Symbiosis Law School, Pune, a constituent of Symbiosis International (Deemed University), organized its Zero Day Orientation Programme for the incoming batch of Three-Year LL.B. and One-Year LL.M. students on 3rd July 2026. The programme witnessed the enthusiastic participation of over 200 newly admitted students, along with their parents, faculty members, and administrative staff. The programme was designed to welcome the new students, familiarize them with the institution’s academic environment, and provide an overview of the University’s values, academic expectations, administrative support, and campus facilities. The programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and the Saraswati Vandana, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. This was followed by the introduction of the Director by the compere and the welcome address delivered by Prof. Dr. Shashikala Gurpur, Director, Symbiosis Law School, Pune, Dean, Faculty of Law, SIU, and Jean Monnet Chair Professor.

In her inaugural address, Dr. Gurpur warmly welcomed the newly admitted students and their parents. Drawing upon her own experience as a graduate of the three-year LL.B. programme, she emphasized the transformative potential of legal education. She encouraged students to approach their studies with sincerity and commitment, reminding them that they had already demonstrated academic excellence by securing admission to the programme. She urged them to continue building upon this foundation through perseverance, intellectual curiosity, and dedication to the mission of justice.

Highlighting the strengths of Symbiosis Law School, Pune, Dr. Gurpur spoke about the institution’s wide range of academic specializations and its long-standing legacy since its establishment in 1977. She emphasized the University’s commitment to maintaining the highest academic standards, noting its 100% compliance with the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations and its strong emphasis on research and academic excellence. The orientation also introduced students to the institutional values that define the Symbiosis community. Particular emphasis was placed on cultivating faith over doubt and courage over fear, encouraging students to embrace challenges with confidence and resilience throughout their legal education.

Following the inaugural session, the faculty members of the LL.B. and LL.M. programmes were formally introduced to the students, enabling the incoming batch to become acquainted with their teachers and respective academic disciplines. The Administrative Officer, Mr. Vinay Nindane, introduced the administrative staff and explained the various student support services available on campus. Students were subsequently briefed on the University’s academic expectations through a comprehensive discussion of the Dos and Don’ts, outlining the standards of professionalism, discipline, attendance, academic integrity, and responsible conduct expected from every student. An orientation session by the administrative team familiarized students with the key points of contact, including administrative offices and core support staff, ensuring that students understood the institutional support mechanisms available throughout their academic journey.

The programme also included a detailed presentation by (Retd.) Col. S. Sihorkar, Campus Administrator, who explained the campus layout, hostel regulations, safety protocols, security measures, and various facilities available within the New Viman Nagar campus.

The inaugural session concluded with the Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. Aparajita Mohanty, Deputy Director (Academics), Symbiosis Law School, Pune, marking the formal conclusion of the inaugural proceedings. Following the formal sessions, students participated in a guided campus tour, allowing them to become familiar with the academic buildings, library, classrooms, and other essential facilities. The day concluded with a campus tour and an interactive session between students and faculty members, providing an opportunity for meaningful academic engagement, clarification of programme-related queries, and an introduction to departmental expectations.

The Zero Day Orientation Programme successfully acquainted the incoming students with the ethos of Symbiosis Law School, Pune. Beyond introducing the University’s academic structure and administrative processes, the programme inspired students to pursue legal education with integrity, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to justice. It laid a strong foundation for their academic journey by fostering confidence, encouraging responsible citizenship, and reinforcing the institution’s core values of Care, Courage, Competence, and Collaboration.

The Zero Day Orientation Programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Prof. Dr. Shashikala Gurpur, Director, Symbiosis Law School, Pune, Dean, Faculty of Law, SIU, and Jean Monnet Chair Professor, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and marking the beginning of the academic journey for the incoming LL.B. and LL.M. students

Students, faculty members, and staff gathered for the Zero Day Orientation Programme, marking the beginning of the academic journey for the incoming LL.B. and LL.M. batches

Dr. Shashikala Gurpur, Director, Symbiosis Law School, Pune, delivered the Welcome Address, inspiring the incoming LL.B. and LL.M. students to pursue legal education with integrity, excellence, and a commitment to justice

Faculty members guided the newly admitted LL.B. and LL.M. students on a campus tour, familiarizing them with the academic facilities, classrooms, and key institutional spaces

The Welcome Address by Dr. Shashikala Gurpur was live-streamed for parents, enabling them to be part of the inaugural Zero Day Orientation Programme alongside the incoming students