked Legal Assistance Forum for the opportunity given to them in the seminar.

Mr. P.I.Jose, Secretary of Legal Assistance Forum delivered the vote of thanks. He assured the august gathering that the Forum would make all possible endeavour to fulfill its mission to resolve various socio-legal problems of the poor and underprivileged section of the society and promote legal awareness nationwide.