As part of the Utkarsh series marking 20 years of service to tribal communities, Swami Vivekananda Medical Mission organized a National Conclave in Kochi focused on the Legal Rights of Tribal People.
The event was inaugurated by Hon’ble Justice N. Nagaresh (High Court of Kerala) and presided over by Dr. Mohanan Kunnummal (Vice Chancellor, Kerala Health University & University of Kerala; Chairman, Utkarsh Organizing Committee).
Felicitations were offered by Adv. Dr. P. Krishnadas (Honorary Trade Commissioner, Mauritius-India; Chairman, Nehru Group of Institutions). Sri N. Balakrishna (MD, Prakrutinest), Sri Vinod V.S. (CR Leader, EYGDS), and Adv. Dr. Krishnadas were honored for their contributions to the holistic development of tribal villages in Kerala.
Academic Sessions
- Constitutional Rights of Tribal People
Chaired by Justice S. Easwaran (High Court of Kerala)
Speakers: Sri Milind Thatte (Managing Trustee, Vayam), Dr. P. Leela Krishnan (Former Professor, CUSAT School of Legal Studies) - Civil and Criminal Laws for the Protection of Tribal Communities
Chaired by Adv. Yeswanth Shenoy (President, High Court Bar Association)
Speakers: Adv. Ritwick Dutta (Environmental Lawyer, Supreme Court; Managing Trustee, LIFE), Dr. Harigovind P.C. (Assistant Professor, CUSAT) - Creating Community-Level Legal Redressal Systems
Presided over by Adv. K.K. Balaram (Senior Lawyer and Social Worker)
Speakers: Sri Milind Thatte, Adv. Jose Cheruvil (Senior Lawyer and Social Worker)
Audience members also shared field experiences during this session.
Valedictory Address was delivered by Justice Mohamed Mustaque (Judge, High Court of Kerala; Executive Chairman, Kerala Legal Services Authority).
Concluding Remarks by Adv. Ritwick Dutta.
The conclave was attended by 274 delegates, including over 150 law students, as well as practicing advocates, social workers, and representatives from NGOs. The event marks a significant step toward building a collaborative platform of advocates, tribal leaders, and social workers dedicated to empowering tribal communities in Kerala through legal awareness and accessible legal services
