Second R.K. Rastogi Memorial National Negotiation Competition Begins at VGU

The second edition of the prestigious R.K. Rastogi Memorial  National Negotiation Competition was inaugurated on Saturday at Rajasthan's only NAAC A-graded institution, Vivekananda Global University (VGU), Jagatpura. The event's inaugural session was graced by Hon'ble Justice Augustine George Masih of the Supreme Court of India as the chief guest, while Hon'ble Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava of the Rajasthan High Court served as the special guest. Also present were Hon'ble Justice Avnish Jhingan of the Rajasthan High Court and Hon'ble Justice Ajay Rastogi of the Supreme Court.

Justice Augustine George Masih highlighted the increasing family disputes, particularly those involving domestic violence, which led to a surge in divorce cases. He recalled the Mahabharata, where Lord Krishna's role as a mediator could have averted the catastrophic war, underscoring the importance of negotiation in resolving conflicts.

Justice Masih encouraged everyone to develop negotiation skills, as it can help resolve many personal and professional problems. He emphasized that adopting the path of compromise can make life more manageable and reduce unnecessary conflicts.

Justice Ajay Rastogi stressed the need for generosity in public service, adding that charity, whether big or small, holds significance based on its purpose and the compassion with which it is carried out. He acknowledged that while "negotiation" may not be a widely used term in the legal profession, it remains a powerful mechanism to resolve disputes at the pre-litigation stage, offering viable alternatives through mediation.

In his address, Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava expressed pride in being part of the event. He urged law students to draw inspiration from the lives of great personalities and continue learning, noting that hard work is the key to success, with no shortcuts available. He emphasized the importance of learning and how events like the negotiation competition can shape future legal professionals.

Justice Avnish Jhingan added that the legal system should incorporate negotiation and dialogue as a means to reach solutions, saving time and costs associated with litigation. He stressed that improving the judiciary's efficiency is crucial to ensure justice is not delayed or denied. VGU Vice Chairman Dr K.R. Bagaria acknowledged that resolving disputes outside of court has been a long-standing tradition in Indian society. He noted that while this practice is diminishing in cities, it remains relevant and essential for minimizing cases in courts.

Additional Solicitor General of India, Mr. R.D. Rastogi, provided details on the events planned for the two-day competition. On the first day, budding judges and advocates demonstrated their legal acumen and persuasive communication skills while presenting cases and arguing effectively.

VGU's chief patron and former IPS officer, K. Ram, described the event as an incredible opportunity for future legal professionals and educators. He advised participants to develop the habit of presenting their points concisely, a valuable skill in courtroom proceedings.

Chancellor Dr Lalit K. Pawar highlighted the presence of legal luminaries at the event, describing it as a memorable occasion. Drawing inspiration from Harvard University's negotiation course, he underscored the importance of negotiation in the legal profession.CEO of VGU, Mr Onkar Bagaria, expressed that the competition offers a valuable platform for law students to demonstrate their legal knowledge and share their perspectives.

The acting president of the university, Professor Santosh Kumar, welcomed all guests and emphasized that negotiation skills are essential for professionals in any field, particularly in policymaking and implementation.

Dr. Shilpa Rao Rastogi, Head of the Law Department, announced that the total prize money for the competition is ₹50,000, with the winning team receiving ₹25,000, the runners-up ₹15,000, and the best negotiator ₹10,000