To promote legal literacy among marginalized communities, the Department of Law at Tezpur University organized a Legal Awareness Camp on April 4th at Bhasha Swahid Swarani L.P. School, situated in the Koroibari Line of Noorbari Tea Estate.
The camp aimed to educate tea garden workers and local residents about their legal rights and entitlements, with a focus on domestic violence, drug abuse, online fraud, access to free legal aid, and constitutional rights. Speaking at the event, Dr. Madhumita Acharjee, head of the Law department, emphasised the importance of community outreach in legal education.
“Legal literacy is a fundamental tool for empowerment,” she noted. “Through initiatives such as this, we endeavour to ensure that individuals, particularly in remote and underrepresented communities, are informed of their rights and the legal remedies available to them,” Acharjee added.
The programme saw active participation from over 150 community members, including school students. The headmaster of the school, Bajit Ali, spoke about the importance of education and the rights of the community.
Madhab Bhumij, president of the Noorbari Tea Labour Association, shared the struggles behind establishing a school in the village. He emphasised education’s role in improving children’s lives and thanked the law department for organising the awareness programme.
“Such initiatives reflect Tezpur University’s commitment to community engagement and its ongoing efforts to build a more informed and legally empowered society,” Bhumij added. Faculty members of the Department of Law, Dr. Angel Habomam Syiem (Assistant Professor), Dr. Gitanjali Ghosh (Associate Professor), and guest faculty Lekh Raj were also present at the event.
Arshita Rajkhowa, a student of the Department of Social Work at Tezpur University and a community mobiliser, was also present to assist in mobilising the community. One of the highlights of the programme was a series of short plays performed by second and fourth-semester law students. These acts aimed to raise awareness of key legal issues that affect the general public. The first act focused on domestic violence against women and how legal aid can help victims. The second act highlighted digital and cyber offences, a growing concern in today’s internet age.
The third act was based on drug abuse among teenagers and the need for rehabilitation. The students also displayed placards to convey slogans, legal helpline numbers, and pertinent information about the government’s initiatives, enhancing the audience’s awareness and understanding. The programme ended with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Gitanjali Ghosh, who appreciated everyone’s participation and support.
The event was hosted by Pori Bormudoi, a second-year LLM student in the Department.
