National Conference on “Legal Ethics and Professional Responsibilities in the Digital Age”
Madurai TN: On behalf of Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Iswariya Vishwa Vidyalaya and Jurist Wing, Rajyoga Education and Research Foundation, a special national conference was organised on Saturday 16.12.2023 at Brahma Kumaris Sub-Regional Retreat Centre, Shakti Sarovar Tapovan, Anjukulipatti, Dindigul District (Natham-Dindigul Highway). It was a technical collaboration with Dr. Ambedkar Law University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu and all Bar associations of Chennai High Court Madurai Bench and Bar Associations of Madurai and Dindigul District and Dindigul GTN Law College.
More than 1000 judges, lawyers, legal analysts, law students and guests attended and graced the occasion.
It started with the views of prominent dignitaries and Hon’ble Justices.
Hon’ble Mr. Justice G. R. Swaminathan, Judge, Madras High Court; Hon’ble Mr. Justice B. Pugazhendi, Judge, Madras High Court; Hon’ble Mr. Justice V. Eswaraiah, Former Acting Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court, Hon’ble Justice Dr. S. Vimala, Member, Temple Trustee Committee Govt. TN Member, Tamil Nadu Law Commission (Former); Hon’ble Mr. Justice Satrughana Pujahari, Chairperson, Odisha Human Rights Commission and Retd. High Court Judge were the key speakers in this conference.
Jurist Wing National Co-ordinator Rajyogini B.K.Latha R. Aggarwal, Brahma Kumaris, Mount Abu; Rajyogini B.K.Beena, Zonal Coordinator, Tamil Nadu Zone and Dr B.K. Girish Patel, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Mumbai, were also present.
Justice Swaminathan, in his address, appreciated all the lawyers present at the conference saying that the role of lawyers is more important than judges in the judiciary. There are many books to teach legal ethics and professional responsibilities, but there must be personal discipline. He said, if we need to improve this, a spiritual environment is needed and Rajyoga meditation method taught by the Brahma Kumaris will make our lives better. He highlighted that digital age is a challenge for everyone. He also explained the method of approaching it.
Justice Eswaraiah from Andhra Pradesh in his speech said that those in the judiciary have a lot of responsibility. It is necessary for everyone to work together to create a healthy society. Good judgment is not only in the hands of judges. Advocates also have an equal role. The aim of our life is to live in peace and happiness. He pointed out that his life is a prime example of how the practical morals taught by the Brahma Kumaris are so essential for everyday life. He said that he has been guided for his successful judicial career over the past twenty years by Brahma Kumaris.
Justice Pugazhendi said that it is very important not only to talk about legal ethics, but also to practice it in one’s life. He added that honesty and confidentiality are very important. He said that he does not accept the idea that lawyers are liars. Pointing out that most of the political leaders in all parties are lawyers, he emphasized the theme of the conference that this country is structured on the basis of lawyers.
Odisha-based Justice Satrughana Pujahari said that Tamil Nadu is one of his favourite states, so he agreed to attend the conference immediately and also elaborated on the important role of lawyers in the present scenario.
Rajyogini B.K. Beena, Co-ordinator, Tamil Nadu Zone gave the keynote address on the conference topic. Rajyogini B.K. Uma, Co-ordinator, Madurai Sub-zone explained and made the audience experience the mind-enriching introspective journey following these Justices’ perspectives. A new book entitled Power of Self-Esteem, co-authored by Dr. Srinivasan, Dr. Pandiamani and Dr. Suresh Kumar Murugesan was released by the Justices.
An app of Amudamazhai online radio was launched by the Justices for the benefit of the public. Meanwhile, a ceremony was held to honour the Presidents and Secretaries of all the lawyers’ association who were the co-partners of the conference.
The Justices who attended the function inaugurated a Healing Track in memory of late founder of Brahma Kumaris Madurai Sub-Zone, Brahma Kumari Shantha Didiji, for public use to improve physical and mental health.
Exploratory Session 2: Hon’ble Justice Dr. S. Vimala, Member, Temple Trustee Committee Govt. TN Member, Tamil Nadu Law Commission (Former) conducted this session. People love this digital age because everything is available instantly. This has reduced the patience of the people. She pointed out that everyone is stuck in this and this is the reason for the number of cases to rise. Life becomes precious when Brahma Kumaris lifestyle is followed. She explained this vividly.
During session 2 on “Choosing Calmness over CHAOS” delivered by Dr. Girish Patel, Psychologist, Psychiatrist, Mumbai, he recorded that life is what we choose. To avoid the negative thoughts and fear of chaotic situations, we need to accept problems positively and take challenges, then we not only live happily but also expand the performance of our brain. Hence, it is necessary to practice meditation to remain peaceful in chaotic situations. He also made the lawyers perform exercise.
Jurist Wing National Co-ordinator Rajyogini B.K.Latha R. Aggarwal, Brahma Kumaris, Mount Abu welcomed the guests. In the valedictory session Latha behn explained how spirituality works in our day-to-day life to cope up with our challenge. Rajyogi B.K. Pandiamani explained the need of organising the national conference and he co-ordinated the Justices’ Perspective session. Rajyogi B.K. Jayakumar gave the introduction of the Brahma Kumaris Institution. Certificates were distributed to all the participants of GTN Law College. Everyone was presented with Godly gift.
