Bhashadaan 4.0

On 15 December 2025 at 2 PM, the Department of English & Cultural Studies organised an orientation and introductory awareness session titled “Bhashadaan 4.0” at the Central Block Auditorium, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus. Conducted during the Academic Year 2025–26, the event was designed specifically for first-year law students with the aim of introducing them to the concept, purpose, and significance of Bhashadaan within legal education and practice. The session sought to sensitise students to the role of language in law, justice delivery, and inclusivity from the very beginning of their academic journey.

The session was anchored by Rushda Siddqui, who served as the Emcee of the event. She played a crucial role in maintaining the pace and energy of the session by actively engaging the audience through thought-provoking questions and short debates. By posing questions such as whether English should remain the sole language of legal practice or whether multiple languages should be equally recognised, she encouraged students to reflect critically and participate in discussions, making the session highly interactive and dynamic.

The event formally began with an introductory address by Stephanie Anthony, who outlined the idea of Bhashadaan and explained its relevance for law students. She emphasised how language functions not merely as a tool of communication but as a powerful medium that shapes access to justice and legal understanding. 

Following this, Krishna Pillai explained the workings of Bhashadaan, detailing its structure, objectives, and operational process. His session provided students with clarity on how the initiative functions in practice and how they can actively contribute to it. Mark Reggie Paul then spoke on the importance of Bhashadaan, highlighting its role in addressing linguistic barriers within the legal system. He emphasised how language inclusivity is essential for ensuring fairness, accessibility, and ethical legal practice.

The session then moved into an interactive segment led by Archisnata Chakraborty, who introduced the Bhashadaan website. She conducted a short activity involving three student volunteers, allowing participants to gain hands-on experience and a clearer understanding of how the platform works. Subsequently, Sharankumar S explored the connection between Bhashadaan, technology, and artificial intelligence, discussing how digital tools and AI-driven solutions can assist in multilingual access, translation, and the preservation of linguistic diversity within legal contexts. 

The session concluded with Liya Maria Tony, who spoke on the socio-cultural impact of Bhashadaan, emphasising how language is deeply connected to identity, culture, and representation. She highlighted the importance of recognising linguistic diversity to build a more inclusive and empathetic justice system. Overall, Bhashadaan 4.0 proved to be an engaging and insightful orientation session. Through interactive discussions, practical demonstrations, and critical reflections, the event successfully introduced first-year law students to the significance of language in law, encouraging them to view linguistic inclusivity as an essential component of justice and social responsibility.