Guwahati: The Department of Law at Tezpur University, Assam, recently spearheaded a significant outreach initiative by organising a Legal Awareness Camp dedicated to enhancing legal literacy among marginalised communities in the region.
The camp witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 150 individuals, encompassing both eager school students and concerned local residents.
The focal point of the awareness drive was the Bhasha Swahid Swarani L.P. School, situated within the Noorbari Tea Estate. This strategic location allowed the university to directly engage with tea garden workers and other community members, providing crucial education on a range of pertinent legal subjects. These included the critical issues of domestic violence, the pervasive threat of drug abuse, the growing dangers of online fraud, the availability of free legal aid services, and fundamental constitutional rights.
Dr. Madhumita Acharjee, the Head of the Law Department at Tezpur University, underscored the pivotal role of legal education as a powerful tool for community empowerment during the camp. Adding an engaging dimension to the programme, law students presented a series of impactful short plays. These dramatic performances vividly portrayed various social and legal challenges, including the harsh realities of domestic violence, the complexities of cybercrime, and the devastating impact of drug abuse.
Community leaders actively participated and lauded the university’s efforts. Bajit Ali, the headmaster of the host school, and Madhab Bhumij, the president of the Noorbari Tea Labour Association, both commended the initiative for its success in raising crucial awareness and fostering a greater sense of legal empowerment within the community.
The successful execution of the programme was a collaborative effort, with valuable support extended by faculty members and students from both the Law and Social Work departments of Tezpur University. The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Gitanjali Ghosh, acknowledging the contributions of all involved.
Madhab Bhumij, in his address, also shared the inspiring journey behind the establishment of a school in their village, highlighting the transformative power of education in improving the lives and prospects of children in the tea estate.
The short plays enacted by the second and fourth-semester law students proved to be a major highlight of the day. The performances were specifically designed to illuminate key legal issues affecting the general public. The first play poignantly addressed the issue of domestic violence against women and highlighted the resources available through legal aid. The second act focused on the increasing prevalence of digital and cyber offences in the contemporary digital landscape. The final act tackled the sensitive issue of drug abuse among teenagers and the critical need for effective rehabilitation measures.
Complementing the plays, the students also strategically displayed informative placards. These visual aids effectively conveyed important slogans, provided essential legal helpline numbers, and disseminated pertinent information regarding various government initiatives, further enhancing the audience’s overall awareness and understanding of their legal rights and available resources.